A classic staple of any bar worth its simple syrup, the Old Fashioned is a consistent favourite. Many consider this to be one of the oldest cocktails - unchanged for over 150 years. The first use of the term 'cocktail' is dated to the early 1800s, referring to a drink made of a spirit mixed with sugar, water and bitters. The Old Fashioned is essentially a variation of this basic cocktail, with the addition of muddled fruit and a garnish.

The exact origins are murky, but it is commonly believed the drink first appeared in the early 19th century in the United States. The Old Fashioned was originally a whiskey-based drink that was made by bartenders in the early 19th century as a way to improve the taste of harsh and low-quality spirits. By adding sugar, water, and bitters, the whiskey would become more palatable.

Like with all cocktails, there is a bar that holds the legend of its creation. For the Old Fashioned it is believed its first appearance was at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky in the late 1800s.

See below the ingredient and steps to serving yourself a glass of this classic drink.

Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 tsp simple syrup or 1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bittersOrange peelIce
Maraschino cherry (optional)

Instructions:
Start by adding the simple syrup or sugar cube to the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass.
Add two dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the sugar.
Add a splash of water to the glass and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add a large ice cube to the glass.
Pour in 2 ounces of your preferred bourbon or rye whiskey.
Use a vegetable peeler to cut a strip of orange peel, twist it to release its oils, and then drop it into the glass.
Stir the drink with a cocktail spoon until it's well mixed and chilled.If you like, you can garnish with a maraschino cherry.
And that's it! Enjoy your classic and perfectly balanced Old Fashioned.

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