The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and best cocktails. It has a robust depth of flavors, despite its simple recipe. But modern conveniences have also brought the premixed Old Fashioned. It’s a fast, easy way to enjoy the drink with, in theory, not too big a dip in quality. Here’s the story: we explore bottled Old Fashioneds, from ingredients to serving.
What is a premixed Old Fashioned?
This type of Old Fashioned cocktail is a premixed edition. In the past, an Old Fashioned was prepared by blending together whiskey, bitters, sugar and just a little water. The drink is both simple and tasty, hence its allure for many years now. With a premixed Old Fashioned, all these ingredients are combined and bottled so that you can pour them out at your leisure.
The aim behind a premixed Old Fashioned is time and energy saving. It may take a few minutes to make an old-fashioned drink because you should measure each ingredient and mix them together. This approach eliminates those steps.
Just open the bottle and serve it in a glass. This makes it suitable when one wants a fast drink or when they are hosting guests who don’t have time to wait for each drink being made separately.
Premixed Old Fashioneds are created by professional mixologists who aim to maintain flavors at equilibrium. Consequently, every gulp comes out with equal taste like before. They use high quality materials so that the beverage retains its original flavor of an old fashioned one. Even brands sometimes add their unique touches to the pre-made drinks such as some orange hints.Some steps to get/ find the best premixes,
- Definition and overview of premixed cocktails.
- Ingredients commonly found in premixed Old Fashioneds.
- How premixed cocktails differ from traditional ones.
Though premixed, an old fashioned can be personalized. You can increase the amount of bitters or sugar a little if you want to. A cocktail can also be garnished with orange peel or cherry for better flavor and appearance.
Generally, premixed Old Fashioneds are a simple way to have a classic cocktail. The drink has convenience wrapped up in it as it tastes like a professionally made Old Fashioned. It is popular among many lovers of cocktails due to its combination of convenience and the timeless appeal of well-prepared old-fashioned drinks. This makes it a good choice whether you are hosting friends at your place or just relaxing at home; thus, making the solution relatively quick and easier than other options.
Pros and cons of premixed Old Fashioneds
Pros
Convenience
Premixed Old Fashioneds are ready to drink. You don’t need to measure or mix ingredients. Just pour and enjoy. This saves time, especially when you have guests.
Consistency
Each bottle of premixed Old Fashioned tastes the same. This consistency is great for those who want a reliable flavor every time. You don’t have to worry about making mistakes or changing the taste.
No Special Equipment
You don’t need a shaker, strainer, or other bar tools. This makes it easy for anyone to make a perfect Old Fashioned, even without bartending skills.
Portability
Premixed Old Fashioneds are easy to take with you. You can bring a bottle to a party, picnic, or other events. It’s simple and mess-free.
Shelf Life
These drinks often have a long shelf life. You can keep a bottle for months, and it will still taste good. This is handy for those who don’t drink often but want a quality cocktail on hand.
Cons
Limited Customization
With a premixed Old Fashioned, you can’t easily change the recipe. If you like your drink sweeter or with more bitters, it’s harder to adjust.
Cost
Premixed cocktails can be more expensive than making them at home. You pay for the convenience and packaging, which can add up.
Quality Variations
Not all premixed Old Fashioneds are made the same. Some brands might use lower-quality ingredients, affecting the taste. It might take some trial and error to find a brand you like.
Less Freshness
Freshly made cocktails often taste better because the ingredients are fresh. Premixed drinks might lose some of their vibrant flavors over time.
Alcohol Content
The strength of the drink is predetermined. If you prefer a stronger or weaker drink, it’s harder to adjust compared to making it from scratch.
Premixed Old Fashioneds provide a convenient and consistent classic cocktail experience. They are great for quick, easy, and reliable drinks. However, they might lack the customization and freshness of a homemade version. Think about your needs and what you like when choosing a drink.
How to serve premixed Old Fashioneds
Serving a premixed Old Fashioned is easy and quick. Here are some simple steps to ensure you get the best experience from your drink.
Choose the Right Glass:
Use an Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass. These short, sturdy glasses are perfect for this type of cocktail.
Add Ice:
Place a large ice cube or sphere in the glass. Large ice melts slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly. If you don’t have large ice, regular ice cubes will work too.
Pour the Premixed Old Fashioned:
Shake the bottle gently if instructed. Open it and pour the premixed Old Fashioned over the ice in your glass. The typical serving size is about 2 ounces, but you can adjust this to your taste.
Garnish Your Drink:
Garnishing adds a special touch to your drink. For a classic Old Fashioned, use an orange peel or a maraschino cherry.
To add an orange peel, cut a thin strip of orange peel. Hold it over the glass and twist it to release the oils into the drink. Drop the peel into the glass.
For a maraschino cherry, simply drop one or two cherries into the glass.
Enjoy Your Drink:
Give the drink a gentle stir if you like, to mix everything together. Sip and enjoy the rich flavors of the Old Fashioned.
Tips for the Best Experience:
Temperature: Ensure your premixed Old Fashioned is stored in a cool place before serving. A chilled drink is always more refreshing.
Quality Ice: If possible, use clear ice. It looks great and melts more slowly than cloudy ice.
Feel free to experiment with other garnishes. For example, try a lemon peel or a splash of soda water if you want a lighter drink.
Serving a premixed Old Fashioned is straightforward and convenient. Follow these steps. They will help you make a classic cocktail quickly. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or impressing guests at a gathering. Cheers!
Popular premixed Old Fashioned brands
Premixed Old Fashioneds are a great way to enjoy a classic cocktail with minimal effort. These ready-to-drink bottles have become popular for their convenience and consistent taste. Here are some of the top brands that offer high-quality premixed Old Fashioneds.
High West Distillery
High West is well-known for its whiskey, and their premixed Old Fashioned is no exception. This brand focuses on using top ingredients. They use them to make a balanced and tasty drink. It has the right mix of sweetness, bitterness, and strength. This makes it a favorite among many cocktail lovers.
On The Rocks
On The Rocks is another popular choice. They’ve used good whiskey and natural ingredients. This makes for a smooth and enjoyable drink. The brand is praised for its attention to detail and the authentic taste of their cocktails. This makes it a reliable option for those who want a quick and tasty Old Fashioned.
Stolen X
Stolen X offers a unique take on the Old Fashioned by adding a smoky flavor to their mix. This twist sets them apart from other brands. Their premixed Old Fashioned has American whiskey. It also has orange bitters and a hint of smoke. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little extra complexity in their drink.
Bully Boy Distillers
Bully Boy Distillers is a craft distillery known for its high-quality products. Their premixed Old Fashioned is no different. It features a blend of their own whiskey, a touch of sugar, and aromatic bitters. The result is a well-crafted cocktail that feels both classic and contemporary.
Slow & Low
Slow & Low offers a rock and rye version of the Old Fashioned. It combines rye whiskey with honey, navel oranges, rock candy, and bitters. This gives it a unique, sweet, and spicy flavor profile. It’s a great option for those looking for something a bit different yet still familiar.
These brands earned their reputation by delivering delicious, premixed Old Fashioneds. They are also convenient. You may prefer a traditional taste or one with a twist. There’s a premixed Old Fashioned for everyone.
DIY premixed Old Fashioned recipes
Creating your own premixed Old Fashioned at home is simple and fun. This classic cocktail requires only a few basic ingredients. These are whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. Here’s how you can make a large batch to have on hand for easy serving.
Ingredients:
- Two cups of bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/4 cup of simple syrup (you can make this by dissolving equal parts of sugar and water)
- 2 tablespoons of Angostura bitters
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions:
Prepare the simple syrup: If you don’t have simple syrup, make it by mixing 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool before using.
Combine the ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the whiskey, syrup, bitters, and water. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed together.
Bottle the mixture: Pour the mixture into a clean bottle or jar. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh. You can store this in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.
Serving: When you’re ready to serve, pour the premixed Old Fashioned into a glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel or a maraschino cherry if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Premixed Old Fashioned:
Quality ingredients: Use a good-quality whiskey. The better the whiskey, the better your cocktail will taste.
Adjust sweetness: Taste your mixture before bottling. If you like it sweeter, add a little more simple syrup.
Storage: Store your premixed Old Fashioned in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh. It’s supposed to last for several weeks.
Making a premixed Old Fashioned at home is a great way to enjoy this classic cocktail anytime. You avoid the hassle of mixing individual drinks. It’s perfect for parties or just to have on hand for a quick, satisfying drink after a long day. Enjoy your homemade cocktail with friends or savor it alone.
At The End
Cocktail lovers can use premixed Old Fashioneds to get the classic flavor of this timeless drink. It’s an easy way to avoid all that extra work. You can enjoy a twist on the classic with the bottled version. Or, stir up your own. Even then, it will still have that comforting flavor. Maybe that sounds like you. Or, you want a pre-mixed drink after a long day at work. A mixed Old Fashioned is definitely one to add to your drinks list.
FAQs
What is a premixed Old Fashioned?
A premixed Old Fashioned is a ready-to-drink version of the classic cocktail. It has all the key ingredients. These are whiskey, bitters, sugar, and sometimes a bit of water. They are mixed and bottled for convenience. This allows you to enjoy an Old Fashioned. You don’t need to measure and mix each part.
How do premixed Old Fashioneds differ from freshly made ones?
The primary difference is convenience. Premixed Old Fashioneds save time. They also ensure consistent flavor. They are professionally mixed to taste balanced. Freshly made Old Fashioneds offer more customization. You can adjust the sweetness, bitterness, and strength to your preference. However, premixed versions can be ideal for quick and easy enjoyment.
Can I customize a premixed Old Fashioned?
Yes, you can still customize a premixed Old Fashioned to some extent. You might add more bitters. You can adjust the sweetness with extra sugar or simple syrup. Or, you can change the strength by adding extra whiskey. Adding an orange peel or cherry can also improve the drink. It makes it look and taste better.
What are the best ways to serve a premixed Old Fashioned?
To serve a premixed Old Fashioned:
Glassware: Use a short, sturdy glass like an Old Fashioned or a rocks glass.
Garnish: Traditional garnishes include an orange peel or a maraschino cherry.
Temperature: Serve over a large ice cube or sphere to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
How long does a premixed Old Fashioned last?
Most premixed Old Fashioneds have a long shelf life. They often last several months to a year when unopened. Once opened, it’s best to consume the bottle within a few weeks to ensure the best flavor. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific shelf life details.
Are there any highly recommended premixed Old Fashioned brands?
Yes, several brands are well-regarded for their premixed Old Fashioneds, including:
High West Distillery: Known for their balanced and flavorful mix.
On the Rocks: Offers a smooth and well-rounded premixed Old Fashioned.
Stolen X: Features a unique twist with an added smoky flavor.
Bully Boy Distillers: Praised for their craft approach and high-quality ingredients.
Consumer reviews and ratings can help you choose the best option. It’s likely to suit your taste.
