Let’s take a trip down memory lane with the old fashion cocktail , a legendary drink that’s stood the test of time.
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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The Old Fashioned: A True Blue Classic
The Old Fashioned is a bloody legend in the cocktail world, and for good reason. It’s got a history as rich and complex as its flavour, going way back to the early 1800s in the good ol’ US of A. Back then, it was a simple mix of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a splash of water. But even today, the Old Fashioned is still a top-shelf choice, showing that some things just never go out of style.
Why We Love the Old Fashioned
- Simple but sophisticated: You don’t need a whole bar full of fancy ingredients to make a cracking Old Fashioned. But the way the whiskey, sugar, and bitters all come together creates a flavour that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.
- Make it your own: Unlike some cocktails that have to be made a certain way, the Old Fashioned is ripe for experimentation. Try different whiskeys, bitters, or chuck in a twist of citrus to make it your own.
- A timeless classic: In a world of fancy-pants cocktails that come and go, the Old Fashioned is always a winner. It’s a drink you can order anywhere and know you’re gonna get a good time.
Making the Perfect Old Fashioned: An Aussie Twist
Now, let’s get down to business and make ourselves a ripper Old Fashioned. This recipe uses a few little tweaks to make it extra special:
- 60ml Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: Go for a top-shelf whiskey here, mate. Bourbons are sweeter and have that classic corn flavour, while rye whiskeys have a bit more spice.
- 22ml Demerara Sugar Syrup: This type of sugar syrup adds a bit more depth than normal sugar.
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters: This is the classic Old Fashioned bitter, giving it a spicy and aromatic kick.
- Garnish: An orange twist or a Luxardo maraschino cherry are the go-to choices.
- Ice: One big ice cube is best – it melts slower and keeps your drink colder for longer.
Here’s how you do it:
- Chill your glass: Fill a rocks glass with ice and water and let it sit for a few minutes. Tip out the water before you start making your drink.
- Muddle (optional): If you’re using an orange peel or cherry as a garnish, muddle it in the glass with a bar spoon to release the oils and flavour.
- Add the syrup: Pour in your Demerara sugar syrup. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like it.
- Add the bitters: A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters is all you need.
- Add the whiskey: Pour in your chosen whiskey.
- Stir: Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to chill the drink and mix the flavours.
- Add the ice: Chuck in a big ice cube.
- Garnish: If you’re using an orange twist, squeeze it over the drink to release the oils and then drop it in. Or, add your cherry.
Tips for a Top-Notch Old Fashioned
- Whiskey choice is key: A good quality whiskey is essential for a good Old Fashioned.
- Don’t over-stir: Stirring too much will melt the ice and water down your drink.
- Experiment with bitters: Angostura is classic, but there are heaps of other bitters out there to try. Peychaud’s bitters are a bit minty, and orange bitters add a citrusy zing.
- Get creative: Try muddling some fresh fruit in your Old Fashioned for a bit of a twist.
More Than Just a Drink
The Old Fashioned is more than just a tasty cocktail. It’s a symbol of tradition and good times. It shows that simple things done well can be bloody amazing.
So, there you have it! A guide to the Old Fashioned, Aussie-style. Now go forth and impress your mates with your mad cocktail skills!
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
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