It's the drink prized by many the world over, known as the "water of life." It's the subject of odes and ballads, equally at home in bars and the gentlemen's office. You can have it neat, on the rocks, and in arguably the classiest of cocktails, The Old-Fashioned. The spirit here described is whiskey. Originating in the medieval ages from the minds of Scottish and Irish monks, the spirit traveled through history, converting its own faithful worshippers. Its devotion spans through eras and terrains, from ruling king to working-class man. No one could put it better than Mark Twain when he said, "Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough."
There's a whiskey for every palate; its flavor and aroma evolve based on location, the type of grain used, and how long it is aged. It's a long and arduous process to arrive at a whiskey that is both palatable and revered. Firstly, a grain, such as barley or rye, is selected. These grains are then fermented and distilled. Finally, it is aged in oak barrels, which gives the drink its signature brown color. The aging process can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years. Flavors range from sweet and oaky to smoky and spicy.
The whiskey cocktail further enhances enjoyment of the spirit! The Sazerac, The Manhattan, The Old-Fashioned, The Whiskey Sour, The Hot Toddy, and on and on the variants go. Some were created as a medicinal concoction, for the health of the imbiber. Curioaks offers up this classic rendition of a whiskey cocktail, The Old-Fashioned, to you, dear reader. So grab your favorite whiskey, and mix up a good dram with us, as we humbly toast, "to your health!"
The Curioaks Old-Fashioned
The Old-Fashioned is a basic cocktail containing spirits, dashes of bitters, water, and a sweetening of sugar. It's an age-old cocktail originating in the 19th century, beloved for its simplicity!
Ingredients:
2 oz. whiskey (or bourbon) Use what you have, but don't be afraid to try a few to find that perfect taste!
1/2 oz. simple syrup or 1tsp sugar
2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Directions:
Add the sugar and bitters to the glass. Stir in the whiskey until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice. Garnish with a twist of orange. Enjoy!
*Tip-don't skip the garnish! The aroma of your orange peel does affect how you perceive the taste of your cocktail!
If we've converted you to the merits of whiskey, you'll love keeping some in your pocket! For that extra kick in the party punch, or a touch of liquid courage, this designer flask from The Sneerwell holds your fire water in style. Each flask goes through a custom patina process for a unique look sure to impress!
All the fun of whiskey without the alcohol! These Mini Bath Bombs are a treat for the tub! Even the manliest of men can relax in a whiskey-scented bath!
