Party Size Old Fashioned

Craving a refreshing Old Fashioned but need to make enough to satisfy your party guests? It’s easier than you think to whip up a large batch of this classic cocktail to keep everyone happy! Start by gathering all your ingredients: bourbon, sugar, bitters, amaro, cointreau, and water. Remember, stirring is key to blending flavors seamlessly, so don’t rush this step.

For a party-sized batch, use a large pitcher instead of individual glasses. I once made the mistake of not mixing thoroughly, and the first few drinks were too strong, while the last were too weak. Save yourself the hassle by stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform. A good ratio is 12 ounces of bourbon, 2 ounces of water, and a few dashes of bitters for every 10 servings.

Take your time to garnish with orange slices and cherries. Believe me, presentation makes a difference. There was a party where I skipped this, and guests kept asking for the “real” old-fashioned experience. A hint: pre-cut your garnishes and have them ready to go. This way, you can focus on enjoying your party rather than scrambling in the kitchen.

Preparing the Perfect Batch

Creating a party-size Old Fashioned involves careful selection of spirits, balanced sweeteners, the right bitters, and precise dilution. Here’s how you can master each component for a flawless drink experience.

Selecting Your Base Spirit

The key to a great Old Fashioned lies in your base spirit. Typically, bourbon or rye whiskey are the go-to choices. Bourbon offers a sweeter, richer flavor, which many guests enjoy. Rye whiskey, on the other hand, has a spicier kick, preferred by those who like complexity.

Quantity: For a party-sized batch, you’ll want about 750mL to 1L of your chosen spirit, depending on guest count.

Experiment with both bourbons and ryes to see what fits your crowd best. Once, I ran out of my usual bourbon and had to use a mix of what’s left in my bar; surprisingly, it became a hit at the party!

Syrups and Sweeteners

Balancing sweetness is crucial. Using a mix of simple syrup and sugar cubes can add depth.

Simple syrup is the easiest to work with. Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. For a large batch, start with 4 oz of simple syrup.

Adding sugar cubes? Muddle them well to release the sugar properly. A good rule is one cube per serving.

I recall a time when my simple syrup ran out mid-preparation. Quick thinking led me to dissolve sugar in hot water, and it worked like a charm!

The Role of Bitters

Bitters bring out the subtle flavors in your drink. Angostura bitters are a classic choice. They add a layer of complexity without overpowering the drink.

For a party batch, I recommend about 8-10 dashes per 750mL of spirit. Adjust to taste if you prefer it more bitter. Too many bitters can overwhelm the drink, so start slow and add more if needed.

Other Ingredients

Be sure to add in the Cointreu and Amaro for even more flavor.

Adding Cointreau to your Old Fashioned can:

• Enhance Citrus Notes: It brings a bright, zesty orange flavor that complements the traditional citrus twist.
• Add Sweetness: Cointreau has a natural sweetness that can replace or supplement the sugar in the recipe, adding depth and complexity.

Adding Amaro to your Old Fashioned can:

• Introduce Herbal Complexity: It adds a rich, aromatic layer of flavors from the various botanicals used in its production.
• Balance Sweetness: The bitterness of Amaro can balance out the sweetness from the Cointreau and sugar, creating a more nuanced cocktail.

Dilution and Temperature

The ratio of dilution is vital for a smooth Old Fashioned. Start with 2-3 cups of chilled water for a 1L batch, tailoring to your taste and preferred strength.

Incorporate large ice cubes or an ice block to keep the temperature down while avoiding excessive dilution. Pre-chill your pitchers.

Adding a bit of water or letting the ice dilute the drink saves it from being too strong. This was a lesson learned after a particularly edgy batch I once served—my guests appreciated the moderation on the next round!

Garnishing and Serving

Creating the perfect Old Fashioned goes beyond just mixing the ingredients. The right garnish, glassware, and serving methods elevate the experience and impresses your guests.

Garnish Choices

Choosing the right garnish adds both visual appeal and flavor. The classic Old Fashioned garnish is an orange peel. Use a vegetable peeler to get a thin, wide strip of orange peel and twist it over the glass to release the citrus oils to the drink’s surface.

You can also add a cherry. Look for high-quality cherries like Luxardo Maraschino for additional flair.

Sometimes, less is more. Avoid overloading the drink with too many garnishes. Stick to one or two at most for a balanced presentation, and make sure the fruit is fresh.

Presentation and Glassware

Your Old Fashioned deserves the right vessel. The traditional choice is a rocks glass, also known as a lowball glass. This type of glass allows the drink to be savored slowly, and its wide mouth is perfect for the visual aspect of garnishing.

Use clear ice if possible. Big, clear cubes not only look elegant but melt slower, preventing the drink from becoming diluted too quickly. Prepare clear ice by using boiled or distilled water in large cubes or spheres.

A personal tip: I once tried using regular ice cubes, and it diluted the drink way too fast at a party. Since then, I always use a silicone mold to make large clear ice cubes for special events.

Serving a Crowd

Serving an Old Fashioned to a large group requires some preparation. Creating a big batch is the way to go here. Mix the ingredients in advance. For instance, combine the whiskey, bitters, and sugar in proportions suited to your expected number of guests.

Use a funnel to transfer the pre-mixed cocktail into a sealable container. Store it in the refrigerator or over ice to keep it chilled. When ready to serve, simply pour it over ice in each glass, add your garnishes, and serve.

If you find yourself short on time, have your garnishes prepped and glasses ready. During one busy event, I pre-sliced orange peels and stored them in a sealed container. When it was time to serve, everything was ready to go, and the process was smooth and quick. Remember, preparation is key in ensuring your guests have an enjoyable experience without you being stuck behind the bar all night.