We live in a time when we seem to be simultaneously getting closer to each other but yet, more distant. Modernity has its costs.
I, for one, am a sucker for classics like Mario Puzo’s Godfather, or modern dramas in yesteryear settings such as Mad Men.
I often wonder what Mad Men’s protagonist Don Draper, an old fashioned guy, would drink.
Since Chi has so aptly started on Whisky, let’s go back in time and get a little Old-Fashioned together.
Firstly, let us begin with some background brilliantly provided by our friend Wikipedia:
The Old Fashioned recipe is one of America’s oldest cocktails. It was developed during the 19th century and given its name in the 1880s. It is also an IBA Official Cocktail, which basically means that they use this drink for cocktail competitions. The Old Fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters then adding alcohol, such as whiskey or brandy, and a twist of citrus rind. Its name is short for old-fashioned whisky cocktail. The base for this drink is often rye whisky, which is rounded out by the addition of fruit.It is traditionally served in a short, round, 8–12 US fl oz (240–350 ml) tumbler-like glass, which is called an Old Fashioned glass, named after the drink. An Old Fashioned is, well, old-fashioned—but in an entirely laudable way.
Old Fashioned Recipe:
– 1sugar cube*
– 3dashes Angostura bitters
– Water*
– 2ounces whisky (since its your drink, choose your fave for this)
– Ice
– Orange peel (for garnish)
- Place sugar cube in bottom of a rocks glass. Add bitters and a splash of water.
- Crush sugar thoroughly with a wooden muddler or strong spoon.
- Pour in the whiskey, place a few ice cubes in the glass, and stir until well chilled, usually around 12 stirs.
- Garnish with orange peel. If you are out to impress, flame it.
- *Alternatively, you could replace the sugar and water by using a simple syrup.
Some alternatives to this recipe is to use infused Whisky. I’ve come across shows talking about a bacon infused bourbon (maybe one day I’ll try making a bak kwa infusion) as the base and in Singapore, I’ve had a Milo infused Whisky as a base. So the the sky is indeed the limit on this once you have the basics down pat.
Eat, Drink and be Merry,
Momo Monster
