A Classic Whisky Cocktail – Old Fashioned:
I love the fact that classic cocktails – the kind that my dad used to make without too much hassle – are making a comeback. One classic whisky cocktail, an Old Fashioned is one of the best ways I know to enjoy a single malt, and it’s also incredibly simple to put together. Much as I love the ‘fine dining’ cocktails you get in London’s top bars, just as I enjoy a well-prepared steak or a platter of oysters with traditional service, cocktails like the ‘Old Fashioned‘ are classics for a reason.
What better excuse to indulge in practising my skills at making an Old Fashioned than Burns Night on 25th January – except that, an ‘Old Fashioned’ isn’t actually a drink from Scotland at all, but one which some say originated in Louisville Kentucky at the Pendennis Club in honour of Col. James E. Pepper . Of course, that means rather than being traditionally made with whisky, it would have been made with Bourbon whiskey. Other theories include that the classic whisky cocktail was named after a famous racehorse of the time called ‘Fashion’ or that it was simply the result of customers asking for their whiskey to be served the ‘old fashioned’ way. Whatever the truth, it wasn’t until 1895 that recipes were published for Old Fashioned cocktails, in George Kappeler’s book ‘Modern American Drinks’. Given the collection included a number of ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktails, for Whiskey, Brandy and Gin, it seems likely that the origin of the ‘Old Fashioned’ we know today was, quite simply, that customers were asking for their drinks to be served in a traditional form.
George Kappeler’s Whiskey Old Fashioned is quite simple. You need a lump of sugar, a little water, two dashes of Angostura bitters, ice and lemon peel. And, about 60ml of whiskey. All you do is dissolve the sugar in the water, before adding the remaining ingredients and mixing with a small bar-spoon. He suggested serving with the spoon in the glass.
Meanwhile, the lovely people at Glen Moray have been sharing their own Old Fashioned recipes with me. Last year, at about this time I shared the Port Cask Finish Old Fashioned, which is made with Earl Grey Syrup. This year, I’m going back to the classic and sharing a classic whisky cocktail recipe for an Old Fashioned. It’s one of those recipes which is so simple there are only a few things you can do to make it different but I do think it’s important to remember a few details.
Firstly, you need to use the right glass – a short tumbler. I’ve made mine in one of my Father’s old crystal glasses because I think he’d approve of this particular cocktail.
Secondly, the garnish of orange and a cocktail cherry is important.
Finally, although this would traditionally have been made with bourbon, I believe it’s the quality of the spirit which matters. Glen Moray is a classic whisky, a Speyside single malt, which is the starting point for a range of single malt whiskies. All Scotch Whisky must be matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years but is often matured much longer. Finishing, by transferring the whisky to empty casks that previously held other wines or spirits adds a depth of flavour from the interaction of the spirit with the wood of the cask.
Glen Moray, which celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2017, is still distilled in pot stills, from water and malted barley, then carefully matured in American oak casks. The result, a typical Single Malt from Speyside, is soft and fruity. Glen Moray has a peated whisky which is made by drying the barley with peat smoke before distillation. I am yet to try it but which my own island heritage (my Father’s side of the family comes from Mull and Skye) means I am likely to have a taste for it. There’s a sherry cask finish and a port cask finished whisky. And then there are the aged whiskies. Twelve, fifteen and eighteen year aged – that means the youngest whisky used is the stated age.
For a classic Old Fashioned whisky cocktail, I’d recommend using the Glen Moray Elgin Classic.
A classic whisky cocktail - The Old Fashioned
- 50 ml Glen Moray Elgin Classic
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 2 pieces Orange peel
- 2 Cocktail Cherries
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon Water
- Ice cubes
Take one piece of orange peel, squeeze it to express the zest and then rub the peel around the inside of a whisky tumbler.
Muddle the sugar cube, bitters and water in the tumbler until smooth
Add the cherries, with 3 ice cubes
Add half the whisky and stir well
Top the glass up with ice cubes and add the remaining whisky
Garnish with a twist of orange peel
A classic whisky cocktail - Old Fashioned
If you’d like to try for yourself, I’m delighted that Glen Moray has offered a stunning single malt whisky gift pack worth £25.
A bottle of signature Single Malt, aged for an average of seven years in ex-bourbon casks, the Elgin Classic is light, smooth and easy to drink. And, there are two whisky glasses included in the set which are perfect for making your own Old Fashioned or any other classic whisky cocktail. It’s all to celebrate Burns Night on 25th January.
Meanwhile, if you just can’t wait here’s where you can tet your hands on a bottle right now
Glen Moray Elgin Classic Single Malt Whisky is available from: Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Amazon, masterofmalt.com and thewhiskyexchange.com.
RRP: £20 for 70cl. ABV: 40%
The Glen Moray Elgin Classic Gift Pack is available from: Amazon, masterofmalt.com and houseofmalt.co.uk
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glen-moray/glen-moray-classic-with-2-glasses-whisky/
RRP: £25
Manhattan cocktail
Hot Toddy
a whisky mac
Whiskey Sour
I’ve only recently come across the Old fashioned Whisky cocktail, and this is now my favourite.
I like the Manhattan Cocktail
John Collins
I like a straight forward whiskey and coke
A Manhattan
Whisky Sour!
The Dramble…. a twist on an old cocktail called The Bramble…
Mint Julep
Old Fashioned
a Mint Julep is one of my favourites
What is your favourite classic Whisky cocktail?
The Libertine
I like a hot toddy in winter. I also like to put whisky in hot chocolate, which gives it a lovely warming flavour.
A Manhattan my fave x
I love Hot Toddies in winter, but if that’s not counted as a cocktail, I also love a Manhattan!
Whisky sour, perfect simplicity!
A Manhattan
Whisky old fashioned
Classic Manhattan
A whisky sour
Old Fashioned
A whisky old fashioned
The Sweet Manhattan cocktail as it’s so refreshing and my friends really like it too when they come over for a night in.
A Hot toddy!
an old fashioned mmmm
a velvet elvis!! mmmmm
Just like whisky neat with one ice cube
The Manhattan Cocktail, fab competition thanks for the chance x
mine is whiskey and coke x
A Velvet Elvis
A Rusty Nail
A Manhattan when im on Cunards QM2
I love a whiskey with ice and lemon
Old fashioned whiskey and coke 😋
I’d have to go for a Whiskey Mac – love them
Cocktails of any sort are a rare treat, however, I remember enjoying a whisky sour.
Manhattan
A whisky sour is my favourite
Od Fashioned
New York Sour
A Rusty Nail is my tipple
Brassmonkey
Quite Partial to a Rusty Nail
got to be whisky sour
Make mine a Manhattan please!
Whisky Sour!
whiskey and coke
Old Fashioned
The Manhattan Cocktail is my favourite.
I just like it neat
Would have to be Manhattan Cocktail.
Manhattan
Don’t drink Whisky, this would be for my son
Hot Toddy or Scotsman Colada
I always enjoy a whisky and coke served with ice
Whisky sour
Celtic Mix (Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, ginger and lemon).
A Whisky mac
has to be the classic whiskey and coke
Old Fashioned
classic manhattan
I like a Manhattan
The Mint Julep for me!
I love The Libertine
It just has to be a whisky sour for me
Manhattan
whiskey and coke
Manhattan
Scottish coffee
Love a Whisky Sour.
I love a classic whisky sour
I only ever drink whisky neat with ice or with ginger beer but the ‘old fasioned’ recipe does sound interesting so will have to give that a try
My favorite whisky cocktail is a Manhattan
You should never mess with whisky making cocktails! Straight is the only way to drink a whisky!
Manhattan Cocktail
An old fashioned. I was inspired to try it by Don Draper 😊
Whiskey Sour
Whisky sour does it for me
I have never had a whisky cocktail because I always drink it straight or with ginger, so your recipes are a nice idea for me to try out next time.
Whiskey Sour
whisky sour
whisky milk punch
old fashioned
love a Manhattan Cocktail
Manhattan Cocktail
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had whisky in a cocktail, I always just have it straight!
A whisky sour.
A whiskey sour
The Manhattan Cocktail for me 🙂
A Whisky Sour
Whisky Sour
can’t beat an Old Fashioned!
Whiskey Sour for me
manhattan
whisky mac – especially at this time of the year
i like the occasional whiskey & coke 🙂
Nice… 🙂
Manhattan Cocktail for me…
Rusty Nail for me.
it is an old-fashioned
I have to admit to never having tried a whisky cocktail so no favourites for me.
normally straight whisky and water but Fantastic ideas
Brass Monkey
An Old Fashioned is my favourite
I like a hot toddy i especially in the winter time
An old fashioned It’s really tasty
Can you believe I’ve never had a whiskey cocktail? Rum, gin, vodka yes but not whisky…. probly coz my partner drinks single malt and would probably consider it some form of sacrilege to have it with anything but a drop of water!
My favourite is a whisky sour
Can’t beat a Scotsman Colada , my favourite
A mint julep
I love a Manhattan
A whiskey sour for me
Whiskey sour
whisky sour
Whisky Mac (hot version) is my favourite.
I think mine is probably an Old Fashioned – but I’ve yet to meet a cocktail that I didn’t like 😀 XXX
Whiskey and Coke for me
I am a big fan of a whiskey sour although the egg puts me off! love to try this
Whisky Mac in this weather!
Whiskey Sour
I remember trying my first Manhattan in Luxor in Las Vegas; wasn’t keen to begin with but it grew on me and now every time I drink it it reminds me of my amazing trip 🙂
Me been Old Fashioned it has to be an Old Fashioned
Whiskey sour!
A Manhatttan 🙂
Whisky sour
I don’t have a favourite Whisky cocktail. I prefer just whisky and ice
Whisky sour.
Whisky mac
A Manhattan
Whiskey Sour
Whisky sour
I like a Manhattan
A Manhattan for me please 🙂
The Golden Dram
The Mint Julep
Whiskey soar
Has to be a Manhattan
Highball
A Whisky Mac
I love a Whiskey Sour 🥃
A Whiskey Sour
I do like a Manhattan, but I usually have my whisky neat xx
Whisky Sour for me
I love a Scotsman Colada cocktail super refreshing and full of flavour!
I ilke whiskey and lemonade
Whisky Sour!
Old Fashioned
Hot Toddy are fantastic
A Whiskey Sour x
a whisky mac!
My fave is a Manhattan
A Manhattan for me !
fabulous!
Whiskey Sour or a desert Cranachan with a bit of whisky in the oats
We aren’t whisky fans, but I suspect my partner’s Dad would like this Old Fashioned, he likes an occasional dram.
a whisky mac
Either a Manhattan or recently I’m partial to a Rob Roy.
old fashioned, or lynchburg lemonade
I love to drink whisky in a Scotsman Colada Cocktail.
I like whiskey sour
My signature drink has always been Manhattan
hot toddy when I’m feeling a bit low
Manhattan cocktail
whiskey sour
A whisky sour – but to be honest I’d rather drink whisky neat
Manhattan Cocktail
Manhattan for sure!
The Libertine
Manhattan. Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail for me x
Manhattan!
A Whiskey Mac. Drank several over Crimbo.
Manhattan Cocktail
A Manhattan
Whisky sour
The Godfather………..
I really don’t think I have ever had a whisky cocktail to tell you what my favourite is! One to try in 2019 I think!
Manhattan 🙂
The good old Old Fashioned.
gin,soda and fresh lime
A libertine would go down nicely
I love a whiskey sour 💕