The Perfect Old Fashioned

How to make the Best Old Fashioned Cocktail at home.
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The first documented use of the word "cocktail" comes from the May 13th 1806 edition of The Balance And Columbian Repository which printed it's definition like this: " A potent concoction of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar."
The story of the modern Old Fashioned goes something like this: A guy walk into the Pendennis Club sometime in the mid 1880's and sidles up to the bar. He asks the bartender for a drink in the Old Fashioned way. The Bartender, knowing that this guy doesn't want an improved whiskey cocktail (the drink which emerged in the wake of slings) makes this guy a bittered sling, but where this drink deviates is that he puts it on ice, which by now was available widely, and garnishes with a twist of orange, adding the essential oils of the fruit. The Old fashioned was born!
There are many ways to make an Old Fashioned and this video is just one of those ways. And of course it's my favorite. I will though from now on be posting various other recipes for an old fashioned . Some from important cocktail bars and others from bartenders and some from you guys. So comment below and let us know your favorite Old Fashioned build!
I want to state now that I got a date wrong. The Pendennis Club was opened in 1881 not 1861 as I previously thought. It's a small mistake and not worth a reshoot. That puts the modern old fashioned creation in the mid 1880's. So don't get all crazy about the mistake, I am a creature of accuracy so i am correcting myself here.
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Here's The Specs:
2oz Rye Whiskey
1 Sugar Cube
4 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Dash Soda Water
Orange and Lemon Twist
Luxardo Cherry Garnish
If you want buy the glassware we're using you can find it here: amzn.to/2C5VoTq
More of the tools and books we use can be found in our Amazon Store
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[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Tutorial starts: 3:01

[@stebterp]

i love you

[@doctorx0079]

I know this video is old now, but just for the record, David Wondrich has proven that the Old Fashioned was not created or named at the Pendennis Club. The Old Fashioned is attested to in print several years before the Pendennis Club opened. Although the Club still likes that story.

[@majormackenzie834]

Now I know why Gordon Ramsay is successful, the way he present a dish idea. Share the methods, and camera and cuts

[@johnirby8847]

The drink is also 100% wrong

[@Rickflairshair]

John Irby: can you explain how the drink he made is wrong? I am just getting into different cocktails and would like to know.

[@BenPole90]

This is like if Nick Miller actually cared about his job.

[@loblit05]

Actually, I think he looks like Mike, the bar owner

[@gregusmc2868]

The fact that you DO take the time to give your viewers the history of the drinks you’re making is what sets you at the top of the heap for me. There’s lots of people like me, who majored in early American history in college, and love the extra effort you put into researching the origins of these concoctions! Let those people who don’t want to hear it skip ahead so when they order one at a bar and someone asks them a question about it, they can sit and realize ignorance is NOT always bliss! 🥂

[@ryanmccreanor7434]

100% you gotta know what your drinking

[@shanthagopian7559]

If you think simply not knowing - or even caring - what the history behind a drink is is ignorance then I must say my friend, you're living in bliss yourself.

[@SuperSlimshady1]

Preach I'll see u at the bar I'll be the guy holding the old fashioned

[@gregusmc2868]

@@shanthagopian7559 Yeah. Why take the time to learn anything. What a waste of time! I just wanna get hammered and sit at the end of the bar and drool. Monty Python has a song-“How sweet to be an idiot, as harmless as a cloud.”…

[@shanthagopian7559]

@@gregusmc2868 What does having a drink without knowing its history have to do with ones willingness to learn. Damn man fet off your high horse just cause you know some trivia.

[@MyPancho1]

During my lifetime (and I'm over 65 now) my old man only spoke of his part in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge (Korea) twice maybe three times. It's the kind of storytelling that doesn't need retelling much. I find myself nursing a deep Old Fashioned whenever the memory washes over me. It's my favorite drink for sure. He will have been carrying shrapnel for 69 years in September or October this year from earning his second Oak Leaf Cluster there. A few months recovering in Japan and he was good as new. Here's to 92 year old PSG Payne and seriously good Old Fashioned cocktails...Cheers!

[@dankauffman2159]

god bless your old man. Cheers from Canada friend!

[@RichnSue27]

Great story -thanks for sharing about your father and his service to our great country!

[@CB-sh1zr]

Cheers to you and your father!!

[@davidsaldanha7266]

Don't stop the history of each cocktail! I really appreciate it!

[@jeteye97]

I clicked on this because who needed 7+ minutes to make an Old Fashioned. Turns out the history was interesting and the details and options were very well presented. Nicely done, sir. Slainte!

[@johnirby8847]

Everything he said is literally incorrect...2 oz rye whiskey, half a sugar cube, 2 dashes angostura, 2 dashes orange bitters, orange peel, lemon peel, gigantic ice cube that better not melt. IF YOU MUDDLED ANYTHING, CONGRATULATIONS...YOU DID NOT MAKE AN OLD FASHIONED! No ONE muddled ANYTHING when that drink was created...

[@SundownTE]

Your approach to the OF is by far the best one I've come across on KZbin. And I like to impress my friends with liquor lore, so don't be stingy with the history!

[@beaurobinson6074]

SundownTE check out a new channel called Bar Skool. Better history.

[@anonymoususer9215]

Still 100% wrong

[@johnirby8847]

110% wrong...

[@thewhiskeybarrel9603]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3yTpoScf6yEprM

[@samwilcox10]

This is my favorite old fashioned ever. This channel is the best bartending KZbin. And I watch A LOT of bartending KZbin channels. I know I can always trust the educated barfly with recipes.

[@joshstead6078]

Definitely a yes to an Old Fashioned series, there are some people doing really interesting variations out there and it would be great to catalogue a lot of them here

[@joshuacaulfield]

Please keep the history portion, it elevates the show. 😊

[@RussellJohnson-ux9iv]

The old fashioned is what brought me to making my own cocktails at home.

[@drinkingineasterneurope6947]

same with me. it was pain to find bitters here in my country but i did and got me started

[@dankauffman2159]

it's so much fun. I love cooking as well. Cocktails is like cooking with booze. I just wish I could make them for my friends. Once this is over, I'm going to get so many friends ripped on my delish cocktails. \

[@theninjafry]

History is pretty fascinating, I'm glad you included it

[@fcernig33]

Leandro, the Old Fashioned is my HANDS DOWN favorite whiskey cocktail. It is a default setting for me when I want a whiskey cocktail.

[@anonymoususer9215]

Actually that is exacy what this drink is called. A whiskey cocktail, NOT an Old Fashioned.

[@snehanathan9575]

I like the way you talk about history of cocktails. Love your videos. Thanks keep making it this way with histories to it.

[@icanwatchthevideos]

Great video. The short and sweet cocktail histories are what set you apart from other similar channels, it's fantastic! I've been home for a bit and have been making OFs for my parents based off of your old video and I happened to be using the rye you used in this video. The fiery punch definitely comes through nice and strong at the beginning.

[@TheKlokan44]

Thanks- lots of technique shown and this will definitely improve my Old Fashion preparation in the future. Cheers !

[@elizabethgeorge168]

YES PLEASE! More Old Fashioned recipes. Also, I like your addition of lemon. Presentation looks beautiful!

[@ethansnyder8396]

Keep it coming with the history, man! One of the many reasons I keep watching!!!

[@kwesty1]

Interesting! Thank you for sharing. I actually like orange bitters in mine. Great idea on having guest recipes. Happy to share mine

[@drenRa]

This is one of my favorite cocktails so I'm glad you threw the history bit in there. Been making them at home ever since I had one at a local bar so would love to hear the different variations that are out there so I can try them. Awesome vid!

[@matthewdavis9654]

I love hearing the history. I've watched 20 videos tonight. Your the only one who took the time to explain it. Thank you.

[@ericg6421]

I love Old Fashioned. It’s my go-to-drink. Thanks for the history lesson as well. I’ve always used simple sugar but have recently used raw cane turbinado sugar giving it an extra sweet kick as it melts with the ice and bourbon as you have suggested. I’ve always associated adding a cherry with the ‘Manhattan‘ (being that I’m originally from New York City). I’ll try adding it next time.

[@hank6887]

The old fashion with fresh corn liquior is my favorite mix drink , thanks for the video

[@sandrales1351]

I would LOOOVE to see an Old Fashioned series! And it's such a good idea to bring in bar tenders from different bars. The old fashioned is my new favorite cocktail and it would be so cool and interesting to learn other peoples' preferred recipes. And never skimp on the history lesson if you can! : )

[@sharksguai5265]

this would be great i got some really good mezcal old fashions so i always enjoy creativity when i see it

[@223rocks]

Was just at James Pepper distillery. Got the same story so you nailed it. Loved their bourbon! Thanks for this video.

[@thibaultlonguet4176]

Been doing it for years with simple sirup out of laziness but you convinced me to try the sugar cube version tonight !

[@ricarlorichards9200]

I like how I get a history listen on each cocktail. Makes me feel more informed

[@joshuaroode3885]

Well done! An excellent rendition of the old fashioned.

[@rbagley66]

I really enjoy the history about the drinks.

[@taz200032]

Definitely my favorite drink. Cant beat that classic taste

[@thomasgrim4325]

well done! i love a good old fashion and this video is superb! Thanks

[@xXWesticlesXx]

I'm a new bartender and I am learning that I have a great appreciation for the history of cocktails and the ceremony involved in classic cocktail preparation. Love the work your doing.

[@vvillar4225]

My friend Dave send me over here such a good tutorial thank you! He is a great bartender just like you

[@DudeManLarry]

Loved the video and explanation. Subbed! Cheers!

[@ramencurry6672]

Sugar cube is great and I love it. Recently I’ve substituted it with a few drops of maple syrup and it was also really good.

[@jamesjefferson7390]

Love the history lessons, you guys a crushing it on this channel. Keep it up!

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Thanks James.

[@BenVowlesAEIOU]

Awesome tutorials! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@JezzuZZ7FReaKK]

Oh my god. Someone who talks about the grainy evolution of an old fashioned. I. Am. Impressed. I can tell you have enjoyed your fair share. Ive always used a bourbon, I guess Im getting a bottle of rye next!

[@Asba77]

Such a superb old fashioned recipe 👏👏👏

[@richieluong]

I love the history input in these videos

[@brucestubbert6608]

If you love the history of the old fashioned or other drinks check out how to drink it's amazing and full of history the mix drinks are spot on as well

[@richieluong]

@@brucestubbert6608 thanks Bruce, I'm already subscribed to how to drink as well!

[@dan32m07]

Great recipe. I think the overproof whiskey is overlooked by many. Makes a huge difference toward the evolution of the drink

[@gunsup0331]

that this video only has 10k likes is astounding. Brother you are doing great work and ive seen it evolve on the gram. im finally bartending in a craft cocktail setting and you have helped tremendously

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Thanks for the support! It’s much appreciated!

[@batmanforawhile]

Guys guys. Everyone one knows the correct recipe is to muddle an orange wedge with two maraschino cherries and some sugar with the handle of a wooden spoon before adding an imaginary dash of butters. Then add some ice and a quart of jim beam and awkwardly transfer between two pint glasses (make sure you spill a whole lot on the bench) then serve.

[@Acujeremy]

You're wrong. You don't add "imaginary dash of butters" you add margarine.

[@Jack-ts4wq]

Well he did say that there are plenty of ways people make an old fashioned

[@destroyermaker]

@@Jack-ts4wq And then there's the correct way.

[@Camelotskin]

He stated it was his version of an Old Fashioned and can be made many ways.

[@tylerjj7643]

when no one gets the cr1tikal reference but I come to the rescue 8 months later

[@arnoband2867]

Love this old fashion variation! Simple yet complex. My self like to do half orange and angostura bitters. Great work keep this videos coming and I’ll keep drinking them, cheers!

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Thanks!

[@USAFraimius]

Agreed. Two dashes each of angostura and orange bitters works very well. (I like Fee's West Indian Orange Bitters.) Another variation is to use something like Crown Vanilla--much sweeter, but very smooth.

[@DrivingWithJake]

Watched before, had to watch again! Time to make myself one now. :D Had one last night and yummy!

[@ng1565]

Absolutely the correct method !

[@GreatBritiain]

I think of all the videos you've done this is probably going to be the one that gets the most debate. Every man and his dog has a different recipe for their Old Fashioned, and everyone seems to be very passionate that their's is best. I actually ran a bar for a bit over a year that had a backbar of over 300 different spirits, and an equal amount of bitters. Each bottle on the backbar had it's own bottle of bitters assigned, and I had a menu detailing every set combination. Really showed just how many different flavour combinations you can get from such a simple, three ingredient drink. To give my two cents on it as well, my perfect Old Fashioned went as such: 30mL Bulleit Rye 30mL Eagle Rare 10mL Simple Syrup 4 Dash Angostura Bitters 4 Dash Orange Bitters Orange Zest to Garnish I've never agreed with putting Soda Water into an Old Fashioned, it's something I've only seen in the America, not over here in Australia, and I am one of those who dislikes the grainy texture you get from using a sugar cube as opposed to a syrup, but each to his own,. I believe if you're making the drink for yourself then however you like it is the right way to make it.

[@jamesdakrn]

The key difference betweent he sugar cube vs. syrup is that w/ the cube it gets sweeter toward the end as it doesn't dissolve 100% . So your first sip will be the strongest and will give you a kick, and the last sip will be much sweeter. I think it's just a matter of preference at that point

[@StevetheBartender_]

I’m not a fastidious drinker so I’ll take either cubes or syrup version 😆

[@jeffbrownme2]

I like this. Never heard to actually mix a rye with a smoother bourbon. But I mean I'm also a fan of Eagle Rare in general. Can't stomach Bulleit outside of a cocktail so may try this mix later.

[@enkidude]

What bar is this? Would like to browse their menu for inspiration. Thank you

[@destroyermaker]

Mixing alcohols particularly different types concerns me but otherwise good stuff.

[@davidleamy7564]

Yes, please make a ton of old fashioneds!

[@denveraspen]

Great to see a professional do it.

[@paulfamechon]

Yep, awesome construction. 👍

[@realcorkdan]

nice work bro , love the history background too for context ☘️👍

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Daniel Connolly thank you so much!!

[@MrChickster12]

Great video... enjoy the history

[@OneEyedKeys]

Looks Great! I myself prefer to softly muddle my Luxardo cherry with the sugar cube and bitters, spark the orange zest with a match afterwards, and sometimes I include a dash of Whiskey Barrel Bitters, or even Orange Bitters. I'm all about the sugar cube, shot of soda, large ice cube and orange rind rub on the lip of the glass, AND the use of over-proof rye as opposed to Bourbon. So we are on the same branch of the Old Fashioin tree, just two different twigs. Great job!

[@crazydubwise]

This is the one an real old fashioned. No mistakes. Well done!

[@geomondiale1768]

I think this is the best KZbin old fashioned recipe I've seen! Also, I like how you've used the over proof to compensate for dilution and the classic sugar cube

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Thanks, we agree :)

[@chrisbeaton4890]

thanks for the video..gonna try this with some Old grand dad bottled in Bond ! Cheers !

[@ayyrazza]

Woah deja vu! I think this one is better tho. You should make a series on the different old fashions! Its endless what you can do. But I would stay away from similar ones if they are similar have them in the same vid! Keep doing ya thang Leandro

[@warrenbriggs6757]

Thanks for the great videos

[@paulsheridan6320]

6:44 now let's take a SIP'V it. I love this guy 😂

[@lovingatlanta]

👍Terrific demo. Thanks. I’ve seen a s heard of it being made so many different ways. 👍Yes, a video of different types of Old Fashions would be terrific. Thanks. 💞

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

If you want to try some variations, we have done: Oaxaca Old Fashioned Flapjack Old Fashioned Irish Old Fashioned Improved Whiskey Cocktail Monte Carlo Cock 'N Bull Special Fancy Free

[@lovingatlanta]

The Educated Barfly - 👍Thank you so much. This is great. I’m thinking about doing an Old Fashion cocktail party so people I know can branch out and know the “original original” and all of the variations. 😋🤤I’ve been binge watching your videos. I love your style. 💞

[@MLI0369]

Nicely done. History is important too. Thanks

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Thanks Fernando.

[@californialove8185]

Well done. I have a bar cart at home and I like Mixing drinks for my Fiancé. This looks dope. Thank you.

[@nicolew231]

So happy to live in a time where I don't have to drink rough spirits. 🍸

[@slowbrew3074]

that looks very good... i kinda follow my grandfather's recipe which is 4 dashes Angostura bitters on the sugar cube drop the cherry in with the syrup and muddle together add 2 oz bourbon and 1 oz rye i can not remember the bourbon or rye he used but i use markers mark and old Forrester rye i also added 2 dashes of orange bitters....

[@Firewalker688]

I like it! I need one now!!!

[@SirTaxin]

I searched for this on your channel yesterday ... Boom there i have it. :-)

[@murilo9992]

I think the backstory to a drink is one of the most cool things about cocktails. I like that you tell it on your videos!

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Thank you

[@JamesSmith-qv9qo]

This is a dope old fashioned!

[@alandavalos1181]

Thank you sir! I’m hooked to your channel.

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Alan Davalos hey thanks! Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@SuperSlimshady1]

Loved it!

[@klaudhennessy4825]

Old fashions are my favorite cocktail. Never gets old.

[@Barprints]

Nothing better when you want a good, spirit forward cocktail!

[@adamdavis7663]

I'm a big history guy, so I really enjoy when you show the origins of the cocktails you make. So keep up the history lessons please. And thanks.

[@beaurobinson6074]

Adam Davis check out Bar Skool

[@irobbie23]

Thanks for the great videos and history! I’d love to see an Old Fashioned series and would be curious to learn how the typical Wisconsin OF evolved. The Ed. Barfly version wins in my opinion.

[@dennischiapello3879]

That’s a proper Old Fashioned! I appreciated your defense of the sugar cube, too. I’ll save my simple syrup for Sazeracs.

[@venictos]

Well done!

[@JerzeyJ3]

Nicely done and appreciated. 100 proof rye is pretty bold but I’ll give it a try.

[@Necron96]

Please do the old fashioned series! They are my favorite drinks and I'm always looking for new ways to make them.

[@JC-fj7oo]

If that ice cube were any more badass, it would have a record label.

[@rodw4356]

Easy to make your own at home

[@badangitydingdang]

I’m with you on the sugar cube I like to use it in my palomas too but I also use fresh grapefruit with a top off of Fresca

[@ceasarchiriboga8227]

History is fascinating

[@roccos2311]

First bartending shift today, I lied about my experience and I’m using you to supplement my lack of knowledge. Wish me luck lol

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Great video

[@1862henry]

Tried my first old fashioned with bourbon instead of rye, but still it’s a really good drink, and the first cocktail I actually really like.

[@jkobstube4314]

Just tried it, but with Bourbon (cause I don't have Rye atm) and with maple syrup, cause I don't really like the undissolved, grainy texture. But nonetheless it was utterly delicious, the two peels and combination of bitters really elevate it compared to a "normal" Old fashioned, I love it!

[@NMrick505]

Just your demeanor, approach and style along with the back story caused me to click Subscribe.

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

Thank you Rick!

[@beautilfuldoveonearth5447]

Gosh this is do beautiful

[@pjfan173]

Well done

[@paladonis]

Just subbed after seeing you on How to Drink. Old fashioned are one of my favorites, though I don't add the cherry and have done orange peel and orange bitters and the orange bitters have been the best. I know taste is subjective, as kinda pointed out at the start of the video. I also love using Old Forester Rye. Nice high proof rye that takes ice really well. The other thing I have gotten into is adding all the ingredients to a shaker and shaking them together, then pouring them over ice. It works great with real sugar and mixing too! This chills it down, without as much dilution and the ice ball just maintains the drink temp to keep it colder, longer. I live in AZ so keeping things colder, longer is a good thing. =P I look forward to seeing more videos by you and researching the older videos (as I am watching now)

[@dennischiapello3879]

I use orange zest but not bitters. I think I’ll start adding a dash or two of orange bitters along with Angostura. Thanks for the idea.

[@paladonis]

@@dennischiapello3879 No problem! I hope you enjoy it!

[@DaMainDude]

This is actually also my favorite way to enjoy an old-fashioned 👍

[@Paul-dx8sy]

Another vote for the Old Fashioned series. There are dozens of variations and it would be really nifty to see some different perspectives compared.

[@puffypenguin323]

The same way you like the grainy texture, I like the silky texture that rich simple syrup provides. So my preferred recipe is this: 2 oz rye (maybe bourbon sometimes depending how I’m feeling) 1 tsp 2:1 rich simple syrup (made from cane sugar, not white) 3 dashes Angostura bitters 2 dashes Fee Brothers orange bitters Same garnish as you, except I normally omit the cherry if I don’t have my homemade ones (I need to get around to ordering some luxardo ones). Cheers!

[@larryburns7094]

Very nice

[@reptilianskin]

When I’m not drinking whisky neat, I’m drinking an old fashioned.

[@ericEsilva]

Great video! Does the kind of sugar cube matter? I really like the glass! Also, can you do video on proper technique for peeling your garnishes? I get nervous when I use that same peeler and sometimes it slips and almost cuts my finger as well as getting a too thin peel. Can find a video on that anywhere. You and other bartenders make it look so easy. Thanks in advance and can't wait for more videos!

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

There are few different sugar cubes and they have their purposes. For this it's just a standard white sugar cube. A Home Bar Basics video about peeling is coming very soon.

[@guilhermehauser9905]

Perfeito.

[@Kenobi487]

I didn’t know Zach Galifianakis was a bartender.

[@TheEducatedBarfly]

I do this show between two ferns.

[@Kenobi487]

The Educated Barfly best response 😂👌🏼

[@zakibarre7862]

I was wondering how he so familiar even though it's my first time watching 😂😂

[@paulsheridan6320]

and sounds like bradley cooper haha!

[@NinjaSushi2]

@@TheEducatedBarfly LOL NAILED IT!...

[@michaelprosperity3420]

Over Christmas I learned hot to make a rusty nail. Very enjoyable.

[@chriscanada175]

Some insight on the Rusty Nail- Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones says this was Bobby Keys 🎷 drink of choice and Keith would hang with Bobby as long as he could consuming them.

[@michaelprosperity3420]

@@chriscanada175 Try one. It's very enjoyable. 2 is my limit to make me comfortable.

[@chriscanada175]

@@michaelprosperity3420 oh I have and agree 2-3 and I’m good to go.

[@michaelprosperity3420]

@@chriscanada175 Cheers. I wonder when they will open the boarder between our countries. Do you guys have problems with Illegal Americans? LOL

[@chriscanada175]

@@michaelprosperity3420 don’t be fooled by my last name. I’ve been to Canada once - Toronto for SARS concert at Downsview Park concert.

[@christinecamley]

Perfection!!!

[@josearandoz9002]

I've seen a few different ones... yet another one to try

[@ChadWinters]

I like the history!