An Adaptable Old-Fashioned co*cktail Recipe (2024)

No. No. No. An Old Fashioned should only be made with whiskey or rye. Period. The same holds true with the sacred Martini or Gibson, which should only be made with gin. Anything else is an abomination.

Aw man, I recently realized the cognac Old Fashioned is my favorite drink, and I think this liquor suits it even better than whiskey. This recipe is classic, but I did find it too sweet. I say just barely cover the bottom of the Mixing glass with the simple syrup. Also, a tip from Brian Miller (one of NYC’s great bartenders and the captain of the roving Tiki Monday parties): two dashes Angostura, one dash Peychaud’s when using cognac. Orange, lemon or grapefruit twist all work for me.

The rich simple syrup is 67% sweeter than regular simple syrup, so be aware before using it (you can always add a little more). Rich simple syrup keeps longer as well and can be put into the freezer where it will not freeze solid. Also, if you make a large batch and want to refrigerate it rather than taking freezer space, use a little vodka in place of some water, which will preserve it longer.

Luxardo Cherries rather than crude maraschino cherries. Liquid from the Luxardo Cherries jar extends richer flavor to the co*cktail, substituting for sugar syrups higher concentration of sugar in solution. One teaspoon often sufficient for most palates. The juice of one fresh orange section, or a wedge of 1/8 whole orange, adds freshness with a bit of acidity to balance sugars. Definitely two dashes of bitters. Twisted 1x2" orange rind releases orange oil essence and a garnish.

In Wisconsin if you order an Old Fashioned they’ll assume you mean you want it with brandy, typically made with Korbel. Two things you can find at any bar in WI no matter where you are: Spotted Cow and a great brandy Old Fashioned

For an interesting boost of flavor, make an “infused” simple syrup by adding lemongrass, orange peels, mint, basil, or whatever you have to the simple syrup. Let it sit til cool, then strain.

Trying it with a reposado tequila. The bitters work surprisingly well with the tequila.

Instead of simple sugar, try maple syrup. Definitely add Luxardo cherry and add two pineapple chunks.Then it's called (my) Uncle Bob's Old Fashioned. It gets raves!

Yep, a little maple syrup does the trick, very easy to adapt to any palate. Orange bitters, upgraded cherry and the orange peel all create a lovely foundation for dark spirits! Have not tried with light spirits - yet!

Maple syrup instead of simple syrup makes for a delicious variation.

This recipe is delightful. Melissa Clark's bourbon and black pepper caramels are a favorite at my house, so I channeled them: made a honey simple syrup infused with black pepper. It was a delight.%20Search%20Recipe%20Card&pgType=search&rank=1

Rather than make simple syrup, I muddled a strip of orange peel with a tbsp of sugar. Topped with 2 oz bourbon and 3-4 dashes of orange bitters. Nice!

Wow, this is way too sweet. A good way to ruin whiskey.

A Brandy Old Fashioned is the state co*cktail of Wisconsin.

For an interesting boost of flavor, make an “infused” simple syrup by adding lemongrass, orange peels, mint, basil, or whatever you have to the simple syrup. Let it sit til cool, then strain.

In Wisconsin if you order an Old Fashioned they’ll assume you mean you want it with brandy, typically made with Korbel. Two things you can find at any bar in WI no matter where you are: Spotted Cow and a great brandy Old Fashioned

Luxardo Cherries rather than crude maraschino cherries. Liquid from the Luxardo Cherries jar extends richer flavor to the co*cktail, substituting for sugar syrups higher concentration of sugar in solution. One teaspoon often sufficient for most palates. The juice of one fresh orange section, or a wedge of 1/8 whole orange, adds freshness with a bit of acidity to balance sugars. Definitely two dashes of bitters. Twisted 1x2" orange rind releases orange oil essence and a garnish.

Trying it with a reposado tequila. The bitters work surprisingly well with the tequila.

The rich simple syrup is 67% sweeter than regular simple syrup, so be aware before using it (you can always add a little more). Rich simple syrup keeps longer as well and can be put into the freezer where it will not freeze solid. Also, if you make a large batch and want to refrigerate it rather than taking freezer space, use a little vodka in place of some water, which will preserve it longer.

No. No. No. An Old Fashioned should only be made with whiskey or rye. Period. The same holds true with the sacred Martini or Gibson, which should only be made with gin. Anything else is an abomination.

Aw man, I recently realized the cognac Old Fashioned is my favorite drink, and I think this liquor suits it even better than whiskey. This recipe is classic, but I did find it too sweet. I say just barely cover the bottom of the Mixing glass with the simple syrup. Also, a tip from Brian Miller (one of NYC’s great bartenders and the captain of the roving Tiki Monday parties): two dashes Angostura, one dash Peychaud’s when using cognac. Orange, lemon or grapefruit twist all work for me.