Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail

Old Fashioned Week is celebrated around the globe during the beginning of November. Despite Covid, this year was no exception. More home-based than previous years perhaps, but with just as much enthusiasm. Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned cocktail enthusiasts took the opportunity to celebrate this delicious cocktail in a variety of shapes.

I love watching the mixologists put their own twists on the theme. The creativity in cocktails that I have seen over the last couple of years shows how mature the industry is becoming. I spend some time to create a few variations on the theme to highlight specific elements of the Woodford Reserve bourbon.

What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?

It is a blend of bourbon, bitters, water and sugar that date back to the 1800s. According to research, it was founded at The Pendennis Club, a gentlemen’s club in Louisville, Kentucky. The recipe is said to have been invented by a local bartender, in honour of a prominent bourbon distiller who brought the recipe to the internationally acclaimed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York city.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

An outstanding bourbon when you are in the mood for something sweet and bold. One of my favourite bourbon whiskey releases. It has notes of honey sweetness with apricots and dark chocolate. Hints of oak balanced with a few cherries and cinnamon spice.

A bold and smooth bourbon whiskey. This is an affordable bourbon which makes it great for cocktails.  You can get the Woodford Reserve bourbon on Amazon.

Aromatic Bitters

Cocktail bitters are flavourings that infuse herbs, spices, and botanicals into alcohol. They are a key ingredient in many cocktails. Bitters add complexity and balance the sweet elements of cocktails. Bitters can easily overpower the cocktail, especially a bitters forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned. You need only a tiny amount to enhance the flavour.

Bitters can also accentuate flavours. I like using a chocolate-flavoured bitter in my Old Fashioned to play up the chocolate notes of the Woodford Reserve.

Also Read: Mint Julep Cocktail

The Classic Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients

• 50 ml Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• lemon peel (for garnish)

Method

Put brown sugar and bitters into a rock glass.
Add the ice and stir.
Add the Woodford Reserve bourbon and stir again.
Serve with a twist of lemon peel.

Variations on the Theme

Black Forrest Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail

Switch the Angostura bitters for chocolate bitters. Garnish with maraschino cherries. This variation complements and enhances the chocolate and cherry notes of the Woodford Reserve bourbon and gives it a Black Forest cake feel.

Spicy Simple Syrup Old Fashioned Recipe

Replace the brown sugar with a teaspoon of spice-infused simple syrup. Make a simple syrup using 1 unit of sugar and 1 unit of boiling water. Add a cinnamon stick and star anise to the hot syrup and let infuse until cool. The spices balance out the sweetness and add a depth of flavour.

Smoky Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

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Add a drop or 2 of liquid smoke to the water used to make the ice before freezing.

This version as my favourite. The husband frowned at me when I started dropping liquid smoke in the ice trays, but the result was worth it. The slight smokiness from the ice slowly impacts on the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned cocktail and highlights the oak notes while adding a new dimension to the drink.

Recently the Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey reached South African shores and I need to try an Old Fashioned with this spicier whiskey as well.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).

Header photo supplied by the PR company. I received a bottle of Woodford Reserve and bitters as part of the Old Fashioned Week promotion.

ALWAYS ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

Also Read: Ciroc Mango Mimosa Cocktail Recipe