The Old Fashioned: A Classic Cocktail with a Twist
Few drinks evoke a sense of tradition and craftsmanship quite like the Old Fashioned. With roots stretching back to the early 19th century, this timeless cocktail has been a favorite for generations. But while the classic combination of whiskey, sugar, and bitters remains beloved, there’s something magical about adding your own creative twist. By using cherry and orange-infused alcohol and bitters-infused sugar, you can take the Old Fashioned from simply classic to completely unforgettable.
A Sip of History: The Origin of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails still enjoyed today, and for good reason. Its simplicity is its strength. Back in the early 1800s, cocktails were defined by a basic formula: spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. As new drink trends emerged over time, people began asking for their cocktails to be made the “old-fashioned” way—hence, the name was born!
Originally created with whiskey or brandy, a sugar cube, and a few dashes of bitters, this cocktail’s appeal lies in its balance. The slight sweetness from the sugar blends with the depth of the alcohol and the bitter bite for a drink that is rich, bold, and satisfying.
Infusing Spirits: A Creative Upgrade
While the classic Old Fashioned is undeniably delicious, there’s always room to get creative and personalize it to your taste. One of the best ways to do that is by infusing your alcohol with flavors that bring out the natural richness of the drink. Here, we’ll focus on cherry and orange—a combination that adds a fruity yet sophisticated layer to the spirit.
Cherry and Orange-Infused Alcohol
Infusing your whiskey with cherry and orange brings a delightful sweetness and citrusy brightness to every sip. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose your whiskey: Start with a quality whiskey that you enjoy. Bourbon or rye work particularly well for an Old Fashioned.
- Prepare your infusion ingredients: Remove the moisture absorber from the jar and add alcohol.
- Infuse: Let the whiskey infuse in a sealed jar for a minimum of 30 minutes, and up to 36 hours. Give the jar a gentle shake to encourage the flavors to meld.
- Strain: After the infusion period, strain the whiskey to remove the fruit and peel. Now you have a deliciously flavored base that will add depth to your Old Fashioned. **Save your ingredients and make a second batch. (With this one you may need to add extra sugar to the second batch)
Crafting Your Infused Old Fashioned
Now that you have your cherry and orange-infused whiskey and bitters-infused sugar, you’re ready to craft a one-of-a-kind Old Fashioned. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cherry and orange-infused whiskey
- Sugar to taste
- A few dashes of water
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Add ice cubes and pour in your cherry and orange-infused whiskey. Add additional sugar if you want a sweeter drink.
- Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a cherry on top.
Every sip of this upgraded Old Fashioned will deliver a new layer of flavor—from the bright citrusy notes of the infused whiskey to the subtle bitter undertones in the sugar. It’s a cocktail that feels both familiar and fresh, with just the right amount of sweetness and complexity.
Final Thoughts: Elevating a Classic
There’s something deeply satisfying about making a classic cocktail your own, and with a creative touch like infusing spirits you can turn a traditional Old Fashioned into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or simply indulging in some quiet time at home, this cherry and orange-infused Old Fashioned is sure to impress.
So why not embrace the art of infusion? With the right ingredients, you’ll transform this timeless cocktail into something truly special—one that reflects your unique style and passion for creativity.
Simply, An Old Fashioned
You'll Need:
3 oz infused whiskey
1 large ice cube
1 orange slice
1 cherry
In your favorite low ball glass, add 3 oz of infused whiskey. Add large ice cube, stir for 10 seconds. Garnish with an orange slice & cherry.
Brandy Old Fashioned
You'll Need:
3 oz infused brandy
1 large ice cube
1 orange slice
1 cherry
In your favorite low ball glass, add 3 oz of infused brandy. Add large ice cube, stir for 10 seconds. Add a splash of club soda & garnish with an orange slice & cherry.