We’ve always been fans of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail but our New Fashioned Drink Recipe offers a fresh modern twist that keeps things exciting. It’s a simple yet sophisticated drink blending bold flavors with easy-to-find ingredients perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
As cocktail enthusiasts we love how this recipe updates a timeless favorite while staying approachable for beginners. Join us in exploring this innovative take that brings new energy to your home bar routine.
Ingredients
In our New Fashioned Drink Recipe, we blend classic elements with modern flair to create a cocktail that’s both timeless and innovative. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used during preparation, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes to ensure you craft a drink that’s perfectly balanced and full of bold flavors.
- 2 ounces bourbon: Choose a high-quality bourbon for its smooth, oaky notes – this forms the hearty base of our cocktail.
- ½ ounce simple syrup: Make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water – we add this next for a clean, controlled sweetness that elevates the drink’s profile.
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters: These aromatic bitters introduce spicy, herbal complexity – shake the bottle well before using to release their full essence.
- 1 fresh orange peel: Use a vegetable peeler to get a wide strip, avoiding the pith for a vibrant, citrusy aroma that brightens the mix.
- 2 Luxardo cherries: Premium variety for their deep, fruity tang – reserve these for garnishing to add a sophisticated, modern twist.
- Ice cubes: About 1 cup – opt for large cubes to chill the drink without diluting it too quickly, preserving the New Fashioned’s intended intensity.
Tools and Equipment
To craft our New Fashioned Drink with precision and ease, we rely on a few key tools that ensure every step from mixing to serving enhances the cocktail’s bold flavors and presentation. Let’s outline the essential equipment, organized by their role in the process.
Mixing Essentials
- Mixing glass: We use a sturdy 16-ounce mixing glass to combine ingredients smoothly, allowing for proper dilution and chilling without splashing.
- Jigger: This double-sided measuring tool helps us accurately measure 2 ounces of bourbon and ½ ounce of simple syrup, guaranteeing consistent results every time.
- Bar spoon: Ideal for gently stirring the mixture, our long-handled bar spoon prevents over-agitation and maintains the drink’s silky texture.
Preparation Tools
- Muddler: We recommend a wooden or stainless-steel muddler to gently press the fresh orange peel, releasing its aromatic oils without bruising the fruit excessively.
- Y-peeler or paring knife: For preparing the orange peel garnish, this tool lets us create a clean, wide strip that adds visual appeal and enhances the cocktail’s citrus notes.
Serving Gear
- Julep strainer or Hawthorne strainer: We always have a fine-mesh strainer on hand to pour the cocktail into the glass, keeping out any unwanted pulp or ice fragments for a polished finish.
- Rocks glass: A classic 10-12 ounce rocks glass is our go-to for serving, as it cradles the large ice cubes and garnishes perfectly, elevating the drink’s overall experience.
With these tools in place, we seamlessly transition from preparing ingredients to mixing our New Fashioned Drink, ensuring a professional-quality result right at home.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we’re excited to walk you through creating the New Fashioned cocktail with precision and flair. Our step-by-step guide ensures a smooth process for a perfectly balanced drink that highlights bold flavors and aromatic notes.
Prepare Ingredients
Before mixing, let’s prepare our ingredients to unlock their full potential and enhance the drink’s sensory appeal. Start by taking the fresh orange peel—use a Y-peeler or paring knife to carefully remove a 2-inch strip, avoiding the bitter white pith, which releases vibrant citrus oils that will invigorate the cocktail’s aroma.
- Bourbon: Measure out 2 ounces of high-quality bourbon to ensure a smooth, robust base that forms the heart of our New Fashioned.
- Simple syrup: Have ½ ounce of homemade simple syrup ready for controlled sweetness that complements without overpowering.
- Bitters: Prepare 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, which add complex spicy and herbal layers to elevate the overall profile.
- Garnishes: Select 2 Luxardo cherries and set aside the orange peel strip for later use—these will provide visual appeal and a burst of fruity essence.
Mix the Drink
With ingredients prepped, we’re ready to combine them in our mixing glass for a harmonious blend that chills the cocktail without dilution. Begin by adding the 2 ounces of bourbon to a 16-ounce mixing glass, followed by the ½ ounce of simple syrup and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Add ice: Drop in a large ice cube to keep the mixture cold—stir gently with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, allowing the flavors to meld into a silky-smooth elixir with rich, warming undertones.
- Incorporate the orange peel: Use a muddler to lightly press the orange peel against the glass’s side, releasing its zesty oils that infuse the drink with a fresh, invigorating scent and bright citrus notes without over-muddling.
- Strain the mixture: Pour the contents through a fine-mesh strainer into a rocks glass containing another large ice cube, ensuring a crystal-clear presentation that preserves the cocktail’s velvety texture and concentrated taste.
Garnish and Serve
Finally, let’s add the finishing touches to transform our New Fashioned into an eye-catching masterpiece ready for enjoyment. Place the orange peel strip and 2 Luxardo cherries into the rocks glass, draping the peel over the rim for an elegant presentation that amplifies the drink’s glossy appearance and fruity aroma.
Gently express the orange peel’s oils over the drink by pinching it above the glass, which releases a final burst of citrus essence that tantalizes the senses and enhances the bourbon’s depth. Serve immediately to savor the cocktail’s chilled, multifaceted flavors at their peak, inviting you to appreciate its smooth finish and sophisticated balance.
Conclusion
We’re excited about how the New Fashioned adds a fresh spin to cocktail classics
It’s a rewarding recipe that brings bold tastes right to your home bar
Let’s raise a glass together and keep innovating our drink routines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Fashioned Drink?
The New Fashioned is a modern twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. It combines bold flavors with easy-to-find ingredients like high-quality bourbon, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters, topped with garnishes such as orange peel and Luxardo cherries. This recipe updates a timeless favorite, making it accessible for beginners while delivering a smooth, balanced drink perfect for impressing guests at home gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for the New Fashioned?
You’ll need 2 ounces of high-quality bourbon for the base, ½ ounce of homemade simple syrup for sweetness, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters for depth, a fresh orange peel for aroma, and 2 Luxardo cherries for garnish. Use large ice cubes to keep it chilled without dilution. Focus on quality ingredients to enhance the drink’s rich, multifaceted flavors.
What tools are required to make the New Fashioned?
Essential tools include a 16-ounce mixing glass for combining ingredients, a jigger for precise measurements, a bar spoon for stirring, a muddler to release oils from the orange peel, a Y-peeler or paring knife for garnishes, and a fine-mesh strainer for a smooth finish. Serve in a classic rocks glass for the best experience. These basics help achieve professional results at home.
How do you make the New Fashioned cocktail?
Start by peeling a strip of orange. In a mixing glass with ice, combine 2 ounces bourbon, ½ ounce simple syrup, and 3 dashes bitters. Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, add the orange peel and cherries as garnish, and serve immediately. This simple process creates a chilled, flavorful drink in minutes.
Why should I try the New Fashioned recipe?
The New Fashioned offers a fresh take on a classic, blending bold tastes with easy ingredients, making it ideal for home bartenders. It’s beginner-friendly yet impressive for guests, with a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity. Plus, it encourages experimentation, like using homemade syrup, to elevate your cocktail game without needing advanced skills.
Can beginners make the New Fashioned at home?
Absolutely! This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and simple steps, with clear guidance on preparation and tools. Start by measuring accurately and following the stirring process, and you’ll create a professional-quality drink. It’s forgiving for newcomers, helping you build confidence in your home bar routine while enjoying delicious results.