Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest Cocktails and is THE oldest Cocktail with Whisky. At the beginning of the 18th century, the mixing of drinks with alcohol started and the term ‘cocktail’ was first mentioned. Back then, only a few ingredients were added to the spirits and the Old Fashioned was simply called ‘Whisky Cocktail’. Only in the second half of the century, it became more common to add more components to Cocktails. But many people still wanted the more simple versions, referring to them as the “old-fashioned”. Since most of the times the Whisky Cocktail was ordered under this term, over the years the Whisky Cocktail became the Old Fashioned, as we know it today.

This old classic is really easy to mix. All you need are the ingredients and a cold Tumbler Glass.

On a Side Note: Is the flavour too intense for you? You can always add water to the Old Fashioned, to take off the edge of the alcohol. You can also cool the ingredients beforehand. The cold is decreasing the vapour pressure of the flavouring substances and therefore “decreasing” the flavour, making the drink appear to be milder.

It’s simple: there is no rule that says which Whisky should be used. It is more of a historic and opinion based choice. Before the Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, the ‘Whisky Cocktail’ was made with Rye Whisky, which was the most common kind in the USA back then. During the Prohibition, many Rye distilleries had to close down. Especially since the only places where spirits still were served, were Speakeasy bars, where the customers mostly tended to order light, sweet drinks. Rye Whisky was replaced with the sweeter Bourbon. This made it common practice to mix the Old Fashioned with Bourbon.

Scotch Single Malts can also be used, but it is somewhat frowned upon within the Whisky connoisseurs community. Because many people in this group share the opinion, that Scotch Single Malt should be enjoyed straight. No water, no Ice, and especially no sugar syrup or other add-ons. Therefore the practice of using a Single Malt for the Old Fashioned Cocktail could not be really established.

Today it’s a little bit different. Since there are so many Whiskies, Bourbons and Single Malts alike, there are big variations of taste. The enjoyment of Whisky in a straight from, or as a Cocktail, only depends on the personal taste. You enjoy Whisky straight? Sure. Do you like to mix it in a drink? Go for it. It’s your choice alone.