So, can you make a good Old Fashioned with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7? Of course you can!
That said, because this is Jack Daniel’s, it’s going to be a little different. We may also have run a few experiments with different expressions to see which one makes the best drink.
So come and join us on this Old Fashioned journey!
What Is An Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is a simple combination of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and dilution. It’s one of the oldest cocktails in the world, and its name is more important than you might think.
This combination of ingredients goes a long way back, with the name itself relating to customers wanting their cocktails served the “old fashioned” way. The Old Fashioned, and indeed the Sazerac, are variations on something called the Improved Whiskey Cocktail.
Using that as a starting point, you can go crazy with different bitters, garnishes, and base spirits. Here, though, we’re focusing on the Old Fashioned and how it was traditionally served.
This is a spirit-forward cocktail, so your choice of base whiskey is arguably the most important part. Everything else is there to complement it, adding complexity, bitterness, and sweetness. There aren’t many places to hide with a drink this simple.
Does Jack Daniel’s Work In An Old Fashioned?
Absolutely! However, you have to keep a few things in mind when using Jack Daniel’s in your Old Fashioned.
The Lincoln County Process, which sees the whiskey filtered through sugar maple charcoal, contributes to the cleaner, nuttier profile found across much of the Jack Daniel’s range. Cocktails can also be adapted throughout the year to suit different seasons, so if you’re making an Old No. 7 Old Fashioned, you can lean into its slightly lighter profile.
The final result will also depend on the other ingredients you choose. You could use simple syrup or a darker brown sugar syrup. There are classic Angostura or orange bitters, while chocolate or peach bitters can also work really well.
Then you’ve got your garnish. Orange is the classic choice, but a lemon twist in summer can make the drink feel lighter and more elegant.
Jack Daniel’s Old Fashioned Recipe
Before we get to making this, you’re going to need a few tools. First, take your favorite tumbler or rocks glass and put it in the freezer. Cocktails are all about temperature.
You’ll also need a mixing glass or jug, a bar spoon, a spirits measure, a strainer, and a sharp knife or peeler. We’re stirring this drink because it contains no fruit juice, and stirring will give you a smoother final result.
Let’s make it. I always start with the cheapest ingredient first.
I prefer less sugar in my Old Fashioned, so measure out around 12.5ml of syrup and pour it into the mixing glass. I’m using a 2:1 Demerara syrup.
Next, we’ve got the bitters. I’m keeping this one on the lighter side, so I’m using classic Angostura and peach bitters: two dashes of Angostura and four dashes of peach.
Now for the main event: the whiskey.
Pour 60ml of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 into the mixing glass. Fill it around halfway with ice and start stirring. You’re looking for condensation to appear on the outside of the glass, while the ice should begin to feel a little looser as you stir. This is where the cocktail gets its dilution.
Always taste your cocktails before serving them, even if you’re only making one for yourself. Dab the mixing spoon on the side of your hand and taste, or use a straw to take a small sample. If you’re happy, it’s time to serve.
Retrieve your glass from the freezer and either fill it with several ice cubes or use one large cube. Strain your cocktail over the ice and add the garnish.
Because I’ve gone for a lighter serve, I’m cutting a strip of lemon peel, squeezing the oils over the drink, and then dropping the peel into the glass.
Is Old No. 7 The Best Option?
Yes and no.
It’s a great, affordable, and tasty whiskey to use in cocktails, but in a spirit-forward drink like the Old Fashioned, you might want something with a little extra proof to bring out more flavor and complexity.
My personal choice would be Jack Daniel’s Bonded, bottled at 50% ABV, or Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, bottled at 45% ABV.
If you choose one of these, you really don’t need to make many adjustments to the recipe above. I’d swap the lemon for orange, or even just drop a cherry into the glass.
For the bitters, I’d either use Angostura or orange bitters, possibly both if you’re using the Bonded. They can help pull out even more flavor from that higher-proof whiskey.
So, Should You Use Jack Daniel’s In An Old Fashioned?
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 makes a good Old Fashioned, particularly if you want something a little lighter for warmer weather. It’s also an affordable option if you’ve got plenty of people coming round. You could even batch the recipe and let everyone help themselves.
It’s going to give you a different profile from an Old Fashioned made with a high-rye or wheated bourbon, but it certainly has its place in this classic cocktail.
Read the full article at Jack Daniel’s Old Fashioned Recipe: Why It’s Better Than You’d Expect
