What Cherries Go in an Old Fashioned? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 1800s. It is made with whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and often a citrus peel. While it may seem simple, the perfect Old Fashioned requires the right ingredients and careful preparation. One of the most important components of an Old Fashioned is the cherry.

Cherries are an essential ingredient in an Old Fashioned because they add sweetness, depth, and complexity to the drink. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why cherries are an essential ingredient in an Old Fashioned, provide step-by-step instructions for making the perfect Old Fashioned with cherries, and discuss the history of the Old Fashioned and why cherries are an essential ingredient. We’ll also explore different types of cherries for an Old Fashioned and provide tips for choosing the right cherries for your Old Fashioned.

A Guide to Making the Perfect Old Fashioned with Cherries

Making the perfect Old Fashioned with cherries is not as difficult as it may seem. All you need are the right ingredients and a little bit of patience. Here’s a guide to making the perfect Old Fashioned with cherries.

The Ingredients Needed for an Old Fashioned

To make the perfect Old Fashioned with cherries, you will need:

• 2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon
• 1 teaspoon of simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• 2 maraschino cherries (or other type of cherries)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making an Old Fashioned with Cherries

Once you have all of the necessary ingredients, follow these instructions to make the perfect Old Fashioned with cherries:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon into the glass.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of simple syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir the mixture until it is chilled and combined.
5. Gently twist an orange peel over the top of the glass and drop it into the drink.
6. Garnish with 2 maraschino cherries (or other type of cherries).
7. Enjoy!

The History of the Old Fashioned and Why Cherries are an Essential Ingredient

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 1800s. It is believed to have originated in the United States, but its exact origin is unknown. The original recipe called for whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel. Over time, the recipe evolved and the addition of cherries became popular.

Cherries are an essential ingredient in an Old Fashioned because they add sweetness, depth, and complexity to the drink. Without them, the drink would lack the balance and flavor that makes it so enjoyable. Cherries also add a beautiful garnish to the drink, which makes it even more visually appealing.

Exploring Different Types of Cherries for an Old Fashioned

There are many different types of cherries that can be used to make an Old Fashioned. The most common type of cherry is the maraschino cherry, which is sweetened and dyed red. Other popular types of cherries include brandied cherries, sour cherries, and fresh cherries. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each type of cherry.

Overview of Different Types of Cherries

• Maraschino Cherries: Maraschino cherries are sweetened and dyed red. They are the most commonly used cherry for Old Fashioneds because of their sweet flavor and vibrant color.
• Brandied Cherries: Brandied cherries are soaked in a mixture of brandy, sugar, and spices. They are sweeter than maraschino cherries and have a more complex flavor.
• Sour Cherries: Sour cherries are tart and acidic. They are best used in drinks that need a bit of acidity, such as a Whiskey Sour.
• Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries are sweet and juicy. They can be used in place of maraschino cherries for a more natural flavor.

Pros and Cons of Each Type of Cherry

Each type of cherry has its own pros and cons. Maraschino cherries are the most popular because they are easy to find and have a sweet flavor. However, they are not as natural tasting as fresh cherries. Brandied cherries are sweeter than maraschino cherries and have a more complex flavor, but they can be harder to find. Sour cherries are tart and acidic, which can be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the Old Fashioned. However, they can be too acidic if not used sparingly. Fresh cherries are sweet and juicy, but can be difficult to find, depending on the season.

How to Make a Cherry-Infused Old Fashioned

If you want to take your Old Fashioned to the next level, try infusing cherries into the drink. Infusing cherries into the drink will give it a unique flavor and aroma that will make it even more enjoyable. Here’s how to make a cherry-infused Old Fashioned.

Overview of Infusing Cherries into an Old Fashioned

Infusing cherries into an Old Fashioned is a simple process. All you need are maraschino cherries, whiskey or bourbon, and a mason jar. Start by adding a handful of maraschino cherries to the mason jar and then fill the jar with whiskey or bourbon. Seal the jar and let it sit for at least one day. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor will be. Once the desired flavor has been achieved, strain the cherries from the liquid and discard them. The cherry-infused whiskey or bourbon can then be added to the Old Fashioned.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Infusing Cherries into an Old Fashioned

1. Add a handful of maraschino cherries to a mason jar.
2. Fill the jar with whiskey or bourbon.
3. Seal the jar and let it sit for at least one day.
4. Strain the cherries from the liquid and discard them.
5. Add the cherry-infused whiskey or bourbon to the Old Fashioned.
6. Enjoy!

Tips for Choosing the Right Cherries for Your Old Fashioned

When selecting cherries for your Old Fashioned, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the flavor profile of the drink. If you want a sweet and fruity flavor, opt for maraschino cherries. If you prefer a more complex flavor, try brandied cherries. If you want a hint of acidity, try sour cherries. And if you want a more natural flavor, opt for fresh cherries.

It’s also important to consider the cost and availability of the cherries. Maraschino cherries are usually the cheapest and easiest to find, while fresh cherries can be more expensive and difficult to find, depending on the season.

Conclusion

Cherries are an essential ingredient in an Old Fashioned because they add sweetness, depth, and complexity to the drink. There are many different types of cherries that can be used to make an Old Fashioned, including maraschino cherries, brandied cherries, sour cherries, and fresh cherries. Each type of cherry has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the drink when selecting cherries. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost and availability of the cherries. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can make the perfect Old Fashioned with cherries.