Batched Old Fashioned
Here is a convenient way to make Old Fashioneds for a party. This recipe comes from the Austin's Alamo Drafthouse, which used to hold Mad Men watch parties when the show played on AMC. Beverage Director Bill Norris uses the premade cocktail tradition of Don Draper's era to create this recipe. Serve with one large ice cube!
This recipe is from the excellent cookbook, Austin Chef's Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the Texas Capital.
- 1 liter Bourbon (such as Maker's Mark or Bulleit)1 cup plus one tablespoon simple syrup (see below)2 teaspoons Angostura bitters2 cups waterIceOrange slices, for garnishMaraschino cherries, for garnishPreparation:
- Combine bourbon, simple syrup, bitters and water in a large pitcher and stir well to mix.
- Pour into a sealable container or bottle and refrigerate until serving time.
- To serve, gently agitate bourbon mixture container to ensure that it is well mixed. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice and pour in 3 ½ ounces of the bourbon mixture. Garnish each with a slice of orange and a cherry. For a more traditional cocktail, garnish with a wide swath of orange peel.
Simple Syrup: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. You'll need a little more than 1 cup for this recipe. Keep on the heat until the sugar dissolves. (Simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container for a week in the refrigerator.)
Note: For you Old-Fashioned purists, you can use Orange Bitters, instead of the regular Angostura bitters. Garnish with a slice of orange and a marachino cherry.
Ready in: 12 Min