Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is often seen as just one of those old slop drinks that isn't worth the time it takes to make it.To taste it the way many modern bartenders serve it, it's no surprise.The key to this drink is it's simplicity, which is also often it's downfall. While every bartender will inevitably stir their Old Fashioned differently, some often make two very radical changes to the original recipe.
The first, as they muddle together the sugar, water, and bitters, they will also toss in a sliver of orange, or a maraschino cherry – interesting, since neither were even a garnish in the original. The maraschino cherry adds very little at this stage besides a mangled carcass and a little bit of extra sugar, although the orange does provide some useful and interesting flavours that are a desirable addition.
The second, and essentially fatal modification that will be performed, is that at the very end of the laborious process, the bartender will reach for a mixer and 'charge it', with soda or a similar mixer; a crime that should carry a custodial sentence!
