Indulge in Dee's Cherries in the Snow, a sweet and creamy cocktail perfect for any occasion. Made with rum, kirsch, cherry, cola, and cream, this drink will transport your taste buds to a winter wonderland. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make cocktail and add it to your bartending repertoire today.
Dee's Cherries In The Snow Ingredients
Dee's Cherries In The Snow Recipe
- mix ingredients together
- serve in glass
The Old-Fashioned: A Timeless Classic
As a professional bartender, I have made countless cocktails throughout my career, but one that always stands out is the Old-Fashioned. This classic cocktail has been around for over a century and has evolved into many variations. In this article, I will discuss the popularity, ingredient roles, how to garnish, variations, common mistakes, and more.
Popularity
The Old-Fashioned cocktail has a rich history and has been enjoyed by many for over 100 years. Its origins can be traced back to the late 1800s, where it was originally known as the Whiskey Cocktail. However, in the early 1900s, bartenders began to add sugar, water, and bitters to the recipe, giving it a new name - the Old-Fashioned.
The Old-Fashioned cocktail is famous for its simplicity and classic taste. It is a perfect balance of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. It has become a go-to drink for many, especially in the United States. The Old-Fashioned has also become a geographic icon, with variations in different regions. For example, some bars in the South use bourbon instead of rye whiskey, while others in the Midwest add a splash of soda water.
Ingredient Roles
The Old-Fashioned cocktail is a simple drink, but the ingredients play an essential role in its taste. The classic recipe calls for:
- 2 oz whiskey (rye or bourbon)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 orange peel
- 1 cherry
The whiskey is the star of the show, providing the base flavor for the drink. Rye whiskey is a popular choice due to its spicy flavor, but bourbon can also be used. The sugar is used to balance the bitterness of the bitters. Bitters are a combination of herbs and spices that provide a complex flavor to the drink. The orange peel adds a citrusy aroma, while the cherry adds a touch of sweetness.
How to Garnish
Garnishing an Old-Fashioned cocktail is simple but crucial. The orange peel is the most common garnish, and it should be cut from the fruit with as little pith as possible. The peel is then twisted over the drink to release the oils, giving it a fragrant aroma. The cherry is added to the bottom of the glass and is used as a sweet treat at the end of the drink. Some bars add a lemon twist or a sprig of mint for added flavor.
Variations
The Old-Fashioned cocktail has evolved over the years, and there are now many variations. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Virgin/Mocktail Version: This version removes the whiskey and replaces it with soda water or ginger ale. It still has the same sweetness and flavor, making it a great option for those who don't drink alcohol.
- Gluten-Free Version: The classic recipe is already gluten-free, but some brands of bitters contain gluten. Fee Brothers and Angostura bitters are gluten-free and widely available in the United States.
- Vegan Version: The classic recipe is vegan-friendly, but some brands of maraschino cherries contain animal-derived ingredients. Dee's Cherries In The Snow is a vegan brand of cherries that can be used as a substitute.
- Keto Version: The classic recipe is not keto-friendly, but there are ways to make it work. Switching out the sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like Stevia or Swerve and using a sugar-free bitters like Fee Brothers or Bittermens can make it keto-friendly.
- Low-Calorie Version: The classic recipe is not low in calories, but by using a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia or Splenda and cutting back on the amount of whiskey used, it can be made into a low-calorie version.
- More Variations: Some bars add a splash of soda water or ginger beer to the classic recipe to make it more refreshing. Others add a dash of absinthe or muddled fruit for added flavor.
Common Mistakes when Making
Making an Old-Fashioned cocktail is easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the drink. Here are some of them:
- Using too much sugar: The classic recipe calls for only a teaspoon of sugar. Using too much can make the drink too sweet and overpower the whiskey.
- Using too much bitters: Bitters add a complex flavor to the drink, but using too much can make it too bitter.
- Not muddling the ingredients: Muddling the sugar, bitters, and orange peel releases the flavors and aromas, making the drink more balanced.
- Using bad whiskey: The whiskey is the star of the show, and using a low-quality one can ruin the drink.
- Not stirring the drink enough: Stirring the drink with ice for at least 30 seconds is crucial to properly dilute the ingredients and bring out the flavors.
In conclusion, the Old-Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its simplicity and classic taste have made it a favorite of many around the world. With its many variations, it is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed by anyone. As a professional bartender and blog editor, I highly recommend giving the Old-Fashioned a try. Cheers!
If you are going to order Dee's Cherries In The Snow in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Dee's Cherries In The Snow can be served with different ingredients in different places.