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Old-fashioneds were originally named after the whiskey that served as the main ingredient. Today, however, Old-fashioneds can be made with several different kinds of whiskey( Canadian, rye, or bourbon, etc.), each giving the drink its own distinct flavor. For me, a traditional Old-fashioned is made with bourbon whiskey. Here's the recipe:

2 ounces of bourbon (Knob Creek gives this recipe a smoky complex flavor)

2 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 splash of water
1 teaspoon of sugar
twist of lemon and one lemon peel

In the bottom of an Old-fashioned glass (a short, stout rocks glass) muddle the sugar, water, bitters, and lemon peel until the sugar becomes a thin paste. Add ice cubes and whiskey, and garnish with a twist of lemon. This recipe is not stirred or mixed because the drink is intended to start with the intensity of the bourbon and end with the sweetness of the sugar.

This is only one basic recipe, however, and there are many variations. Some prefer their Old-fashioned stirred to combine the sugar with the whiskey to make a sweeter drink. For more fruit flavor, muddling an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry instead of a lemon peel gives the bourbon a mild but well-rounded flavor. Cherry and bourbon are an excellent flavor match, and a cherry garnish is always good with bourbon-based drinks.

Many people prefer to mix their Old-fashioneds with Canadian or rye whiskey instead of bourbon. If you decide to make yours with Canadian whiskey, adding one teaspoon of triple sec and a dash of lemon juice instead of the water is a delicious combination. Jack Daniels and one ounce of fresh orange juice substituted for the water also makes a wonderfully smooth Old-fashioned. If you prefer sweeter drinks, omit the water from the drink, and instead float a dash of ginger-ale, Sprite, or 7-Up on the top of the drink. For a less sweet drink, but one that has a little pizazz, omit the water and sugar in the recipe and instead use a splash of simple syrup when muddling, and add a splash of Perrier before adding the whiskey.

This drink is one that exhibits the best of the whiskey by combining it with complimentary flavors of Angostura bitters, sugar, citrus, and if using bourbon whiskey, cherry. This drink is best for fans of whiskey, but for those who haven't developed an appreciation for the blessings of a well-crafted, barrel-aged liquor, an Old-fashioned featuring fruit and Sprite will please the taste buds.

Learn more about this author, Erin K. Wiedemer.
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