Old Fashioned with a Twist
C ocktail trends may come and go, but one staple remains a fixture on drink menus two centuries after its invention – the Old Fashioned. there are many competing stories about the origins of the “first” true cocktail recipe, but nearly all agree that the modern-day cocktail was first mixed in the early 1800s, and the recipe was generally the same Old Fashioned recipe still mixed in bars around the world today: liquor, sugar, water and bitters. Bourbon is traditionally the spirit of choice for an Old Fashioned, but contemporary versions may substitute virtually any type of liquor, from rye whiskey to tequila to rum. yesteryear’s sugar cube, served as a lump doused with bitters, has given way to simple syrup, which mixes more easily when served. a twist of citrus zest or a dark cherry are common garnishes in today’s Old Fashioned renditions. No matter what spirit or style you prefer, there’s one constant that’s crucial to any drink bearing the Old Fashioned name: bitters. For a truly authentic experience, look to incorporate an option like angostura bitters – an iconic brand that traces its roots as far back as the dawn of the Old Fashioned and has been closely intertwined with the history of the cocktail ever since. Dr. Johann siegert, the bitters’ inventor, created the elixir in 19th-century Venezuela while serving as a doctor to soldiers in simon Bolivar’s army. By 1824, he perfected the formula for “amargo aromatico,” which he initially used to help alleviate the stomach issues of ailing soldiers. By the mid-1800s, cocktails were steadily gaining favor, and nearly all the early recipes called for bitters. siegert’s sons seized the opportunity and astutely developed a following for their formula among cocktail lovers. today, angostura aromatic bitters are a classic and versatile ingredient in bars and kitchens alike for their flawless ability to balance a range of cocktails. Bitters provide layers of flavor and complexity through their expertly-crafted combination of aromatic herbs, bark, roots and other botanicals. When it comes to the ingredients in angostura’s aromatic bitters, the exact formula is unknown, as the recipe has remained a closely-guarded secret since the bitters were created almost 200 years ago. Consider these tried-and-true takes on the Old Fashioned with four recipes ideal for sipping. the traditional version features bourbon, while three twists on the timeless classic highlight alternative liquors: the tequila Old Fashioned, the rum Old Fashioned and the Wisconsin-style Brandy Old Fashioned. Find more recipes filled with good, oldfashioned flavor at angosturaBitters.com.
Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned
2 ounces bourbon 1/4 ounce Demerara syrup 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters 1 dash Angostura orange bitters 1 splash water ice long orange peel, for garnish in rocks glass, stir bourbon, Demerara syrup, water, aromatic bitters and orange bitters with ice to incorporate ingredients. add ice to fill glass to top. Garnish with orange peel.