The Irish Old Fashioned elevates the classic cocktail with the inclusion of a smooth and poetic spirit from the Emerald Isle.
If ever a cocktail had a perfect name, it would be the Old Fashioned. Coming into existence sometime in the 1800s, when forward-thinking barkeeps began to mix rye whiskey with a little water, sugar and bitters, the Old Fashioned is one of the earliest known mixed drinks to be served at taverns and pubs. It didn’t really become an actual thing until bartenders began to notice that, whenever they played around with the formula, their customers would ask them to try again, but to make it the “old-fashioned way” next time. Sticking with what the people liked and referred to the drink as, the recipe and name for the Old Fashioned became official.
No classic drink is immune to people experimenting with the recipe. As I mentioned above, it’s how folks realized they liked what they liked, specifically their Old Fashioned not to be altered. And yet, over the decades since its invention, there are a good number of different styles of Old Fashioned tipples you can order or make at home.
A traditional version of tonight’s drink will use rye whiskey, and sometimes bourbon. This lends some spicy, peppery notes with the rye, and a smokier sip when bourbon is the base. But we’ll be making an Irish Old Fashioned, which naturally calls for an Irish whiskey. Your cocktail still keeps the full-bodied and robust flavor of the historic concoction, but with a buttery smooth texture that Irish whiskey is known for.
What Is The Best Irish Whiskey To Use In An Irish Old Fashioned?
You probably won’t have too difficult a time when choosing an Irish whiskey for your cocktail. Jameson, of course, is the most well-known, as is Bushmills. Both are steadfast choices and make for great sippers on their own, too. If you feel like splashing out, a bottle of Redbreast single pot is a little more expensive, but an incredible spirit.
Ingredients
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- A splash of water
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions
- In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Angostura bitters, orange bitters and a splash of water.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the Irish whiskey. Stir until chilled.
- Garnish with an orange twist and serve.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?
A rocks or Old Fashioned glass with a large, clear cocktail cube is the ideal way to drink this beverage. Garnish with an orange peel.
CAN I SHAKE, NOT STIR, AN IRISH OLD FASHIONED?
I recommend sticking with stirring, as it won’t dilute the drink as much.
Old Fashioned Variations Worth Trying
If you’re a fan of a classic Old Fashioned or an Irish Old Fashioned, then you probably can’t wait to give the other versions of this drink a try. There’s a pretty good number of them, too, so after you check out the recipes we’ve listed below, make sure you take a peek at the other ones we have here at Twist & Toast as well.
- Smoked Old Fashioned – When you want your cocktail to drip with atmosphere and ambiance.
- Apple Cider Old Fashioned – When the leaves start falling and the days get shorter, this drink will be good company.
- Maple Old Fashioned – A sweet and hearty tipple that is sure to warm your bones.
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Mezcal and tequila combine to create a smoky and earthy-flavored dram.
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