Old Fashioned

When it comes to classic cocktails that have transcended time and gained global recognition, the "Old Fashioned" undoubtedly stands as one of the top contenders that many people immediately recall. Its very name clearly signifies its long history and venerable origins.

Mysterious Origins and the Meaning of its Name

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail whose origins trace back to the United States, first being mentioned in print in 1806 in the Hudson, New York Balance and Columbian Repository newspapers. Although the exact inventor remains unclear, these publications described the cocktail simply as: Dissolve sugar in a little water, add bitters, and other liquor to your liking. In that era, whiskey or bourbon was predominantly used as the main spirit. This simple yet potent fundamental recipe is the genesis of the Old Fashioned, and its classic principles are still adhered to today. This is precisely where the name Old Fashioned derives from, signifying a return to the "old-fashioned way" of making a cocktail.

Official Naming and Colonel James E. Pepper's Role

Originally, the name "Old Fashioned" did not directly refer to the drink itself but rather to the traditional method of mixing a cocktail, as mixed drinks at that time did not have many official names. It was not until 1881 that bartenders at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, claimed to be the first to craft a specific Old Fashioned cocktail recipe. This creation was made in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a prominent club member and renowned whiskey distiller.

Shortly thereafter, Colonel James E. Pepper introduced this specific cocktail recipe to the bar at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, a globally renowned luxury establishment. This widespread exposure at such a prestigious venue solidified "Old Fashioned" as the official name of the cocktail, leading to its widespread recognition as one of the worlds classic drinks.

Popularity, Evolution, and Revival

Over time, the Old Fashioned gained widespread popularity throughout New York, and its preparation began to evolve with a greater variety of spirits. Beyond whiskey and bourbon, brandy, rum, and gin were also incorporated as primary ingredients. The cocktail was also increasingly garnished with elegant elements such as orange slices or maraschino cherries, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

While the exact history of the Old Fashioned remains debated, with some arguing it existed before 1881, the Pendennis Club in Louisville proudly continues to assert its claim as the cocktail's birthplace. They celebrate this legacy annually from June 1st to June 14th, culminating in National Bourbon Day on June 14th, in homage to bourbon whiskey, a core ingredient in the Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioned is often hailed as a drink befitting a sophisticated gentleman, as its robust flavor profile perfectly complements a refined and understated character. We frequently observe this portrayal in international films and TV series, where discerning male characters often opt for an Old Fashioned. One of the most iconic figures associated with the Old Fashioned cocktail is Don Draper, the charismatic advertising executive from the acclaimed series Mad Men, whose portrayal solidified the cocktails place in popular culture.

In the 1990s, the popularity of the Old Fashioned began to wane, almost fading into obscurity due to the rise of more modern and colorful cocktail trends. However, in the early 21st century, Dale DeGroff, founder of The Museum of the American Cocktail and famously known as King Cocktail, revitalized the Old Fashioned by reintroducing it at the Rainbow Room in New York City. This reintroduction by the influential master bartender brought the Old Fashioned back into prominence, and it has remained a widely popular drink ever since, continuing to captivate cocktail enthusiasts worldwide as a true classic.