An Old Fashioned History
Photography by Monica Farber
It’s no big secret that my go-to bourbon cocktail is the Old Fashioned. I cannot remember exactly when I discovered them but I do know that after I tasted my first one, there was no turning back. I’m unsure if the taste or the simplicity is its biggest appeal. Still, regardless, this typically four-ingredient feisty bourbon cocktail is my favorite and there’s no doubt about it.
The history of the Old Fashioned differs depending on the source but it was one of the earlier versions of a bourbon cocktail. Some sources say a cocktail resembling the Old Fashioned appeared on the scene is the early 1800s. It is described as a “potent concoction of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar”--and was first referenced as a sling. I think variations on this early version using all kinds of liquors (gin, rum, brandy) were floating around out there.
However, true to my own Kentucky roots, I believe the Old Fashioneds that I enjoy today were invented in Louisville–just down the road from my hometown. The city’s very own gentleman’s club, The Pendennis Club, lays all claims that the Old Fashioned cocktail was invented there. According to lore, the recipe was a nod to Colonel James E. Pepper, a prominent bourbon distiller. Naysayers disagree and argue that the first mention of the Old Fashioned was in print in a Chicago newspaper a year or so before The Pendennis Club opened its doors. Believe what you choose because all that really matters is that this lovely cocktail was invented.
Rumor has it that Old Fashioneds are made elsewhere with brandy or even scotch. My good friend was visiting a trattoria in the West Village in New York City and happened to overhear the bartender discussing which scotch to use in an Old Fashioned with one of his patrons. It was like taking a bullet, she said. Hearing that her beloved Old Fashioned was being tainted with scotch. Not wanting to sound like a know-it-all, she cleverly found a way to drop it into the conversation with the others sitting around the bar that in Kentucky it would be considered the eighth deadly sin to pour such an abomination. She quickly gave a quick tutorial on bourbon and ordered a proper Old Fashioned made with Woodford Reserve–one of the only bourbons other than Maker’s Mark available at this particular establishment. The others who were drinking the scotch version also tried a bourbon version. She may or may not have had some converts that evening.
While I do not endorse substituting bourbon in an Old Fashioned, I am in favor of getting a little curious with some other variations and adding a bit of this or a dash of that to change the flavor. I’m not afraid of flavor!
As we push through the last weeks of winter and focus our attention on Spring and, of course, Derby, I have been experimenting with several varieties of Old Fashioneds. One of my favorites is The Best Winter Old Fashioned, a cozy spin on this classic. It’s perfect for these cooler evenings–and I will be adding it to my holiday rotation next year. Traditionally, a sugar cube is used to sweeten an Old Fashioned but, in this case, the recipe calls for brown sugar spiced simple syrup. YUM! Cranberries replace the cherries and a sprig of fresh rosemary is also added –the recipe I used suggests using smoked rosemary. This is a slightly spicy drink and it is sure to be a hit at my next gathering.
Back In the Curious Kitchen, I started thinking about using some of our products to concoct another Old Fashioned Variety. Our Bourbon Apple Butter is the obvious choice for an Apple Butter Old Fashioned. Adding an apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a dash of ginger beer or club soda gives this classic a very exciting twist. I also could not wait to try a Smoked Old Fashioned. The recipe isn’t that much different than a regular Old Fashioned that features bourbon, a sugar cube, our Cherry or Orange Bitters, and our signature Boozy Cherries–except for the smoke factor. This, my friends, is the game changer. It adds another unique flavor profile without taking too much away from the original. It does require a cocktail smoker, which I highly recommend for any bourbon lover. They can be purchased online or at some home stores, like Pottery Barn. They are easy to use and look quite spectacular on your bar!
Other varieties include an Espresso Old Fashioned, which is basically an espresso martini made with bourbon–which is how I always order an espresso martini anyway. This is such a delicious twist that combines bourbon, espresso, brown sugar simple syrup, and our Chocolate Bitters.
There are dozens of varieties of this classic cocktail. Maple Bacon, Cinnamon, Blackberry, Toasted Pecan…and the list goes on! I strongly encourage you to experiment and try out a few new flavors–just don’t switch out the bourbon–it's the star of the show.
Cheers!
MK
