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How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail: Recipe: The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that combines simplicity with sophistication. It’s the ideal drink for those who appreciate bold flavors and a smooth finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Old Fashioned, including tips on selecting the best ingredients, garnishes, and presentation.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice (large ice cube or sphere)
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Optional: Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Use an Old Fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass) to build your cocktail. Place the sugar cube in the bottom of the glass and add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. If using simple syrup, pour it directly into the glass with the bitters.
2. Muddle the Ingredients: Gently muddle the sugar and bitters until the sugar is dissolved. If you’re using a sugar cube, you can add a few drops of water to help dissolve it. This step ensures the bitters are evenly distributed, giving the cocktail a balanced flavor.
3. Add Whiskey and Ice: Pour 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass. Add one large ice cube or an ice sphere, which melts slowly and prevents the drink from becoming diluted too quickly.
4. Stir and Garnish: Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill the drink and blend the flavors. Express the oils of an orange peel over the top by gently twisting it, and then drop it into the glass. For an extra touch, garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use a high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey for the best results.
• Opt for a large ice cube or sphere to maintain the integrity of the drink.
• Don’t over-muddle the sugar and bitters, as this can create an overly sweet base.

HOTELS THAT SERVE THE BEST OLD FASHIONED COCKTAILS

Around the globe, some hotels are renowned for crafting the perfect Old Fashioned, blending tradition with innovation. At the Pendry Manhattan West in New York, bartenders elevate this classic cocktail with high-quality bourbon and a dash of creativity. Over in London, the American Bar at The Savoy serves an expertly balanced Old Fashioned in a luxurious setting. Travelers to Tokyo rave about the meticulously crafted version at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, where precision meets artistry. In Bangkok, the Sky Bar at Lebua offers a twist on this timeless drink, served with breathtaking skyline views. Each destination promises a memorable sip!

Here are some more hotels that are known for their cocktails:

• The Ritz Carlton in New Orleans
• The Connaught Bar at The Connaught Hotel in London
• Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont

With its elegant presentation and rich flavors, the Old Fashioned is the quintessential cocktail for any occasion. Enjoy this classic drink at home, and impress your guests with your bartending skills!

Shop Bar & Glassware

Ideal for cocktail hour, the Vie Double Old Fashioned Glasses add contemporary design to your bar. Each glass in this set of eight features a thick, tapered base that fits comfortably in the hand, before seamlessly extending to a wider, thin-rimmed body.