Old-Fashioned

Transport yourself back in time to the turn of the twentieth century with this classic American cocktail that showcases the beloved whiskey and bourbon of that era. This drink holds historical significance as one of the first cocktails to gain popularity in America during that time. As a fermentista, you’ll find familiarity in the technique used to create this cocktail, as it involves “muddling” or squishing the fruit, akin to the tamping process in fermentation. In this recipe, your trusty kraut tamper will serve as a multi-functional tool, moonlighting as a muddler.

By utilizing your kraut tamper as a muddler, you’ll experience the fusion of fermentation techniques and mixology. Enjoy this cocktail as it is or opt for the lighter, spritzer variation by adding soda water. Whether you’re looking to embrace the nostalgia of the past or simply indulge in a well-balanced libation, this single-serving classic American cocktail is a perfect choice. So, take a moment to unwind, sip, and savor the rich flavors of this timeless drink. Cheers to the art of mixology and fermentation!

SERVINGS: 1

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon Cranberry Relish
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• ¼ orange wedge
• Cracked ice
• 2 ounces bourbon
• ½ ounce sweet vermouth
• Soda water, enough to fill the glass (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In an 8- to 10-ounce glass, combine the Cranberry Relish, simple syrup, and orange wedge.
2. Use your kraut tamper to mash the relish and orange into the syrup, incorporating the flavors together.
3. Add cracked ice to the glass, then pour in the bourbon and sweet vermouth.
4. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients.
5. For a lighter version of the cocktail, you can top off the glass with soda water to dilute the alcohol. This variation is called the Old-Fashioned Spritzer.
6. Optionally, you can garnish the cocktail with a fresh orange twist or a cranberry for an extra touch of elegance.

TIPS:

• Experiment with different types of bourbon to find the one that suits your taste preferences. Each bourbon has its own unique flavor profile, which can influence the overall taste of the cocktail.
• Adjust the sweetness level by varying the amount of simple syrup used. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bit more simple syrup. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the amount of simple syrup.
• Feel free to customize the cocktail by using different relishes or fruit preserves. You can explore flavors such as raspberry, cherry, or even a spiced cranberry relish to add a unique twist to the drink.
• When muddling the cranberry relish and orange wedge, be gentle to avoid over-extracting the bitterness from the citrus peel. The goal is to release the flavors and incorporate them with the syrup.
• For an extra touch of elegance, consider using a large ice cube instead of cracked ice. This helps to minimize dilution and keeps the cocktail colder for longer.
• If you prefer a lighter version of the cocktail, top it off with soda water. This adds effervescence and helps to mellow the alcohol, creating a refreshing spritzer variation.
• Play around with garnishes to enhance the visual appeal. Orange twists, cranberries, or even fresh herbs like a sprig of rosemary can add an enticing touch to the presentation.