The Old Fashioned, with its roots reaching back to the early 19th century, is more than just a cocktail; it’s a piece of cultural heritage that has endured the test of time. Picture yourself in a dimly lit speakeasy, the clink of ice against the glass, the murmur of confidential conversations, and the subtle air of mystery surrounding your drink’s origins. This is where the Old Fashioned reigns supreme, and the Angostura bitters are its secret weapon.
How to make Old Fashioned Ingredients 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic drink with a rich history. The “2 dashes Angostura Bitters” is a key component of this cocktail. Angostura Bitters is a type of concentrated bitters, which is a blend of herbs, spices, and other botanicals. The “2 dashes” refers to the small amount used to add complexity and depth to the drink.
Ingredients:
- Sugar: One sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon of loose sugar or simple syrup.
- Water: A splash to help dissolve the sugar.
- Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes for its signature blend of botanicals.
- Whiskey: 2 ounces of high-quality bourbon or rye.
- Ice: Preferably large cubes or an ice sphere to slow down dilution.
- Garnish: Orange peel and maraschino cherry for a classic finish.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Place a sugar cube or sugar at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass.
- Splash and Muddle: Add a splash of water and muddle the sugar until it’s dissolved. If you’re using simple syrup, this step is simply for combining liquids.
- The Bitters: Add two dashes of Angostura bitters. This isn’t about volume; it’s about uniformity, so ensure each dash is measured.
- The Ice: Add a large ice cube or a couple if they’re smaller. The slower melting rate will prevent your drink from becoming diluted too quickly.
- The Whiskey: Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon or rye. Quality matters here; choose a whiskey you’d enjoy sipping straight.
- Stir: Gently stir to combine the flavors and chill the cocktail. Around 30 seconds should do the trick.
- Express and Garnish: Take a piece of orange peel and gently squeeze it over the glass to express the oils onto the drink. Drop the peel in along with a maraschino cherry to complete the cocktail.
Tips:
- Chill the Glass: Serving your Old Fashioned in a chilled glass will keep your cocktail cold and refreshing.
- Quality of Bitters: Stick with Angostura bitters for a classic profile, but feel free to experiment with others for a different twist.
- Experiment with Sugars: Changing the sugar component can alter the drink’s dynamics. Try a demerara sugar cube for a richer sweetness.
- Adjust According to Taste: If you prefer your drink sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar or simple syrup.
- The Stir: Take your time with the stir; it’s not just for mixing but also for chilling and dilution.
- Garnish with Care: When peeling the orange, avoid the bitter white pith beneath the zest. A careful peel and gentle twist will enhance the drink’s aroma.
- Ice Quality: Use clear, purified ice if possible to avoid introducing unwanted tastes into your cocktail.
What to serve with
Pairing food with an Old Fashioned cocktail celebrated for its bold flavors and rich history offers a delightful exploration of taste dynamics. The cocktail’s smooth whiskey base, combined with the complex spice notes of Angostura bitters, creates a rich palate that pairs well with a wide range of culinary offerings.
1. Charcuterie and Cheese Boards: A well-curated selection of meats and cheeses complements the Old Fashioned’s complexity. Opt for aged cheeses like Gouda or sharp Cheddar that can stand up to the whiskey’s robust profile. Include cured meats—prosciutto, salami, and soppressata- which offer contrasting textures and flavors. Add nuts, olives, and a selection of mustards and jams to balance the board.
2. Grilled or Smoked Meats: The smoky quality of grilled or smoked meats mirrors the depth of Old Fashioned. Consider serving grilled steaks, smoked brisket, or BBQ ribs. The caramelization from grilling and the smokiness of barbecued meats make for a synergistic pairing with the cocktail’s aromatic profile.
3. Seafood Dishes: Surprisingly, certain seafood dishes can pair beautifully with an Old Fashioned, particularly when they feature a smoky or rich element. Grilled salmon, oysters Rockefeller, or scallops bacon-wrapped or served with a rich, buttery sauce play well against the whiskey’s warmth and the bitters’ spice.
4. Savory Appetizers: Appetizers that marry richness with a hint of sweetness or spiciness are ideal. Consider options like bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms, or sliders with caramelized onions. These bites are perfect for cocktail parties and accentuate the Old Fashioned’s balanced bittersweet profile.
5. Dark Chocolate Desserts: For sweet tooth lovers, dark chocolate offers a robust, slightly bitter counterpart to the Old Fashioned. Choose desserts like chocolate truffles, a rich chocolate ganache tart, or even a simple dark chocolate bar with a high cocoa content. The bitter notes in the chocolate resonate with the Angostura bitters, creating a harmonious finish.
6. Comfort Foods: Don’t underestimate the power of pairing a cocktail with simple comfort foods. A gourmet burger, macaroni and cheese with a mature cheese blend, or even a well-made grilled cheese sandwich can surprisingly complement the complexity of an Old Fashioned, adding a comforting dimension to the tasting experience.
7. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of roasted nuts seasoned with spices that echo those in the Angostura bitters can be a simple yet effective pairing. Think almonds, pecans, or walnuts seasoned with a touch of rosemary, cayenne, or even cinnamon for an engaging and flavorful casual snack.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making an Old Fashioned, characterized by its simplicity and depth of flavor, relies heavily on the quality and type of ingredients used. However, there might be situations where you don’t have access to all the traditional ingredients, such as Angostura bitters. Luckily, some substitutes can be used to mimic or enhance the cocktail’s classic profile. Here are some detailed alternatives for the key ingredients in an Old Fashioned, focusing primarily on substitutes for Angostura bitters.
Angostura Bitters Substitute
1. Orange Bitters: Orange bitters can offer a citrusy complexity that complements the whiskey beautifully, introducing a fresh, floral note that pairs well with the traditional muddled orange.
2. Peychaud’s Bitters: With a slightly sweeter profile and lighter body, Peychaud’s bitters can provide an exciting twist to your Old Fashioned. It brings forth more floral and anise notes, which can offer a subtly different drinking experience.
3. Aromatic Bitters (Various Brands): There are several other brands of aromatic bitters on the market that can serve as a replacement for Angostura. Brands like Fee Brothers or The Bitter Truth carry their unique spice blends that can offer a new dimension to your cocktail.
4. Homemade Bitters: For those who like a DIY challenge, making bitters can be a fascinating project. Combine high-proof alcohol with a selection of spices, such as cinnamon, clove, and allspice, citrus peel, and a sweetening agent like caramel. The result can be tailored to your taste preference, creating a truly personalized Old Fashioned.
Other Ingredient Substitutes
- For Whiskey: The traditional base spirit is rye or bourbon. However, you can use Canadian whisky, which is typically smoother, or try a Scotch for a smokier version. Each whiskey type brings a different character to the cocktail.
- For Sugar: The choice of sweetener can significantly affect the drink’s balance. In addition to the traditional sugar cube or simple syrup, you can use maple syrup for a richer sweetness or honey syrup (honey diluted with water) for a floral sweetness. Agave syrup can also work well, especially with a smoother whiskey.
- For Water: In the classic recipe, a splash of water or a few cubes of ice is used to dilute the drink slightly. Alternatives include using soda water for a bit of fizz or an ice sphere for slower dilution, which allows the drinker to enjoy the evolving flavors as it slowly mixes.
- For Garnish: Though an orange peel and a maraschino cherry are traditional garnishes, experimenting with other citrus peels like grapefruit or a twist of lemon can add a different aromatic finish. Luxardo cherries offer a gourmet substitute for maraschino cherries, providing a richer, more complex flavor.
Final Thoughts
With these steps, ingredients, and tips in mind, you will make an Old Fashioned that respects the tradition while showcasing your personal touch. The two dashes of Angostura bitters may seem like a small component, but they are the heart of the cocktail’s spiced, bitter contrast, truly completing the Old Fashioned experience.
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Ingredients
- Sugar: One sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon of loose sugar or simple syrup.
- Water: A splash to help dissolve the sugar.
- Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes for its signature blend of botanicals.
- Whiskey: 2 ounces of high-quality bourbon or rye.
- Ice: Preferably large cubes or an ice sphere to slow down dilution.
- Garnish: Orange peel and maraschino cherry for a classic finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Place a sugar cube or sugar at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass.
- Splash and Muddle: Add a splash of water and muddle the sugar until it's dissolved. If you're using simple syrup, this step is simply for combining liquids.
- The Bitters: Add two dashes of Angostura bitters. This isn't about volume; it's about uniformity, so ensure each dash is measured.
- The Ice: Add a large ice cube or a couple if they're smaller. The slower melting rate will prevent your drink from becoming diluted too quickly.
- The Whiskey: Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon or rye. Quality matters here; choose a whiskey you'd enjoy sipping straight.
- Stir: Gently stir to combine the flavors and chill the cocktail. Around 30 seconds should do the trick.
- Express and Garnish: Take a piece of orange peel and gently squeeze it over the glass to express the oils onto the drink. Drop the peel in along with a maraschino cherry to complete the cocktail.
