One Delicious Old Fashioned is Never Enough- Treat Yourself to 2 or 3!!

Orange you glad I said Old Fashioned?? Everyone loves a good Old Fashioned! Whether you’re into the classic, rye, or modern twists, an Old Fashioned is a classic that just won’t go out of style! Here at Smokeshow, we have created plenty of modern twists on the Old Fashioned. For this Old Fashioned, I was feeling something sweet and a bit of spice- but not heat spice! A Ginger & Orange Old Fashioned was calling my name and I think I can hear it whispering yours, too.

History of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has a long and storied history. It is believed to be one of the oldest known cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. The exact origin is difficult to trace, as cocktail recipes and names were not well-documented during that time. However, it is widely accepted that the popular cocktail emerged in the United States, particularly in the state of Kentucky.

The Old Fashioned was originally known as a “whiskey cocktail” or simply a “cocktail.” In those early days, a cocktail typically consisted of a spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. The concept of the cocktail was based on the idea of combining different flavors to create a harmonious and enjoyable drink.

As time went on, the term “cocktail” began to be associated with more complex and elaborate mixed drinks. This led to the need for a distinction, and the term “Old Fashioned” started to be used to refer to the original style of cocktail that consisted of just the basic ingredients: whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters.

The famous cocktail gained popularity in the late 19th century and became a favorite drink among the upper class. It was often served in gentlemen’s clubs and exclusive social gatherings. Over the years, variations of the Old Fashioned emerged, incorporating different types of spirits such as brandy or rum. However, the whiskey-based version remained the most well-known and widely enjoyed.

During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), the Old Fashioned continued to be consumed in speakeasies and underground establishments. After the repeal of Prohibition, the cocktail experienced a resurgence in popularity. It became a staple in bars and restaurants, and its recipe was further refined.

The traditional recipe for an Old Fashioned involves muddling a sugar cube with bitters in a glass, adding whiskey, and stirring it with ice. The drink is typically garnished with a twist of citrus peel or a maraschino cherry. However, variations on the recipe have evolved over time, with some people adding additional ingredients like muddled fruit or soda water.

Today, the Old Fashioned remains a beloved classic cocktail and is considered a benchmark for mixologists and whiskey enthusiasts. Its timeless simplicity and balance of flavors have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a taste of cocktail history.

Rye or Bourbon?

Traditionally, an Old Fashioned cocktail is made with rye whiskey. Rye whiskey was the most common type of whiskey used in early American cocktails, and it imparts a spicy and robust flavor profile to the drink. The use of rye whiskey in the Old Fashioned is often associated with its origins in the state of Kentucky, which has a long history of whiskey production.

However, over time, bourbon has also become a popular choice for making an Old Fashioned. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn and has a sweeter and smoother taste compared to rye whiskey. The use of bourbon in an Old Fashioned adds a rich and caramel-like sweetness to the cocktail.

The choice between rye and bourbon in an Old Fashioned ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the spiciness and complexity of rye whiskey, while others enjoy the smoothness and sweetness of bourbon. Both variations can result in a delicious and satisfying Old Fashioned, so it’s worth experimenting with both to see which one you prefer.

Call me Old Fashioned

We have some fun Old Fashioned apparel if you or your friend are Old Fashioned lovers! We have t-shirts, hats, and bags- come take a look and deck yourself out! Click the image below to take you to the apparel page!

Orange & Ginger Old Fashioned

To craft a ginger Old Fashioned, combine orange whiskey (options: Jameson or Jim Beam) and ginger simple syrup in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a glass over fresh ice. The orange-infused whiskey adds citrusy notes, while the ginger syrup infuses a touch of sweetness and warmth. The mixture is stirred to perfection, ensuring a harmonious blend. Finally, the cocktail is strained into a glass, ready to be enjoyed—a captivating combination of orange, ginger, and whiskey.

To make ginger simple syrup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large ginger root (about 3-4 inches)

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making ginger simple syrup:

1. Begin by peeling the ginger root to remove the outer skin. You can use a vegetable peeler or the edge of a spoon to scrape off the skin. Once peeled, slice the ginger into thin rounds or grate it finely. The slicing method will yield a milder ginger flavor, while grating will result in a more potent infusion.
2. In a saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and sliced or grated ginger. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir the mixture gently to dissolve the sugar. Continue to heat the syrup until it comes to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
4. Allow the ginger and syrup to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the ginger to infuse its flavors into the syrup.
5. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. This will give the ginger time to steep further and enhance the flavor.
6. Once cooled, strain the ginger simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. This will remove the ginger solids, leaving you with a smooth syrup.
7. Transfer the ginger simple syrup to a bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Now you have homemade ginger simple syrup ready to be used in your cocktails, such as the ginger Old Fashioned or other recipes that call for a touch of ginger sweetness. Enjoy experimenting with this flavorful syrup in your favorite drinks!