The Beginning

It was a normal Thursday night at an unnamed bar. Frank was out with some friends blowing off some steam from a busy workday. One friend suggested going to another bar, where the Old Fashioned was on happy hour special. Frank was intrigued, since the Old Fashioned is his drink of choice. He soon found out why the drink was so cheap.

A bad cocktail at a bar is no big deal, but Frank couldn't let this one go. It was actually impressive how bad this old fashioned was. Frank decided, from that day forward, people should not have to suffer such low quality cocktails. To this end, he started experimenting.

After controlling for spirit and sugar, the only thing left were the bitters. More experiments ensued. Many different combinations of distillate, spice mixture, and aging time were tried. The results of these experiments are Frank's Tinctures, a variety of flavorful bitters.

The Quest

The creation of Frank’s Tinctures was only the beginning. Now, Frank had to embark on a quest for the perfect Old Fashioned. There are nearly infinite combinations of spirit, sugar, and bitters to be tried.

Again, again, and again he tried different versions of the Old Fashioned. Different spirits, different sugar, different bitters. When at a bar, he almost always tries their version of the Old Fashioned.

Some were amazing, some were awful, but none were perfect.

He did learn some lessons along the way though.

How to Make a Good Old Fashioned

Creating a good Old Fashioned is simple. Choose a whiskey that suits your palate—bourbon or rye works well. You can also explore using other spirits as your base, such as gin, rum, tequila, or brandy. Each spirit brings its unique character to the Old Fashioned, allowing for a tailored experience. For example, gin can introduce botanical notes, while tequila offers a smooth, agave flavored twist.

Next, you will need sweetness. The traditional option is a muddled sugar cube. However, you may consider using a sugar syrup. Syrups can be infused with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or various nuts to elevate the sweetness and complexity of your cocktail.

The selection of bitters plays a crucial role in elevating the cocktail's complexity and flavor profile. The handcrafted bitters of Frank’s Tinctures incorporate a rich blend of citrus and spice, providing a measure of bitterness against the sweetness of the sugar.

Stir the spirit, sugar, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Once combined, add a large ice cube to your glass, then pour in your cocktail.

Don’t forget the garnish! Citrus peels add aroma and oils, while a maraschino cherry provides a tart sweetness. Experiment with bitters, sugar, and flavors to discover your personal blend. You may even introduce various liqueurs, amaros, or cordials in small amounts to compliment your Old Fashioned and make it unique. Each step is part of your cocktail journey, leading you to a drink worthy of celebration.

How to Make a Perfect Old Fashioned

The answer is not yet known. But the search continues.