The Old Fashioned
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the cocktail’s cocktail. First served in 1880 in Kentucky, this drink is the first to be called a cocktail. It’s a real adult beverage and it’s real good!
Spirit, sweet, bitter, sour and water – perfect! But you have to know how to make and mix this perfect elixir.
The Old Fashioned is made by expertly muddling sugar with bitters and then adding to an alcohol base such as whiskey or brandy. The finished mix is served in a short, round piece of glassware with about 8 to 12 ounces of capacity. Since it’s the first cocktail, the Old Fashioned even has a piece of glassware named for it. 
Make your own Old Fashioned
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 Orange Slices
- 3 ounces Whiskey or Brandy
- Maraschino Cherry Garnish
- Place the sugar cube at the bottom of glass
- Saturate the cube with bitters.
- Add one orange slice.
- Muddle the ingredients.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add the spirit.
- Stir well. Stir properly.
- Garnish with a second orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Next time you go to a bar or tavern, order an Old Fashioned. First, you’ll be able to test as to whether you are in a real bar or not. Second, you’ll be able to tell whether you have a real bartender or not. Otherwise, unless you make it yourself, a good Old Fashioned is hard to find. Enjoy!
