Mix up the ultimate Ironside drink recipe with this easy-to-follow guide! Made with premium Whisky Iron House, Vodka Golden Bay, and Bourbon William Larue, this delightful cocktail is perfectly balanced with refreshing Hemp Soda and Sunrise Lime Juice. Impress your guests with the perfect serve in a Rocks glass, complete with Heat Cubes and Sunrise Lime Peel. Ready to shake things up like a pro bartender? Grab your kitchen strainer and stir with a metal straw or bar spoon for maximum flavor. Cheers!
Ironside Ingredients
- 15 ml Whisky Iron House
- 15 ml Vodka Golden Bay
- 15 ml Bourbon William Larue
- 60 ml Hemp Soda
- 15 ml Sunrise Lime Juice
- Heat Cubes
- Sunrise Lime Peel
Ironside Equipment
- kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Ironside Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- serve on the rocks
Recommend: serve in Rocks glass
It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.The Old-Fashioned: A Classic Cocktail That Stands the Test of Time
As a professional bartender, I have seen trends come and go, but the Old-Fashioned remains a constant favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. This timeless drink has a rich history, a simple yet delicious recipe, and endless variations that make it a versatile option for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the popularity of the Old-Fashioned, its ingredients, how to garnish it, common variations, and common mistakes when making it.
Popularity
The Old-Fashioned has been around since the early 1800s, and it is believed to be one of the first cocktails ever created. Its origins can be traced back to the early days of American bartending when customers would ask for a cocktail made with sugar, water, bitters, and their choice of spirit. Over time, the Old-Fashioned evolved into the drink we know today, made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus.
The Old-Fashioned is famous for its simplicity and versatility. It can be made with any type of whiskey, and it can be customized to suit individual tastes. Some people prefer a sweeter version, while others like it with a stronger whiskey flavor. The Old-Fashioned is also geographically versatile, with variations found all over the world.
Ingredient Roles
The Old-Fashioned is made with just a few ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The whiskey is the star of the show, providing the base for the cocktail. The bitters add a complex, spicy flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar. The sugar provides sweetness and helps to balance out the bitterness of the bitters. Finally, the citrus twist adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the whiskey.
One of the key ingredients in the Old-Fashioned is the whiskey. There are many types of whiskey to choose from, including bourbon, rye, and scotch. Each type of whiskey has its own unique flavor profile, and some people prefer one over the others. For example, bourbon is sweeter and has a smoother flavor, while rye is spicier and has a bolder flavor. Scotch is smokier and has a more complex flavor.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Old-Fashioned is an important step in creating the perfect cocktail. The garnish should complement the flavors of the cocktail and add a visual element to the drink. The classic garnish for the Old-Fashioned is a citrus twist, usually made with an orange peel. The twist is squeezed over the drink to release the oils, which add a bright, fresh flavor to the cocktail.
There are many variations on the classic garnish, including using a lemon or lime twist instead of an orange. Some bartenders also like to add a cherry or a sprig of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary. When garnishing the Old-Fashioned, it is important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
Variations
The Old-Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that can be customized to suit individual tastes. There are many variations on the classic recipe, including virgin/mocktail versions, gluten-free versions, vegan versions, keto versions, and low-calorie versions.
For a virgin/mocktail version of the Old-Fashioned, simply omit the whiskey and use a non-alcoholic substitute, such as Seedlip or Ritual Zero Proof. These substitutes are available in the USA and provide a similar flavor profile to whiskey.
For a gluten-free version of the Old-Fashioned, use a gluten-free whiskey, such as Tito's Handmade Vodka or Woodford Reserve Bourbon. These brands are both gluten-free and widely available in the USA.
For a vegan version of the Old-Fashioned, use a vegan-friendly sugar substitute, such as agave nectar or maple syrup. These substitutes are widely available in the USA and provide a similar sweetness to sugar.
For a keto version of the Old-Fashioned, use a keto-friendly sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol. These substitutes are both low in carbs and widely available in the USA.
For a low-calorie version of the Old-Fashioned, use a low-calorie sweetener, such as Splenda or Truvia. These substitutes are widely available in the USA and provide a similar sweetness to sugar without the calories.
Common Mistakes When Making
When making an Old-Fashioned, there are a few common mistakes that bartenders and home bartenders alike should avoid. One of the biggest mistakes is using too much sugar. The sugar should be used sparingly to balance out the bitterness of the bitters, but too much sugar can make the cocktail overly sweet.
Another common mistake is using low-quality ingredients. The whiskey, bitters, and sugar should all be high-quality to ensure the best flavor. Using subpar ingredients can result in a cocktail that is unbalanced and lacks depth of flavor.
Finally, it is important to stir the cocktail properly. The Old-Fashioned should be stirred gently with a metal straw or teaspoon to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. For a truly professional touch, use a bar spoon to stir the cocktail properly.
Conclusion
The Old-Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its rich history, simple yet delicious recipe, and endless variations make it a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. As a professional bartender, I have seen firsthand the versatility and popularity of the Old-Fashioned. Whether you prefer a classic version or a customized variation, the Old-Fashioned is a cocktail that is sure to impress.
If you are going to order Ironside in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Ironside can be served with different ingredients in different places.
