CLASSIC COCKTAIL · 1800–1849
Whiskey Cocktail
The original cocktail: whiskey, sugar, water and bitters.
early 1800sHistorical classicResearched
The first published definition of a cocktail, in 1806, describes a mixture of spirit, sugar, water and bitters. The whiskey cocktail is the clearest expression of that formula and the direct ancestor of the Old Fashioned. When bartenders began adding vermouth and liqueurs later in the century, customers asked for the old-fashioned version by name.
- Old Fashioned
- Improved Whiskey Cocktail
- Sazerac
THE RECIPE
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey60 ml
- Sugar1 tsp
- Water1 tsp
- Angostura bitters2 dashes
- Lemon peelto garnish
Method
Dissolve the sugar in water and bitters, add whiskey and ice, stir until cold and garnish with lemon peel.
Rocks glass · ice · lemon peel