The name “Old Fashioned” here refers to what was once known as the Whiskey Cocktail. It is a cocktail in the simplest terms: spirit, water, bitters, and sugar. Sometime in the late 1800s, the use of the word “cocktail” broadened far beyond its original definition, so it was necessary to come up with a new moniker to distinguish the older cousin. Many self-described purists will argue that there is only one way to make this drink properly. We disagree. So if you decide to order a whiskey cocktail as an Old Fashioned, be precise about what you want. Intentionally being ambiguous about your order is just a nice way of being obnoxious.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　1 raw brown sugar cube

　　2 dashes Angostura bitters

　　1/4 ounce cold water

　　2 ounces American whiskey (at least 100-proof; rye, bourbon, corn, or blended)

　　1 lemon twist, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Muddle the sugar, bitters, and water in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add the whiskey and 1 large cold ice cube. Twist the lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: whiskey with lemon on the nose

　　

Step 3

Body: full, high alcohol content

　　

Step 4

Dryness: dry

　　

Step 5

Complexity: low

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: bitters working with burnt sugar

　　

Step 7

Finish: short with oak and citrus oil overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: rocks

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.