Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Ginger Old Fashioned Cocktail: Easy Recipe & Pro Tips

Savor the twist on tradition; the Ginger Old Fashioned fuses fiery ginger with timeless whiskey. This heady blend, butterscotch sweetness mingles with tart lime, creating an unmatched flavor profile tipped with a spicy finish, a must-try for both newbies and cocktail enthusiasts. Ignite your palate; adventure awaits in every sip.

Ginger Old Fashioned Ingredients

  • 60ml (2oz) of Bourbon
  • 15ml (0.5oz) Ginger Syrup
  • 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish
Complexity Preparation Yield
Easy 5 minutes 1 serving

Ginger Old Fashioned Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Start your cocktail creation by getting an Old Fashioned glass. The glass should be sturdy and well-chilled before you begin.
  2. Pour the Bourbon into the glass.
  3. Next, add in the Ginger Syrup.
  4. Let’s not forget the Angostura Bitters – add precisely 2 dashes for the best flavor.
  5. Now, add the ice cubes. You can use larger ones to make the drink cooler without diluting it too much.
  6. Stir the drink gently to combine all the flavors together.
  7. To finish, garnish your Ginger Old Fashioned with a twist of orange peel and a Maraschino cherry.
  8. Serve and enjoy your perfectly crafted Ginger Old Fashioned cocktail.

The Best Premium and Low-Cost Brand Recommendations for a Fabulous Ginger Old Fashioned

The Premium Brands for an Elevated Ginger Old Fashioned

For the ultimate Ginger Old Fashioned, consider Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon and The King’s Ginger liqueur. Blanton’s, a highly ranked bourbon, has a rich, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the spicy kick of ginger in our beloved cocktail. Its high-quality and distinct taste make it an ideal choice for those looking to indulge. By pairing it with The King’s Ginger, a superbly balanced ginger liqueur known for its smooth consistency and medium spicy kick, you’re in for a refined cocktail experience.

Economy-Friendly Brands for the Fantastic Ginger Old Fashioned

Looking to keep things budget-friendly? We recommend going with Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon and Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur. Even at its accessible price point, Evan Williams delivers a well-balanced flavor profile that mixes well with the zestiness of ginger. Domaine de Canton, a medium-ranked ginger liqueur, offers a sweet and spicy blend that, when combined with Evan’s Bourbon, makes a flavorful and affordable Ginger Old Fashioned.

Why Are These Brands Chosen for Ginger Old Fashioned?

Both premium and low-cost brand selections were made based on three factors: taste, compatibility with ginger, and affordability. Premium brands were chosen for their rich, high-quality taste and delicate harmony with ginger. Low-cost brands, while somewhat less intricate in flavor, provide an affordable option without compromising the integrity of your Ginger Old Fashioned.

Premium Brands Low-Cost Brands
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon
The King’s Ginger Liqueur Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur

💡 Despite the comparison, it’s important to remember that the perfect Ginger Old Fashioned is less about the cost of the ingredients and more about how you mix it. As the saying goes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!

Pro Mixology Tips for a Perfect Ginger Old Fashioned

  1. Glassware Selection:

    The correct choice of glassware magnifies the flavor profile and presentation of your cocktail experience.

    🎓 Pro Tip: Choose the appropriate glassware for your Ginger Old Fashioned. Consider chilling your glasses in advance for added chill factor.

    💡 Uniquely shaped glasses like those with a wide brim allow the aromatic essence of Ginger Old Fashioned to flourish.

  2. Ice Cube Use:

    Ice cubes play a critical role in preserving the integrity of your ginger cocktail by controlling the dilution factor.

    🎓 Pro Tip: Use bigger cubes for slower dilution and crushed ice for instant cooling. Aim for a balance when crafting Ginger Old Fashioned.

    💡 Ice formed from purified water will enhance the purity of your beverage, giving a cleaner taste.

  3. Mixing Techniques:

    Proper mixing integrates the powerful flavors of the Ginger Old Fashioned harmoniously.

    🎓 Pro Tip: Stir or shake as required, but attention to technique is important to prevent over dilution.

    💡 Always remember, a clear spirit cocktail must be stirred, not shaken to preserve its clarity. The Ginger Old Fashioned is no exception.

  4. Layering Ingredients:

    Layering ingredients is a subtle art that adds visual appeal and taste nuances to your ginger-inspired concoction.

    🎓 Pro Tip: Master the layering technique for specific cocktails with handy tools like a bar spoon or pourer.

    💡 Layering is not random. Heaviest goes first; spirits, sugar, then lighter liquids like juices or cream to create a beautiful gradient.

  5. Ingredient Quality:

    Choosing quality spirits like a bourbon and fresh ginger, greatly impacts the flavor profile of your Old Fashioned.

    🎓 Pro Tip: Select high-quality spirits and mixers. Experiment with different bourbon brands for varying flavor outcomes.

    💡 A top-quality orange peel release oil when twisted, adding significant aroma to the ginger cocktail experience.

Ginger Old Fashioned: Essential Barware and Glassware

Essential Barware

Whether you’re a novice or veteran cocktail enthusiast, certain tools are indispensable for creating a fantastic Ginger Old Fashioned. Essential barware includes the following:

  • Cocktail Shaker: This tool is vital for mixing ingredients quickly and efficiently. Although not directly needed for the Ginger Old Fashioned, it’s a must-have in any barware repertoire.
  • Mixing Glass: This is where your cocktail magic begins with the Ginger Old Fashioned. It allows for proper stirring and blending of ingredients.
  • Bar Spoon: Used for thorough mixing and getting those perfect spirals in your cocktail.
  • Strainer: Ideal for separating the liquid cocktail from solid ingredients or ice after stirring or shaking.
  • Jiggers: These help measure cocktail ingredients accurately for a balanced Ginger Old Fashioned.

Perfect Glassware

In the cocktail world, the choice of glassware can dramatically impact the experience of drinking. For a Ginger Old Fashioned, we recommend the following glassware options:

Old Fashioned Glass—also known as a lowball or rocks glass, it is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes or whiskey stones, showcasing the aesthetics of your cocktail.

Alternate Bar Essentials

If conventional barware is out of the question, don’t worry! There are alternative tools to craft excellent Ginger Old Fashioned cocktails at home:

  • Coffee Spoon: A lengthy coffee spoon can double as a bar spoon.
  • Pour-Spouts: Instead of a jigger, you can use pour-spouts to control the flow and quantity of the spirits.
  • Wide Tumblers: If a rocks glass is not available, wide tumblers do the trick for serving Ginger Old Fashioned.

💡 A truly sublime Ginger Old Fashioned experience comes not just from the drink itself, but also the journey of crafting the cocktail. From the choice of barware to the selection of glassware, each step adds an extra layer of joy to this timeless classic.

Best Ginger Old Fashioned Food Pairings

The Art of Pairing: Savory Dishes

The fiery and robust flavors of the Ginger Old Fashioned marry well with numerous savory dishes. If you’re in for a quiet meal at home or in a bar, this classic cocktail pairs excellently with dishes that have strong flavors, such as:

  • Grilled Steak with a black pepper crust for a bold, hearty meal
  • Seared Scallops with a hint of lemon zest for a light and delicate counterpoint
  • Spicy BBQ Chicken to complement the cocktail’s sweet and smoky undertones

Indulgence in Sweet Treats

While it’s a delight to accompany savory courses with a Ginger Old Fashioned, don’t forget about dessert. This cocktail does in fact offer a remarkable compatibility with a variety of sweet treats. Points of convergence include:

  • Dark Chocolate Brownies, bringing out the bitter richness of the cocoa
  • Gingerbread Cookies, echoing the ginger notes in the cocktail
  • Caramel Apple Tart, for a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors

Cheese – A Universal Pairing

Almost surprisingly, there are several types of cheese that make an excellent match for the Ginger Old Fashioned. For the perfect lavish cheese plate, you might want to consider the following:

  • Aged Cheddar, to enhance the strong, biting flavors
  • Blue Cheese, for a bold contrast of tangy and sweet
  • Goat Cheese, for its creamy texture and mild taste that balances the cocktail

💡 While enjoying your Ginger Old Fashioned, contemplate the complexity and balance this cocktail offers. The taste ticks all the key flavor sensations – sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. Savory dishes, sweet treats, and a variety of cheeses reveal the versatility of this cocktail, enhancing and highlighting its distinct character.

Ginger Old Fashioned Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed to prepare a Ginger Old Fashioned?

The key ingredients for a Ginger Old Fashioned are bourbon, ginger syrup, angostura bitters, and an orange peel or cherry for garnish. You will also need ice to cool the cocktail.

How do you prepare a Ginger Old Fashioned?

Start by adding two teaspoons of ginger syrup and two dashes of bitters into a mixing glass. Add some ice and pour in two ounces of bourbon. Stir it until it’s well-chilled and strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Finish it off by garnishing with an orange peel or a cherry.

What are the recommended brands of bourbon for a Ginger Old Fashioned?

Though the choice of bourbon can be subjective and based on personal preference, some highly recommended brands are Woodford Reserve, Bulliet Bourbon, and Maker’s Mark.

What barware and glassware are required?

You will need a mixing glass and bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for measurement, a strainer, and an Old Fashioned glass for serving.

Are there any food pairings for a Ginger Old Fashioned?

Yes, Ginger Old Fashioned pairs well with rich, savory foods such as grilled steak, barbecued ribs, and roasted vegetables. It also complements chocolate desserts very well due to its spicy and full-bodied flavor.

How should a Ginger Old Fashioned be presented?

A Ginger Old Fashioned should be served in an Old Fashioned glass, over a large ice cube or sphere. The garnish, typically an orange peel or cherry, should rest gently on top of the beverage or subtly at the rim of the glass.

What is the nutritional information for a Ginger Old Fashioned?

A standard Ginger Old Fashioned cocktail contains about 180 calories. As it contains ginger syrup, it may not be suitable for those with a sugar intolerance or diabetes. Also, if you have any allergies to any of the ingredients, it is advised to abstain from this cocktail.

How much does it cost to make a Ginger Old Fashioned?

The cost can vary depending on the bourbon you select. On average, if you choose a mid-range bourbon, the cost per cocktail could range from $2 to $5.

What is the Alcohol By Volume (ABV) in a Ginger Old Fashioned?

The ABV of a Ginger Old Fashioned is approximately 20% to 30%, depending heavily on the bourbon used and the ratio of the ingredients. Please remember, always drink responsibly.


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