Old Fashioneds have been around since 1895. I can almost hear a gravelly voiced grandpa type telling me how I have it a lot easier than he did. Maybe it was the strong punch that this classic drink gives that gave his generation the chutzpah to keep forging on!
1 sugar cube
3 dashes of bitters
2 teaspoons water
1 strip lemon zest
1 small wedge orange (save some of the peel to garnish with!)
as many maraschino cherries as you damn well please
2 ounces bourbon
Club soda
Ice
Another cherry for garnish!
Here’s what you do!
Combine the sugar cube, bitters, water, lemon zest, orange wedge and cherry (or if you’re like me, 3 cherries!) to the bottom of an old fashioned glass. (Yes, the drink is so iconic, the glass is named after it!) Use a small spoon to muddle the cube into the liquids so the sugar will begin to dissolve.
Add ice to the glass and top with bourbon and club soda and stir well. What the hell, throw another cherry on there for garnish! Also, take some remaining orange peel and let it float in the drink. It’s pretty, and adds flavor.
Enjoy!