The Old-Fashioned Cocktail

On a recent trip to NYC with a my husband and a group of thirteen friends, and friends of friends, the most ordered cocktail was hands-down the Old-Fashioned.  Loved equally by sleazy men in dark bars and grandmothers, this drink is possibly the original cocktail, and it's made a comeback.

There are a couple of versions: the Dixie Old-Fashioned, Rum Old-Fashioned, Brandy Old-Fashioned, but I'll share the tried and true recipe for a typical Old-Fashioned from my trusty The Complete Book of Mixed Drinks by Anthony Dias Blue.

Old-Fashioned
2 maraschino cherries
2 orange slices
5 dished of bitters
1 teaspoon sugar
1-1/2 ounces bourbon
Splash of soda

In a rocks glass, place 1 cherry, 1/2 slice of orange, bitters, and sugar.  Muddle until the mixture is well ground.  Add the bourbon and a splash of soda while still mixing.  Fill the glass with ice.  Garnish with the remaining cherry and orange slices.

The jury's still out on whether all that muddling is necessary.  Some argue that the fruit should only be used as a garnish (Dixie Old-Fashioned), but if you're feeling adventurous mix  a few versions, and see for yourself, or better yet, invite the neighbors over on this snowy Sunday night and have an Old-Fashioned taste test.