The Old Fashioned: An Essential Guide to the Original Whiskey Cocktail - Hardcover

Schmid, Albert W. A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813141737 ISBN 13: 9780813141732

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky, 2013

Synopsis

American tavern owners caused a sensation in the late eighteenth century when they mixed sugar, water, bitters, and whiskey and served the drink with rooster feather stirrers. The modern version of this "original cocktail," widely known as the Old Fashioned, is a standard in any bartender's repertoire and holds the distinction of being the only mixed drink ever to rival the Martini in popularity.

In The Old Fashioned, Gourmand Award–winning author Albert W. A. Schmid profiles the many people and places that have contributed to the drink's legend since its origin. This satisfying book explores the history of the Old Fashioned through its ingredients and accessories―a rocks glass, rye whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and orange zest to garnish―and details the cocktail's surprising influence on the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and the Broadway musical scene, as well as its curious connection to the SAT college entrance examination. Schmid also considers the impact of various bourbons on the taste of the drink and reviews the timeless debate about whether to muddle.

This spirited guide is an entertaining and refreshing read, featuring a handpicked selection of recipes along with delicious details about the particularities that arose with each new variation. Perfect for anyone with a passion for mixology or bourbon, The Old Fashioned is a cocktail book for all seasons.

About this title

About the Author:

Albert W. A. Schmid, author of The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook (winner of the Gourmand Award), has worked as an executive chef and currently teaches at Sullivan University's National Center for Hospitality Studies.

Review:

"The making of mixed drinks, especially among bourbon aficionados, is steeped in ritualistic purity and exacting particularity of preparation, and this is especially true of the Old Fashioned. This book is for those who love the drink and bourbon in all its many incarnations, including those who take pride in Kentucky and associations with its signal beverage."―Richard Taylor, former poet laureate of Kentucky

"The Martini has several books recounting its history and extolling its virtues, so it is about time that the Old Fashioned, which also has a signature glass, had a book devoted to its history and recipes."―Susan Reigler, coauthor of The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book

"Albert Schmid has done an excellent job researching this cocktail and produced a very enjoyable book. I look forward to adding it to my library."―Mike Veach, author of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

"The Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail is such a classic American cocktail many believe it is the original cocktail and the only one to rival the martini. Albert W.A. Schmid, author of The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook, explores the ingredients, accessories and history of this essential cocktail. Featuring a handpicked selection of recipes along with delicious details about the particularities that arose with each new variation, this spirited guide is as bracing as that classic combination of ry whiskey, sugar, bitters and orange zest."―Tucson Citizen

"It is a very interesting book that can be enjoyed as much by the novice at home mixologist as the professional behind the bar. It is a good addition to any home bourbon library."―BourbonEnthusiast.com

"A welcome gift for the whiskey gourmand, full of history and recipes."―Courier Journal

"The Old Fashioned:An Essential Guide to the Original Whiskey Cocktail by Albert W. A. Schmid is a must-read book for cocktailo connoisseurs who appreciate the nuances of drinking in style. By sifting throught the mythology surrounding the drink, Schmid has mixed together a full-bodied story deserving of the timeless Old Fashioned cocktail."―Fort Thomas Living

About this edition

• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0813141737
• ISBN 13: 9780813141732
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 128