One of the most iconic classic cocktails is the Old Fashioned. While some combination of alcohol, sugar, and bitters has been around for hundreds of years, the history of the Old Fashioned specifically likely dates back to the 1860s, when its original recipe did not include whiskey, but rather gin (via Thrillist). Since then, it has evolved into the simple yet quintessential bar cocktail we know today. According to Difford’s Guide, its recognizable orange peel did not make an appearance with the Old Fashioned until after the years of Prohibition in America. Nowadays, you will not find a proper Old Fashioned without the garnish added.
Making an Old Fashioned is relatively straightforward and any aspiring home mixologist should be able to master it in no time. In fact, any well-stocked home bar should already have the essential ingredients: sugar, water, bitters, and whiskey, only necessitating a trip to the grocery store to pick up your orange for the garnish. If you want to rise to the occasion and mix your drinks like the professionals, make sure you have large ice cubes stocked in your freezer. Take your beverage to the next level and impress all of your friends the next time they come over with a round of Old Fashioned cocktails (and make sure you have the correct glassware on hand).