Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe

What Exactly is a Bourbon Old Fashioned?

The Bourbon Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has been a staple of cocktail culture for over a century. Known for its simplicity, the drink combines bourbon with a touch of sugar, bitters, and water, garnished with an orange peel or cherry. The cocktail is a celebration of bourbon itself, allowing its flavors to shine through without the interference of too many additional ingredients. The result is a smooth, slightly sweet drink with hints of citrus and spice that enhance bourbon's natural caramel, oak, and vanilla notes.

Occasions to Enjoy a Bourbon Old Fashioned

Perfect for sipping on any occasion, the Old Fashioned shines as both an everyday drink and one suited for special occasions. It's often enjoyed as an evening sipper at home or as a sophisticated choice at high-end cocktail bars. Its simplicity makes it versatile, whether you're looking for something quick to mix up or want to make a great impression at a formal gathering.

How to Make It

Here’s the classic Bourbon Old Fashioned recipe:

• Ingredients:
  1. 2 oz bourbon
  2. 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp simple syrup)
  3. 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  4. 1 tsp water
  5. Ice
  6. Orange peel or cherry for garnish

• Directions:
  1. Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass and saturate with bitters. Add water and muddle until dissolved.
  2. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add bourbon.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel or cherry.

Recipe Credit: Adapted from Liquor.com’s Old Fashioned Recipe.

What People Are Saying about the Bourbon Old Fashioned

The Bourbon Old Fashioned is widely regarded as a quintessential cocktail. One Twitter reviewer states, “If you haven’t had a bourbon Old Fashioned, you haven’t had bourbon the way it was meant to be enjoyed.” It’s praised for showcasing the spirit itself, with just enough sweetness and bitterness to complement the bourbon without overpowering it.

Here's a Fun Fact

The Old Fashioned originated in the 19th century and is often considered the very first cocktail. It was created during a time when people began adding bitters to spirits, sugar, and water to improve their flavor—a practice that ultimately defined the modern cocktail.

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