The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic and timeless drink that has been around for over a century. This drink is iconic for its simple combination of whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. However, when it comes to making an Old Fashioned, not all bitters are created equal.
Choosing the right type of bitters can make or break the flavor profile of an Old Fashioned. With the rise in popularity of craft cocktail bars, there has been an influx of various bitters available in the market. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of bitters used in an Old Fashioned and explore which ones work best to create the perfect balance of flavors.
The Origins of the Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Old Fashioned cocktail is an iconic American drink that has been around for over 200 years. Its origins date back to the early 1800s when people started mixing spirit-based drinks with bitters, sugar, and water. It was a way of masking the harsh taste of spirits while still enjoying their effects.
The first recorded mention of the Old Fashioned cocktail comes from a bartender’s diary in 1806. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that the drink became popular in the United States. By the early 1900s, it was a ubiquitous cocktail that could be found in almost every bar across the country. Despite the many variations that have popped up over the years, the original recipe for the Old Fashioned remains relatively unchanged, with the focus still on showcasing the strong flavor of the spirit at the center of the drink.
The Essential Ingredients of an Old Fashioned
The Essential Ingredients of an Old Fashioned cocktail are critical to achieving the perfect taste and aroma. The most important ingredient is bourbon, typically a high-quality, aged Kentucky straight bourbon. It is recommended to choose a bourbon that is at least 100 proof for added depth of flavor. The amount of bourbon used in an Old Fashioned may vary according to individual preference, but 2 oz is a standard measure.
Another essential ingredient in an Old Fashioned is sugar. Traditionally, sugar cubes are used, but some prefer to use simple syrup instead. The sweetness of the cocktail can be adjusted to personal taste by adding more or less sugar. Angostura Bitters is the most common type of bitters used, with a few dashes to add the perfect balance of spice and bitterness. The other essential ingredients in an Old Fashioned include ice, a twist of citrus peel, and orange bitters. These ingredients work together to create a complex and well-balanced cocktail.
Exploring the World of Bitters
Exploring the world of bitters can be a rewarding experience for any cocktail enthusiast. Bitters are concentrated flavors made by infusing herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables in a spirit base. They add depth, complexity, and balance to cocktails. Over the years, bitters have become an essential ingredient in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Martini.
Bitters come in a wide range of flavors, and each type offers a unique taste experience. Some of the most popular bitters include Angostura, Peychaud’s, Orange, and aromatic bitters. However, the world of bitters is vast, and there are many lesser-known types to explore. Some examples include chocolate, lavender, grapefruit, and celery bitters. By experimenting with different types of bitters, you can create unique cocktails that showcase different flavors and aromas.
Classic Bitters for an Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for over two centuries. Naturally, there are a few classics bitters that mixologists must use to maintain its authenticity. Angostura bitters are the most popular and widely used type of bitters for an Old Fashioned. This bitters recipe includes a blend of water, alcohol, and a secret blend of over forty different herbs and spices. It gives the cocktail spicy and aromatic notes and is a must-have for your Old Fashioned recipe.
Peychaud’s bitters are another classic bitters type that can be mixed with an Old Fashioned. Its recipe includes gentian root, anise, and a blend of other secret flavors. Mostly associated with the Sazerac cocktail, Peychaud’s bitters can give your Old Fashioned a subtle cherry-cinnamon flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste. While many other bitters brands have been created over the years, using classic bitters like Angostura and Peychaud’s can take your Old Fashioned to a whole new level.
Unique Flavor Profiles: Unconventional Bitters for an Old Fashioned
For those who are looking to add a unique twist to their classic Old Fashioned, experimenting with unconventional bitters is the way to go. These bitters are made with unique flavor profiles that are unlike the standard aromatic or orange bitters used in a classic Old Fashioned.
Some examples of unconventional bitters include chocolate bitters, coffee bitters, and celery bitters. Chocolate bitters add a rich and smooth taste to the Old Fashioned, while coffee bitters give it a hearty and robust flavor. Celery bitters, on the other hand, provide a fresh and herbaceous taste to the cocktail. By using these unconventional bitters, you can add a creative and personalized touch to your Old Fashioned, making it a truly unique and memorable cocktail that your guests will never forget.
DIY Bitters: Crafting Your Own Perfect Blend
Making your own bitters is a fun and rewarding process. Not only does it allow you to control the exact flavor profile of your bitters, but it also gives you the satisfaction of crafting your own unique blend. To start this process, you’ll need a variety of herbs, spices, and bittering agents such as gentian, cinchona bark, and wormwood.
To make your own bitters, you’ll need to start by selecting the flavor profile you want to achieve. Then, you can experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices until you find the perfect blend. Once you’ve settled on your ingredients, you’ll need to extract the flavor by soaking them in high-proof alcohol. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how much flavor you want to extract. Once your bitters are ready, you can use them to add depth and complexity to your Old Fashioned (or any other cocktail!) – and impress your guests with a signature blend they won’t find anywhere else.
Tips for Experimenting with Bitters in an Old Fashioned
Experimenting with bitters in an Old Fashioned can be a fun and exciting way to discover new flavors and customize the classic cocktail to your tastes. Here are some tips that can help you get started.
Firstly, start with small changes. Begin with adding a small amount of a new bitters flavor to your Old Fashioned and adjust the amount based on your taste. Trying different bitters types such as chocolate, cardamom, or grapefruit bitters can give the drink a different twist. Secondly, do not be afraid to mix bitters to create your unique blend. Try mixing orange and spicy bitters to give your Old Fashioned some heat or mix lavender and rose bitters to give it a floral aroma. With these tips in mind, you can turn your Old Fashioned into a personalized cocktail that not only pleases your taste buds but also showcases your creativity.
Final Words
In the end, the type of bitters used in an Old Fashioned comes down to personal preference. Whether it’s the classic Angostura, or something more adventurous like black walnut or orange, each bitters adds its own unique flavor profile to the cocktail. Some people may prefer a more traditional Old Fashioned with just a dash of bitters, while others may enjoy experimenting with different bitters to create their own signature drink.
Regardless of the type of bitters used, the Old Fashioned remains a timeless cocktail that has stood the test of time. From its origins in the 1800s to its popularity today, the simple combination of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water or soda has remained a cherished drink among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. So, the next time you order an Old Fashioned, consider trying a different type of bitters to see how it changes the drink’s flavor. You never know, you might discover a new favorite.