For most people, the old-fashioned is the bar standard, and it's been around a lot longer thanDon Draper's 60s. In fact, bartender lore says the name comes from people ordering a co*cktail the "old-fashioned" way. But just how old-fashioned is this drink?
Here's a short, sweet history of one of the world's greatest co*cktails.
1862
A book entitledJerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinksis published, giving instructions and recipes from the early days of bartending. This book contains a recipe for an Old Fashioned Holland Gin co*cktail: "Crush a small lump of sugar in a whiskey glass containing a little water,add a lump of ice,two dashes of Angostura bitters, a small piece of lemon peel,one jigger Holland gin.Mix with small bar spoon.Serve."
While the drink has the namesake and similar elements of the modern old-fashioned, Thomas' recipedoesn’t call for whiskey and it’s never mentioned in any of the proceeding articles.
1880
The story starts in Louisville, Kentucky. A 2005 article in The Courier-Journal gives credit to a private social club, called The Pendennis Club, for making the very first old-fashioned. James E. Pepper, bartender and esteemed bourbon aristocrat, was said to have invented the drink in Louisville, before he brought the recipe to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City. This is supposedly where the old-fashioned was born.
February 15, 1880
The Chicago Daily Tribune publishes an article announcing that Samuel Tilden, the 25th mayor of New York and former Democratic candidate for the U.S. Presidency has withdrawn from the United States Presidential election. In this article, the author mentions how Tilden’s withdrawal was met: “Hot-whiskies, Scotch and Irish, particularly the latter, sour-mashes, and old-fashioned co*cktails were drank in honor of the event.”
1895
Modern American Drinks, written by George Kappeler, is published in the U.S. and lists a plethora of recipes, one of which being for an Old Fashioned Whiskey co*cktail, reads as following: “Dissolve a small lump of sugar with a little water in a whiskey-glass; add two dashes Angostura bitters, a small piece of ice, a piece of lemon-peel, one jigger whiskey. Mix with small bar-spoon and serve, leaving spoon in glass."
January 1, 1936
An article in the New York TImes, written by a man known only as “Old Timer,” reflects on the years following the end of Prohibition. In the piece, the man gives makeshift recipes for co*cktails, including one for the Old Fashioned: “Consider, for instance, the Old-Fashioned co*cktail. Time was when the affable and sympathetic bartender moisted a lump of sugar with Angostura bitter, dropped in a lump of ice, neither too large or too small, stuck in a miniature bar spoon and passed the glass to the client with a bottle of good bourbon from which said client was privileged to pour his own drink.”
That's right, he was handed the whole goddamn bottle. Bartenders of today, take note.
Jeremy Glass is the Vice editor for Supercompressor and likes his whiskey like he likes his women: stuck in a barrel.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of co*cktails and mixology, I've delved deep into the history and evolution of iconic drinks, including the Old Fashioned. My extensive knowledge is grounded in both historical records and contemporary trends, allowing me to provide a comprehensive understanding of this classic co*cktail.
Let's dissect the concepts embedded in the provided article:
1. Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide (1862):
- Context: A pivotal moment in the history of mixology. This book laid the foundation for co*cktail crafting.
- Old Fashioned Holland Gin co*cktail: The precursor to the modern Old Fashioned, showcasing a different base spirit - Holland gin instead of whiskey.
2. Louisville, Kentucky (1880):
- The Pendennis Club: A private social club credited with the creation of the first Old Fashioned.
- James E. Pepper: Esteemed bartender linked to the invention of the Old Fashioned in Louisville.
- Waldorf-Astoria Hotel: The place where the Old Fashioned recipe was introduced to a broader audience in New York City.
3. Chicago Daily Tribune (February 15, 1880):
- Samuel Tilden's Withdrawal: The article mentions the celebration with "old-fashioned co*cktails" following Tilden's withdrawal from the U.S. Presidential election, reflecting the cultural significance of the drink.
4. Modern American Drinks by George Kappeler (1895):
- Old Fashioned Whiskey co*cktail: A standardized recipe featuring whiskey, sugar, Angostura bitters, ice, and lemon peel. This marks a transition to the more familiar elements of the modern Old Fashioned.
5. New York Times (January 1, 1936):
- Post-Prohibition Reflections: The article reflects on the Old Fashioned as a symbol of the bygone era. The description of the co*cktail-making process highlights the evolving practices, emphasizing the shift from bartenders crafting the drink to patrons having more agency.
6. Jeremy Glass (Vice Editor):
- Contemporary Perspective: The editor's note brings a modern touch, infusing humor and a current viewpoint on the Old Fashioned. It also hints at the enduring allure of this classic co*cktail.
In summary, the Old Fashioned's journey involves a fascinating blend of historical anecdotes, geographical influences, and evolving recipes. Its enduring popularity speaks to its status as a timeless and iconic co*cktail, cherished by enthusiasts and bartenders alike.
