The Old Fashioned - a cocktail that is so simple and yet everyone puts their own spin on it. Go to ten bars and order an Old Fashioned and I guarantee you’ll get ten different drinks. As for me, I got tired of always being surprised by “what Old Fashioned I was going to get today” and also drinking shitty Old Fashioneds. 

So I decided to make my own, and of course put my own spin on the classic drink. When I first tried making it is used the classic sugar cube, soaked it with bitters, muddled and mixed but it took so long! I wanted something delicious that I could whip up quickly when I felt like a good drink (which I often do after work each night). Mind you, this recipe does takes some time up front but is worth it in the end. Plus, makes enough for multiple drinks.

Prepare the Orange Simple Syrup

• Buy an orange/oranges. As weird as this sounds this step might be challenging. Going to the grocery store and purchasing an orange without knowing if it’s good or not sucks. I suggest buying a couple of types so you can try them when you get home. If the orange is good then proceed. If it’s not, don’t bother using it. Unfortunately, a good orange is important.

• Wash the orange(s) and cut the orange(s) into quarter inch slices. The end result is one orange slice will be resting in the bottom of your glass.

• Bring a pot of water to a light simmer and submerge the slices into the water. You don't want the water to boil too strongly because it will tear the orange apart.

• Boil for 3 minutes.

• Transfer oranges to an an ice bath (water and ice in a bowl)

• If the orange rinds are translucent you can move on to the next step. If the orange rinds are not translucent then repeat the process of boiling for 2 to 3 minutes longer.

• Once satisfied, keep the oranges in the ice bath.

• Take approximately two cups of the boiling water and add it to a saucepan

• Add one cup of white sugar. You can also play around and use raw sugar or honey (it's up to you). I would start with white sugar for the first batch. Once you're confident, you can play around with other ingredients to see if you like the drink better with alternative types of sugar.

• You are making orange flavoured simple syrup. Making simple syrup is a 2 to 1 ratio. Two parts water and one part of whatever sugar you choose.

• Let the oranges simmer for 30-40 minutes. If the oranges float, you can put something else in the saucepan to keep them fully submerged. Another pan or plate works well or you can flip them periodically. You're looking for the rind to be more translucent however you do not want the orange to start dissolving. The objective is to cook the rind to bring out its bitter flavor.

• Remove the oranges and set aside.

• Pour the syrup into a container like a measuring cup, add a few dashes of bitters, and stir.

• Continue adding bitters to taste. This should taste f***ing delicious.

• Pour the simple syrup mixture into a container, add the orange slices, seal it, and refrigerate.

• I try to let it sit for a couple of days (I know, it’s hard).

Let’s make the Old Fashioned!

Prepare the Old Fashioned

1. Add 1 oz of whisky (my current favourite for old fashioneds is Woodford Reserve). You can play around with this to figure out what you like best

2. Add 1 ounce of your orange simple syrup

3. Add one orange slice and muddle

4. Add ice (one large ice cube is recommended)

5. Add one more ounce of whisky. Remember 2 to 1 ratio

6. Stir and let it sit for 2 minutes

And Bob's your uncle, you have just made an Old Fashioned, Whisky Boss style.

Cheers,

The Whisky Boss