Ok, look, I am into the “craft cocktail” movement as much as the next girl and I had one of the very best Old Fashioneds I’ve ever had in my life, made by my friend Steve at The Morrison in L.A. recently. It was all fancy with a huge ice sphere and expensive bourbon and no cherry. I love getting these mixologist drinks when I’m out, but I’m no mixologist.
There is definitely something to this newish craft and I ain’t got it. But I like to drink at home! Without a lot of fanfare and for cheap. Plus I dig a cheesey retro vibe. So here’s how I make Old Fashioneds at home.
Put a spoonful of sugar into a glass. More or less depending on my mood for sweetness. Check it out, I used a stemless wine glass. OMG, no class. Then I put a couple drops of bitters onto the sugar. I followed a recipe once that called for three drops but that was too many for me, so I do two. Then I add one dreaded red dye #2 coated maraschino cherry. Just one! I once thought, hey, I love these horrible things, I’ll put in two. But it was not that good. So now I restrain myself (it’s hard) and only use one. Then a twist of orange peel and I muddle it with a spoon. Then I add an ounce or two of whatever bourbon, rye, or even whiskey I have on hand and some ice cubes. Sometimes I add water or sparkling water to top it off, depending on whether I want to stretch the drink or resign myself to having two (or more).
So there. An inexpensive, no fuss Old Fashioned for your daily drinking.
