Old Fashioned Cocktail

Name: Old Fashioned Cocktail - Ingredients, Method & Key Tips
Ingredients: Rye whisky/ bourbon; Sugar; Orange peel extract or any aromatic herbal extract; Water; Orange peel; Ice cubes

Whisky

Author: Yash Lakhan

A glass of cocktail with ice and a lemon twist garnish sits on a white tiled bar counter with warm lighting in the background.

The old fashioned cocktail is a classic drink renowned all around the world, revered for its simplicity and everlasting appeal. The spirit-forward drink is generally made using bourbon or rye whisky and garnished with an orange peel or cherry, in an attempt to elevate rather than obscure the spirit’s subtle flavour. The cocktail remains a benchmark for classic drinks, providing nuanced and sophisticated sips.

What you’ll need

Ingredients

Serves:

Rye whisky/ bourbon
30ml
Sugar
Cube
Orange peel extract or any aromatic herbal extract
2ml
Water
5ml
Orange peel
For garnish
Ice cubes

Method

Step 1
Place the sugar cube in a mixing glass, add the extract and water before gently muddling to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2
Pour in the rye whisky or bourbon as well as a few ice cubes to chill and slightly dilute the mixture.
Step 3
Stir for around 20 seconds to combine and smooth out the texture of the drink while retaining the spirit’s essence.
Step 4
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, then garnish with an orange peel twist for aroma and visual appeal.

Tips & Suggestions

Pour the whisky into another chilled empty glass, then quickly return it to the original one; this modest aeration gradually ‘opens up’ the spirit’s top notes.
Before twisting, quickly pass the the orange peel over a flame for 1-2 seconds (just enough to char). This imparts a faint smoky, caramelised scent to the extracted oils.

FAQs

Serve the cocktail with rich, savoury foods such as aged cheeses, cured meats, dark chocolate or smoked almonds since its assertive flavour is best suited for appetisers and meats.