Thirsty Thursday: #tbt with an Old Fashioned Cocktail

By: Kelsey Vala

It’s more than just alliteration; it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

This Thursday we are throwing back (#tbt) to a classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned, a perennial classic dating back to the 1880s. And it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time ,with it’s ideal blend of sweet, aromatic and smoky flavors coming together in one smooth sip.

Start by muddling an orange slice with a maraschino cherry, a dash of Angostura bitters and a sprinkle of sugar in a glass to break up the cherry and fully release the oils in the orange slice. Add bourbon, and then finish with a splash of soda water to mellow the bite of the bourbon. Serve this ever-classy cocktail on the rocks for a chilled beverage that will elevate any evening.

Bottoms up, folks!

Old Fashioned courtesy of The Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York, New York

Ingredients:

  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Few drops of Angostura bitters
  • A splash of soda water to muddle ingredients
  • 2 1/2 ounces rye or bourbon

Directions:

In a mixing glass, muddle orange slice, cherry, sugar, bitters and a little soda water: using a muddler, push around and break up cherry and orange until flavor is released.

Add soda water so cherry is wet and sugar is melted. Add bourbon or rye and serve over rocks, if desired.

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