Old Fashioned Cocktail History Explained
We’re here to explain everything you need to know about the history of America’s favorite Old Fashioned cocktail! Have you ever ordered an Old Fashioned cocktail and looked at your glass with disappointment? That’s probably because it wasn’t made the right way. It’s very important to understand the history behind the granddaddy of cocktails. We’re diving deep into cocktail history to explain America’s favorite bourbon based recipe!
Although there are several variations of the classic drink, its original recipe is always kept the same. Throughout the years, bartenders have perfected and introduced variations of syrups and flavors, but the drink will forever remain a bar classic. Bourbon lover or not, the history behind this one is truly fascinating!
What is an Old Fashioned?
By definition, an Old Fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar, bitters, and bourbon or rye whiskey. Next, it is garnished with orange peel or cherry. Importantly, the cocktail is always served in a rocks glass. (P.S. the big ice cube molds do really make a difference in taste, wink wink.)
Other variations using gin and brandy have been documented, but we’re sticking true to our Kentucky roots.
Old Fashioned Cocktail History
Undoubtedly, an Old Fashioned was one of the earliest cocktails ever known. Although there are many stories as to where the cocktail originated, many believe that it was first served at the Pendennis Club (gentlemen’s club) in Lousiville, Kentucky in 1881.
The recipe was invented by bartender Martin Cuneo at the club in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a famous Kentucky distiller. Pepper then brought the cocktail recipe to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel bar in New York City.
Arguably David Wonderich (cocktail critic) claimed that the story was unlikely as there was a mention of the Old Fashioned in the Chicago Daily Tribune prior in 1880. Additionally, Wonderich claimed that this was a re-imagination of a cocktail that had existed for years. Nevertheless, we’re going to stick to the Kentucky story, as Martin Cuneo’s version was the first to include muddled fruit and sugared syrup which was later adapted by others.
Loving the history so far?
READ MORE: >> Moonshine: The History Behind America’s Bootleg Liquor.
Louisville, Kentucky
In addition to Bardstown and many other Bourbon focused cities in Kentucky, Louisville serves as a major spirit hub for The Bluegrass State. In 2015, the city named the Old Fashioned its official cocktail. Importantly, every June, Louisville celebrates “Old Fashioned Fortnight” a two week celebration of events and cocktail specials honoring it’s official cocktail!
Did you know?
Kentucky Breaks Records with Nearly 10 Million Barrels of Aging Bourbon
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Make the perfect cocktail right at home!
Ingredients
- 4 oz of bourbon (we used Four Roses)
- 1/2 oz demerara simple syrup
- 3 dashes bitters
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, syrup, and bitters into glass
- Fill with ice and stir until top ice has melted
- Top with ice OR with large bourbon cube
- Express orange peel and garnish
Now that we gave you a delicious recipe to try right in the comfort of your own home, we’ll also share our favorite variation of an Old Fashioned from Kentucky restaurant, Lockbox. This can be ordered at the restaurant bar/dining room, or you can order it to-go!
Brûlée Old Fashioned
This cocktail is a variation of the bourbon classic, made with burnt sugar coffee syrup bitters, and orange. It was intended to turn the classic creme brûlée dessert into liquid form!
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