We love savoring the smooth balanced flavors of an Old Fashioned that reminds us of days gone by. This timeless cocktail’s roots go back to the 1800s and it’s stayed popular for good reason. We boost its profile with a sweet yet subtle twist using demerara syrup for extra depth
We appreciate how demerara sugar lends a warm caramel note. Each sip feels like a nod to classic cocktail culture so we raise our glasses to this enduring drink. Let’s keep the spirit of tradition alive one delicious pour at a time
Tools & Equipment
- Bar Spoon: Essential for mixing whiskey demerara syrup and bitters thoroughly
- Mixing Glass: Allows us to combine ingredients with control
- Jigger: Delivers exact measurements that create balanced flavor
- Rocks Glass: Traditional vessel that showcases the Old Fashioned’s color and aroma
- Strainer: Useful for keeping stray ice shards out of the final pour
- Vegetable Peeler: Helps carve garnishes that infuse fresh citrus oils
Ingredients
We gather a handful of essentials for our Old Fashioned. These items ensure a warm and balanced flavor profile.
For The Demerara Syrup
- 1 cup demerara sugar
- 1 cup water
- (Optional) 1 cinnamon stick for extra warmth
For The Old Fashioned
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 bar spoon Demerara Syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube or 2 smaller cubes
- 1 orange peel for garnish
Directions
Let us bring everything together. We will craft our Old Fashioned step by step.
Make The Demerara Syrup
| Ingredient | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Demerara sugar | 2 parts |
| Water | 1 part |
| Cinnamon stick optional | 1 |
- We place 2 parts of demerara sugar and 1 part water in a small saucepan
- We add one cinnamon stick if we want extra warmth
- We stir gently over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves
- We remove the pan from heat once the syrup thickens slightly
- We let it cool then we transfer it to a sealed jar
Assemble The Old Fashioned
- We fill our mixing glass with fresh ice
- We add 2 ounces of whiskey
- We add 0.25 ounces of the demerara syrup
- We add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- We stir for about 20 seconds to combine and chill
- We strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube
- We twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils
- We may garnish with the cinnamon stick for extra aroma
Conclusion
We love how the warm sweetness of demerara syrup adds depth to every sip. This recipe blends a rich culinary heritage with a modern twist so we’re excited to keep this time-honored tradition alive.
We encourage everyone to experiment with garnishes and subtle flavor additions. Each Old Fashioned we make is a chance to celebrate a ritual that’s been cherished for generations. We can’t wait for you to raise a glass in honor of this enduring classic.