Indulge in the Handcrafted Old-Fashioned traditional recipe —a delicious journey through time. Each sip transports you to an elegant era, where sophistication took center stage.This drink is a true work of art, crafted with care. The mix of sugar and bitters pays tribute to its humble beginnings. Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey, maraschino cherries and zesty orange slice create a seamless blend of flavors. In a fast-paced world, this cocktail teaches us to slow down and savor each moment. It invites you to appreciate the intricate flavors and dive into the rich history in every glass.

Raise your glass and let time stand still. This drink is not just a beverage, it's a companion on a nostalgic journey. My journey through professional life started while working as a bartender at Toronto Island RCYC (yacht club), where I mastered this great recipe and also gained an understanding of the British novelist Kenneth Grahame and his children's novel “The Wind in the Willows”. The moral of The Wind in the Willows could be summarized as good friendship can overcome all obstacles.

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

Mixed drinks have long been an integral part of the vibrant and ever-evolving world of cocktails. Combining different spirits, juices, syrups, and garnishes, these libations offer a delightful medley of flavors to please any palate. The art of mixology allows for endless creativity, as masterful bartenders experiment with unique combinations and techniques to craft their signature concoctions.

There are four methods to mix drinks: build, stir, shake, and blend.

The “build” method is where you add ingredients directly to a glass or shaker in layers. This works well for simple cocktails that don't need much mixing. An example of build drinks would be the Old-Fashioned cocktail.

The "stir" method is used for cocktails with mainly spirits or liqueurs. It gently combines flavors without diluting them too much. Bartenders stir the drink with a spoon or in a mixing glass until it's the right temperature and dilution. An example of stir drink would be the Gibson or Martini. Except in James Bond movies that rule does not apply.🍸

The "shake" method, the bartenders vigorously shake the mix in a cocktail shaker with ice to combine ingredients and cool the drink. This method is good for cocktails with acidic or fruity juices because it blends flavors and adds a frothy texture. Great example could be a Whiskey Sour.

The "blend" method is used for frozen or slushy cocktails. Bartenders put ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until it's smooth and creamy. This is perfect for drinks like margaritas or piña coladas because it gives them a refreshing texture and makes sure everything is mixed well.

Handcrafted Old Fashioned Cocktail

By Zosia Culinary Adventures | Date: Sept.13, 2023

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Yield:1

Glassware: old fashioned glass, chilled

Ingredients:

• 1 orange slices

• 1 maraschino cherry and dash of cherry syrup

• 1 demerara sugar cube

• 3 drops Angostura bitters

• 30 ml or 1 ounce rye whisky or brandy

• mineral water or club soda, chilled

• 3 ice cubes

• Garnish: maraschino cherry and orange slice/lemon

• my own personalized garnish: borage flower

Instructions:

1. In an old fashioned glass, place the orange slice, cherry, sugar cube saturated with 3 drops of Angostura bitters and a dash of cherry syrup.

2. To create a harmonious fusion of flavors, it is essential to master the art of muddling. With a long-handled bar spoon in hand, gently muddle all the fresh ingredients in the glass. This meticulous process allows the vibrant flavors to intermingle, forming an enticing symphony for your taste buds to savor. Take your time, appreciate the depth and complexity that emerges as each ingredient surrenders its essence.

3. Add ice cubes to fill the glass, then add the rye whiskey.

4. Top with mineral water and stir well with a long-handled bar spoon.

5. Decorate with a skewered slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.

6. Put your own garnish to personalize your own creation!

   Cheers!