Old fashioned bourbon glass

A short, sturdy glass typical for serving the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, usually made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and orange peel.

About this subject

The Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or lowball tumbler, is one of the most iconic pieces of barware. With a capacity between 180 and 300 ml, its wide base and straight walls allow ice to melt slowly, keeping the drink cold without excessive dilution. The name derives directly from the cocktail it holds, the Old Fashioned, which originated in the early 19th century as an evolution of the term 'cocktail', then defined as spirit, sugar, water, and bitters.

Bourbon, a key American whiskey in this drink, must contain at least 51% corn and be aged in new charred oak barrels. This U.S. federal law, in effect since 1964, ensures a sweet flavor and vanilla notes that pair perfectly with bitters and sugar. While the Old Fashioned can be made with other spirits like rye whiskey or brandy, the bourbon version is the most widespread globally.

Historically, the Old Fashioned gained fame at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, in the late 19th century, and later became popular at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. In pop culture, it was immortalized by Don Draper in the series 'Mad Men', sparking a revival of the cocktail in the 2000s. The muddling technique (crushing sugar with bitters) and the use of a twisted orange peel are rituals that enhance the preparation.

In Brazil, the Old Fashioned is served in specialized bars and also adapted with aged cachaça, creating variations like the 'Old Brazilian'. The choice of glass is crucial: thick, heavy glass not only prevents the drink from warming quickly with hand heat but also imparts a sense of rustic sophistication to the act of drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an Old Fashioned glass and a regular whiskey glass?

An Old Fashioned glass, or rocks glass, is short and wide-bottomed, ideal for cocktails with ice. A regular whiskey glass, like a tumbler, may vary in size, but the Old Fashioned is specifically designed for the namesake drink, with straight walls that accommodate large ice cubes and facilitate mixing.

Why is bourbon the spirit most associated with the Old Fashioned?

Bourbon, with its sweet profile and notes of vanilla and caramel, perfectly complements the sugar and bitters in the cocktail. Moreover, the drink's tradition originated in the U.S., where bourbon was abundant, especially in Kentucky, the birthplace of the Old Fashioned.

How do you make a classic Old Fashioned?

In an Old Fashioned glass, place a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a splash of water, then muddle until the sugar dissolves. Add a shot of bourbon, fill the glass with large ice cubes, and stir gently. Garnish with a twisted orange peel over the drink.