One of my bartender friends told me you can make an old fashioned out of just about any deeply flavored spirit. And, he was right. If you head to a bar you’re likely to see an old fashioned made out of a variety of spirits on the menu. One thing that usually remains consistent is the base recipe of spirit, sweetener, bitters and a large ice cube.
The key is understanding the ratio and how to play within the constraints. Below is a formula that will produce a good cocktail every time. This base recipe will get you started, but, adjust and experiment based upon your tastes.
Craft your own Old Fashioned Recipe
2oz base spirit
Look for ones that anchor many deeper classic cocktails - bourbon, rye, mezcal, tequila and rum are some of my favorites.
1 teaspoon liquid sweetener
You can make your own rich simple syrup by heating 2 parts sugar to 1 part water until dissolved. If you use a liquid sweetener, like maple syrup or agave nectar, you can skip this step and pour directly into your mixing glass.
2 strong dashes bitters
In an ice filled mixing glass, combine spirit, liquid sweetener and bitters. Stir about a dozen times. Strain into a rocks glass over a big ice cube.
Some combinations to ignite you.
Bourbon
Look for classic combinations. Brown sugar, bourbon and ham is an Easter staple for a reason. Same goes for some of the more traditional fall spices that anchor a bourbon apple pie. Here are a few of my favorite combinations.
Bourbon, brown sugar simple syrup, angostura or orange bitters
Bourbon, maple syrup, angostura or orange bitters
Bourbon, a simple syrup flavored with any combination of the following spices (allspice, vanilla, and/or cinnamon) and orange bitters
Rye
Rye is a heavy spirit so it takes bold flavors that can stand up to it. A few combinations to try.
Rye, demerara simple syrup, angostura or orange bitters
Rye, maple syrup, angostura, orange or cardamom bitters
Rye, a simple syrup flavored with any combination of the following fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, peppercorn, cardamom and/or allspice) and angostura bitters
Rum
Think tropical when pairing with rum. Even adding tropical fruit, like pineapple, to your simple syrup can offer delicious results.
Rum, dark rum, or spiced rum, demerara simple syrup, orange bitters
Rum, maple syrup, angostura bitters
Rum, a simple syrup flavored with any combination of the following spices (allspice, cinnamon, vanilla) and orange bitters
Take a tip from our bartender friends and give a little taste before pouring into your rocks glass and adjust the ratio if needed.
Cheers, friends, and happy experimenting.