The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic and enduring cocktails in the world, embodying the very essence of what a cocktail should be: simple, elegant, and focused on high-quality ingredients. Its history dates back to the early 19th century and has a fascinating evolution.

The term “cocktail” first appeared in print in 1806, defined as a potent concoction of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This basic formula is precisely what makes up an Old Fashioned. The cocktail’s name itself reflects its roots. By the mid-19th century, as bartenders began experimenting with more complex drinks, patrons seeking a traditional beverage started requesting their cocktails made in the “old-fashioned” way. This led to the birth of what we now know as the Old Fashioned.

The Pendennis Club, a gentlemen’s club founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1881, claims to be the birthplace of the Old Fashioned. According to legend, a bartender at the club invented the drink in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a prominent bourbon distiller, who later introduced it to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City. This story, while romantic, is hard to verify. However, it underscores the cocktail’s deep connection to bourbon and American whiskey culture.

Throughout the 20th century, the Old Fashioned remained a popular drink, especially during the Prohibition era when the quality of available spirits was often dubious, and the added sugar and bitters helped mask the harshness. Post-Prohibition, the cocktail experienced various transformations. In the 1950s and 60s, it was common to see Old Fashioneds garnished with muddled fruit, a practice that purists often frown upon today.

The cocktail experienced a significant revival in the early 21st century, driven by the craft cocktail movement and a renewed appreciation for classic drinks. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts began to rediscover and celebrate the simplicity and elegance of the original recipe, emphasizing high-quality whiskey, a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a twist of citrus.

Pop culture also played a role in the Old Fashioned’s resurgence. The hit television series “Mad Men,” which aired from 2007 to 2015, prominently featured the cocktail as the drink of choice for its suave protagonist, Don Draper. This brought the Old Fashioned back into the limelight and introduced it to a new generation of drinkers.

Today, the Old Fashioned remains a staple in bars worldwide, cherished for its simplicity and the way it showcases the spirit’s character. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-made cocktail that adheres to the basics of good drinking: quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and a touch of sophistication.

Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp sugar)
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Few dashes plain water
• Ice cubes
• Orange twist, for garnish Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

1. Prepare glass: Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters over the sugar cube. Add a few dashes of plain water.
2. Muddle: Muddle the sugar, bitters, and water together until the sugar is nearly dissolved.
3. Add Whiskey: Add bourbon or rye whiskey to the glass.
4. Add ice: Add one large ice cube or several smaller ones. The large ice cube melts slower, keeping the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
5. Stir: Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
6. Garnish: Express the oil of an orange twist over the glass by holding it over the drink and giving it a gentle squeeze to release the oils. Then, drop the twist into the glass.
7. Optionally, add a maraschino cherry for a touch of sweetness and garnish.

Tips:

• Use a good quality whiskey for the best flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste by altering the amount of sugar.
• For a slightly different twist, try using a different type of bitters, like orange or chocolate bitters.