Brown Sugar Old Fashioned

You won't regret trying this brown sugar old fashioned cocktail, where classic meets Christmas! Crafted with brown sugar simple syrup, this timeless libation delivers plenty of warmth during the cold season.

Ingredients Needed for Brown Sugar Old Fashioned

• Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: The heart of your brown sugar old fashioned, bourbon offers a sweet and smooth profile, while rye whiskey brings a spicier kick. Choose based on your preference for a rich or bold flavor.
• Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Homemade brown sugar simple syrup adds depth and complexity, imparting a rich molasses-like sweetness to your cocktail.
• Cocktail Bitters: A few dashes of cocktail bitters, such as Angostura, contribute depth, complexity, and a hint of spice.
• Orange Peel: The citrusy twist! Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink to release its aromatic essence, adding a bright and zesty dimension to the cocktail.
• Cinnamon Stick: A touch of warmth and fragrance. Stir with a cinnamon stick to impart subtle spice notes that complement the brown sugar and add a festive aroma to your drink.
• Ice: The finishing touch. Quality ice cubes keep your brown sugar old Fashioned refreshingly cold without diluting its rich flavors.

Made with these elements, your Christmassy old fashioned promises to be a sweet, spicy, and aromatic tool of relaxation this season.

Step By Step Recipe Process

1. Prepare Your Tools: Gather a mixing glass, stirring spoon, jigger, and a rocks glass.
2. Add Ice to Mixing Glass: Fill your mixing glass with ice to chill the ingredients as you mix.
3. Measure Bourbon or Rye: Using a jigger, measure 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey and pour it into the mixing glass.
4. Add Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Measure ½ oz of brown sugar simple syrup (or 3 teaspoons) and add it to the mixing glass.
5. Dash of Bitters: Add 2-3 dashes of cocktail bitters to the mix for a complex flavor profile.
6. Stir Well: Stir the ingredients in the mixing glass for about 15-20 seconds to blend and chill without excessive dilution.
7. Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
8. Express Orange Peel: Hold an orange peel over the glass, twist it to express the oils, and drop it into the drink for a citrusy aroma.
9. Stir with Cinnamon Stick: Optionally, stir the drink with a cinnamon stick to infuse a subtle spiced flavor.
10. Enjoy: Sip and savor the rich, balanced flavors of your brown sugar old fashioned. Cheers!

With these steps, you'll craft a sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that's perfect for sipping and savoring.

How To Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Making brown sugar simple syrup is quick and easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:
   • Brown sugar (use dark brown sugar for the punchiest flavor)
   • Water
2. Ratio:
   • Use a 1:1 ratio of brown sugar to water. For example, 1 cup of brown sugar to 1 cup of water.
3. Combine in a Saucepan:
   • In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water.
4. Heat Over Medium-Low Heat:
   • Stir the mixture over medium-low heat until the brown sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling; just heat enough to dissolve the sugar.
5. Simmer:
   • Once the sugar is dissolved, let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. This helps to create a syrupy consistency.
6. Cool:
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
7. Transfer to a Container:
   • Pour the cooled brown sugar simple syrup into a clean, airtight container for storage.
8. Store:
   • Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you plan on using the syrup in a few days, you can leave it at room temperature.

Other Fun Variations of Old Fashioned Cocktails

1. Classic: Bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar cube, Angostura bitters, orange twist.
2. Maple: Bourbon, pure maple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange twist.
3. Smoked: Bourbon, sugar cube, Angostura bitters, orange twist, smoked with wood chips.
4. Spiced Apple: Rye whiskey, spiced apple syrup, Angostura bitters, apple slice.
5. Cherry Vanilla : Bourbon, vanilla simple syrup, muddled cherries, Angostura bitters.
6. Gingerbread: Rye whiskey, gingerbread syrup, Angostura bitters, orange twist.
7. Berry Burst: Bourbon, mixed berry compote, Angostura bitters, lemon twist.

Experimenting with these variations allows you to discover new dimensions of flavor! Keep several different ingredients on hand and give your guests a plethora of choices that can be made easily on demand.

What Type Of Glass To Use To Serve Brown Sugar Old Fashioned

The classic glass for serving an Old Fashioned cocktail is appropriately named the "Old Fashioned glass" or "rocks glass." This short, tumbler-like glass typically has a thick bottom and straight or slightly tapered sides. It's designed to hold the cocktail's ingredients over ice and is well-suited for muddling, stirring, and sipping. The wide opening allows for the aromas to be appreciated, and the sturdy build accommodates the muddling process and the addition of ice. Using the right glass enhances the overall drinking experience of this timeless cocktail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Old Fashioned:

1. Q: What makes a Brown Sugar Old Fashioned unique?
   • A: The Brown Sugar Old Fashioned stands out with the addition of a rich brown sugar simple syrup, imparting a warm, molasses-like sweetness to the classic cocktail.
2. Q: Can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?
   • A: Absolutely! While bourbon is traditional, rye whiskey brings a spicier kick. Choose based on your flavor preferences.
3. Q: Is it necessary to use a cinnamon stick in the cocktail?
   • A: No, it's optional. The cinnamon stick adds a subtle spiced note during stirring, enhancing the drink's aromatic profile.
4. Q: Can I make the brown sugar simple syrup in advance?
   • A: Yes, you can prepare the brown sugar simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It adds convenience to the cocktail-making process.
5. Q: How do I express the orange peel?
   • A: Hold the orange peel over the glass, twist it to release the oils, and drop it into the drink. This adds a citrusy aroma to the cocktail.
6. Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the cocktail?
   • A: Certainly. Experiment with the amount of brown sugar simple syrup to find your preferred level of sweetness.
7. Q: Are there alternative garnishes I can use?
   • A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different garnishes like an orange slice, a cherry, a sprig of rosemary, or even a star anise for added flair.
8. Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Brown Sugar Old Fashioned?
   • A: Absolutely. Replace the whiskey with a non-alcoholic alternative, and you can still enjoy the rich flavors of the cocktail.
9. Q: What kind of ice is best for this cocktail?
   • A: Large, quality ice cubes work well. They chill the drink without diluting it too quickly, allowing you to savor the flavors.
10. Q: Can I serve the Brown Sugar Old Fashioned without ice?
    • A: While traditionally served over ice, you can serve it neat if you prefer. Adjust the presentation to suit your taste.