Whisky Cocktails series: The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for centuries. This drink is made with bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus peel. The origin of the Old Fashioned cocktail is unclear, but there are many theories about how this drink came to be.

One theory suggests that the Old Fashioned was created in the early 1800s by a man named Antoine Amedie Peychaud. Peychaud was a French apothecary who had immigrated to New Orleans. He was known for making his own bitters, which he would serve to friends at his weekly gatherings. These gatherings eventually became known as "Peychaud's Coterie." It is believed that Peychaud's bitters were used to make the first Old Fashioned cocktail.

Another theory suggests that the Old Fashioned was created by a man named Colonel James E. Pepper. Pepper was a whiskey distiller from Kentucky who owned a bar in Louisville. He is said to have created the Old Fashioned cocktail as a way to promote his whiskey.

Regardless of its origins, the Old Fashioned has remained a popular drink for centuries. This cocktail has undergone many changes over the years, but the basic ingredients have remained the same.

The ingredients for an Old Fashioned are simple, but making this drink requires some care and precision. First, you will need to gather your ingredients: bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus peel. Next, you will need to choose your glassware. The traditional glass for an Old Fashioned is a short tumbler glass known as an "old fashioned glass." However, any short glass will do.

Once you have gathered your ingredients and chosen your glassware, it's time to start making your cocktail. Begin by adding sugar and bitters to your glass. Then, add a few drops of water and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Next, add two ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey and stir again gently. Finally, add a twist of citrus peel and serve neat or with ice cubes.

Birthday celebrations are not quite complete without an old-fashioned cake on the dessert table, and the old-fashioned cocktail is just as timeless as this classic dessert; it has been around for centuries and shows no signs of going away anytime soon. If you're looking for a delicious way to enjoy your next celebration, look no further than this classic cocktail recipe.