The Old Fashioned: Sweet & Low
A Brief History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is often heralded as the quintessential cocktail, embodying the spirit of simplicity and elegance in a glass. Its history is rich, dating back to the early 19th century.
Origins
The Old Fashioned traces its roots back to the early 1800s, a time when the term "cocktail" was defined as a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This definition appeared in an 1806 article in The Balance and Columbian Repository, making the Old Fashioned one of the earliest known cocktails.
The drink gained popularity throughout the 19th century, particularly in gentlemen's clubs, where it was known simply as a "whiskey cocktail." The Old Fashioned as we know it today began to take shape around the 1860s, where bartenders started experimenting with different ingredients and preparations.
The Name "Old Fashioned"
By the late 1800s, cocktails had evolved, becoming more complex with the addition of liqueurs and other ingredients. Purists who longed for the simpler whiskey cocktails of yesteryear began requesting their drinks made the "old-fashioned" way. This nostalgic desire led to the term "Old Fashioned" becoming the name of the drink.
The Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, claims to have popularized the Old Fashioned in the 1880s. According to legend, the cocktail was invented there by a bartender 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.
Prohibition and Revival
During Prohibition (1920-1933), the quality of available spirits declined significantly, and many cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, fell out of favor. Post-Prohibition, the cocktail experienced a resurgence, albeit often altered with muddled fruit, soda water, and other additions that deviated from the original simplicity.
The 20th century saw the Old Fashioned go through various iterations, often becoming a victim of changing tastes and trends. However, the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s brought a renewed interest in classic drinks, and the Old Fashioned reclaimed its rightful place in the cocktail canon.
The Early Days: Simplicity in a Glass
When I first donned the apron behind the bar, the Old Fashioned was a symbol of what old men drank in the Southside of Chicago. The recipe was as midwestern as it got: whiskey, Demerara sugar, bitters, a muddled cherry, and orange, all topped off with a dash of Coca Cola or sprite. It was the drink that seasoned patrons ordered without a second thought, and for a fledgling bartender like myself, it was a rite of passage to perfect it.
A Lesson in Tradition
One evening, in the dim light of a gentleman's club in Chicago, I encountered a relic of the past. I asked the bartender, a grizzled veteran of the trade well into his 60s, for an Old Fashioned. He nodded, eyes glinting with nostalgia, and began his craft. As he muddled the fruit and reached for the sugar, I inquired about his bourbon selection. He listed a few, and I settled on Maker's Mark. But then, to my horror, he proceeded to add two packets of Sweet’N Low and filled the glass with Coke. It was a stark reminder that even the classics could be subjected to peculiar interpretations.
The Evolution: Crafting Perfection
In today's world, especially here on the Northside of Chicago, the Old Fashioned has undergone a renaissance. It's no longer just a simple mix but a canvas for creativity and finesse. Here’s my go-to recipe:
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon or Rye (I prefer Rye)
1/4 oz 2:1 Demerara syrup- ( 2 parts sugar 1 part water)
3 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes orange bitters
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients over ice.
Stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the oil from an orange peel over the glass and drop it in as a garnish.
The Old Fashioned is a gateway to endless variations. Swap the bourbon for mezcal and use agave syrup, adding a few dashes of chocolate bitters for a smoky, complex twist. Or split the base with different rums, adding a touch of lavender bitters for a fragrant, floral finish.
Split Basing: The Art of Combining Spirits
One of the most exciting techniques in modern mixology is split basing, where multiple spirits are combined to create a complex, layered flavor profile. This approach not only showcases the versatility of the Old Fashioned but also allows bartenders to push the boundaries of traditional recipes.
Example Bespoke Recipes
1. Mezcal Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1 oz Mezcal
1 oz Reposado Tequila
1/4 oz Agave syrup
3 dashes chocolate bitters
2 dashes Saline
0.35 oz (10 grams) of sea salt or kosher salt
3.4 oz (100 milliliters) of water
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the oil from an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
2. Rum Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1 oz Dark Rum
1 oz Aged Rum
1/4 oz Demerara syrup
3 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes orange bitters
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the oil from an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
3. Four-Spirit Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1/2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz Cognac
1/2 oz Dark Rum
1/4 oz Honey syrup
2 dashes lavender bitters
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the oil from a lemon peel over the glass and drop it in.
Understanding Split Basing
Split basing is more than just mixing spirits; it’s about creating harmony and balance in a cocktail. By combining different types of spirits, you can highlight their individual characteristics while creating a cohesive flavor profile. This technique is particularly effective in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, where the simplicity of the ingredients allows the complexity of the spirits to shine.
Benefits of Split Basing:
Complexity: Adds depth and layers to the flavor profile.
Customization: Allows for endless variations and personal touches.
Balance: Helps balance strong flavors with more subtle notes.
Tips for Split Basing:
Start with a base spirit and add complementary spirits in smaller amounts.
Use a consistent sweetener and bitters to tie the flavors together.
Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred balance.
So here’s to the Old Fashioned and the art of mixology. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or experimenting with split bases, this timeless cocktail is a testament to the craft and creativity behind the bar. Cheers to the journey, and may your glass always be half full.