master-cooks | 2 Expert Approved Tricks For Improving Your Old Fashioned Without Breaking The Bank

Enhancing your Old Fashioned cocktail doesn't require a hefty budget, just a touch of creativity and attention to detail. One expert-approved trick is to focus on the quality of your ingredients, particularly the sugar and bitters. Instead of using regular sugar, opt for a rich simple syrup made from demerara or turbinado sugar. This adds a deeper, more complex sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor that elevates the drink. Pairing this with a high-quality aromatic bitters can significantly enhance the cocktail's depth. Another tip is to experiment with the garnish. Traditional oranges are classic, but using a flamed citrus peel can introduce a subtle smokiness that complements the drink’s complexity. To achieve this, lightly heat the peel with a match or lighter, expressing the essential oils over the drink before dropping it in. This small step infuses the cocktail with an enticing aroma and a slight caramelized flavor. Additionally, consider using large ice cubes to slow the dilution process, keeping the drink chilled without watering it down quickly. These simple yet effective tricks can transform your Old Fashioned into a sophisticated, bar-quality experience at home without stretching your budget.

Don't get bitter, do get bitters

What exactly are bitters? In essence, they are aromatic liquid flavorings that enhance the complexity of cocktails. Typically created by infusing herbs, citrus, or other ingredients into alcohol, bitters are potent enough that you usually only need a dash or two for each drink. Angostura bitters, for instance, are a classic choice for an old fashioned. As a brand, the specific recipe is proprietary, but you can expect to detect notes of clove and cinnamon.

To expand your bitters collection, consider adding chocolate bitters, which work particularly well in bourbon cocktails. Unlike the spiced profile of Angostura, chocolate bitters introduce a delightful nuttiness to your drink. On the other hand, orange bitters can enhance the fruity elements already present in an old fashioned, which is often garnished with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry.

Interestingly, Justin Lavenue also suggested Cocktail Kingdom's wormwood bitters. Wormwood is famously linked to absinthe and the legend of the green fairy, a symbol of both creativity and the bizarre hallucinations associated with absinthe consumption. This spirit was even banned for a period due to such myths. While absinthe is known for its strong anise flavor, wormwood itself contributes a robust woody taste combined with familiar holiday spices.

2 Expert-Approved Tricks For Improving Your Old Fashioned Without Breaking The Bank

Don't get bitter, do get bitters

Recommended

Next up