Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is the granddaddy of all cocktails.  In fact it pretty much defined the word cocktail.  Any cocktail book you pick up usually has at least a page dedicated to this drink (I think it might be a law). This alone is pretty impressive considering its humble recipe.  As with any classic drink recipes vary widely

The write up from Mr. Boston - really dives into the history of the drink and offers many of the old recipes listed but their modern version as:

1.5 oz Rye or Bourbon (I will forgive them for writing the or.. but if you can't.. i understand)
1 tsp simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Lemon Twist

Joy of Mixology focuses mostly on the to muddle fruit or not question (I answered for you and went with not).  Their non-fruit muddling version is:
1 Sugar cube
3 dashes Angostura bitters
3 oz Bourbon or Rye (again with the or)
1 lemon twist


Obviously all of these are served in an Old Fashioned Glass

Common Trade offs

• Bourbon vs Rye:  Choice of whiskey is very common difference with this drink. The original was made with rye but with bourbon's popularity it muscled its way into this drink's recipe.. I personally am an exclusive rye man myself. 
• Simple Syrup vs Sugar Cube: I have been more keen on using simple syrup as it is much easier to get it dissolved vs a sugar cube - but you should try the bitters soaked sugar cube method at-least once if for no other reason than to more appreciate simple syrup's ease.  
• Fruit or no fruit:  Many modern versions have fruit muddled in with the sugar - usually an orange or some cherries (or both).   I stay clear of the whole thing and go with the old fashion Old Fashioned

So what do I drink?

I have been recently going with the Mr. Boston recipe for its ease and tastiness.. If you have a better one please submit it in the comments. 

See Also:

What Rye to use?:  Rye whiskey showdown: Tuthilltown vs. Old Overholt