The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails and THE oldest cocktail with whisky. It is a so-called "spirit-forward" cocktail in which the whisky takes centre stage. Sugar, bitters and an optional splash of water round off the flavour profile without masking the character of the whisky. An Old Fashioned is pure enjoyment!

The Old Fashioned has its origins in the United States. At the beginning of the 18th century, people began mixing drinks with alcohol and the term "cocktail" was mentioned for the first time. At that time, only a few ingredients were added to the spirits and the Old Fashioned was simply called a "whisky cocktail". It was not until the second half of the century that it became customary to add more ingredients to cocktails. However, many people still favoured the simpler versions and called them "Old Fashioned". As the whisky cocktail was usually ordered under this name, it evolved over the years into the Old Fashioned as we know it today.

In 1881, a regular at the "Pendennis Club" in Louisville is said to have demanded: "Give me the old-fashioned cocktail." Since then, the name has been the programme.

- 6 cl bourbon whiskey

- 1 cl sugar syrup

- 3 dashes of flavoured bitters

- 1 large or 3 small ice cubes

The exact quantities are measured using a bar measure, the jigger. The ingredients are poured directly into the glass. A small tumbler is suitable here - this glass shape is now known as an old fashioned glass! The cocktail is carefully stirred with a long spoon, the stirrer.

Handle the ingredients gently. Pour the sugar syrup, bitters and bourbon into a chilled tumbler one after the other. Add the ice and stir the cocktail slowly with a bar spoon. Give the drink some time to develop!

A simple orange zest or a cocktail cherry is suitable for decoration.

Always use a good whiskey for a cocktail where the alcohol is in the foreground! We are happy to recommend the following whiskeys:

• Maker's Mark is good for beginners with its rich full vanilla flavour.
• Woodford Reserve Bourbon offers rich vanilla flavours and rye notes.
• Elijah Craig Small Batch is something special with its soft and spicy notes.

But a rye is also recommended as a whiskey. It brings a spicy, peppery character to the glass.

The "best" whiskey depends on personal taste. For a classic balance, we like to recommend the 1776 Bourbon.

All ingredients can be varied. Sugar cubes instead of sugar syrup or cane sugar for a caramel flavour. The choice of bitters ranges from classic Angostura bitters to orange bitters and chocolate bitters. A few drops of water create new flavours. And of course, different bourbons are also possible!

By the way: Is the flavour too intense for you? You can always add water to the Old Fashioned to soften the sharpness of the alcohol. You can also chill the ingredients beforehand. The cold reduces the vapour pressure of the flavourings, making the taste milder.

Whether classic or in creative variations - this cocktail impressively demonstrates how maximum enjoyment can be achieved with minimum effort.

Smoky Old Fashioned: With peaty scotch instead of bourbon.
Maple Old Fashioned: Maple syrup replaces sugar.
Spiced Old Fashioned: Cinnamon stick and cloves as garnish.

And then there's the New Fashioned: sugar is replaced by honey syrup, which makes it taste very sweet!

There is no hard and fast rule - every whisky cocktail is a matter of personal taste. Historically, rye whiskey was used before Prohibition. During Prohibition (1920-1933), the lack of rye led to a switch to sweeter bourbons, and so the bourbon old fashioned became established.

Scotch single malts can also be mixed, but are often favoured neat in the scene. They are considered to be too fine to be altered with sugar and bitters.

Today you decide for yourself:

• Purist? Then leave the single malt undiluted.
• Cocktail fan? Bourbon or rye provide classic flavours, while scotch adds smoke and depth.

Try both variants - you'll find your personal Old Fashioned favourite!