The name "Old Fashion" came to us, of course, from the English language. Literally, it translates as "old style," "old-fashioned." And if in any other sphere this epithet could be considered offensive, then for a cocktail its meaning is more similar to the definitions of “primordial” and “primordial”. Old Fashion cocktails really appeared quite a long time ago.
Appearance
It is officially confirmed that the history of the drink began more than 130 years ago - in 1880. For the first time, Old Fashion cocktails began to be prepared at the Louisville Pendennis Club in Kentucky. Unfortunately, the author’s name has not been preserved, but it is known that the bartender made this drink for his regular client - retired colonel James Papper. On retirement, the colonel established the production of bourbon, and soon became one of its largest producers in the United States.
Papper really liked the cocktail. He asked the bartender for his recipe and subsequently shared it with another bartender from the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York. The new drink took its rightful place in the bar card of the famous hotel, so very quickly the Old Fashion cocktails gained immense popularity. Over time, it spread throughout America.
Rays of glory
It is known that the Old Fashion cocktail, the recipe of which has not changed for years, was the favorite aperitif of Harry Truman, the 33rd president of the United States. The then first lady, the wife of President Bess, was not indifferent to this drink. Eyewitnesses testified that the Truman couple cooked it with their own hands, and quite often. Today, Old Fashion cocktails occupy a worthy place in the official list of cocktails of the International Barmen Association.
Composition and proportions
The composition of the cocktail includes:
- bourbon - 50 ml;
- herbal tincture (angostura) - 5 ml;
- orange peel - 1 slice;
- refined sugar - 2 pieces;
- cocktail cherry - 1 berry;
- ice cubes - 200 grams.
Soda is optionally added. Its presence is not necessary at all, but it may appeal to those who find Old Fashion cocktails too strong.
Home cooking
In various variations, bourbon can be replaced with more affordable drinks: whiskey, cognac, brandy. It happens that getting an angostura is not easy, so instead of it they often use liqueur “Cointreau” or “Jägermeister”. They are more common and not so expensive. Soda is usually replaced with a simple mineral water.
Cooking
In a chilled low glass, add the refined sugar and wet it with herbal tincture. When the sugar is saturated, knead it with a spoon or a special madeler. We fill the glass to the top with ice cubes. Pour the required amount of bourbon, stir. Garnish with cherry and zest.
This cocktail is usually served as an aperitif. If desired, it can be slightly diluted with mineral water in order to lower the degree.