It would be easy to consider this one of the oldest true cocktails around, that is, a drink with a base spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. I find the name of this cocktail interesting as the story behind the drink centers around its "creation" at the Pendennis Club in the early 20th century. However consider that the name very well may have been the bartender describing the drink as an old fashioned whiskey cocktail...that is eliminating any other superfluous ingredients that had been added to whiskey cocktails in the latter part of the 19th century.
There are a variety of ways to make an old-fashioned. However my preferred method is to use 1tsp of sugar, 2 or 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and muddle that with orange rind. Add 2 oz of your preferred bourbon or rye and stir.
Old-Fashioned
2 oz Bourbon -- (Maker's Mark)
1 t Sugar
Orange Peel
2-3 ds Angostura Bitters
Muddle the sugar, orange peel and bitters until a paste is formed, add whiskey and ice to mixing glass. Stir until combined (stirring is a VERY key step in this drink, and it doesn't mean give the drink a quick twirl, it means stir with a barspoon (or your finger if one is unavailable) until the drink is thouroughly combined, chilled and has a smooth texture. If you are unsure of how to do this use youtube ;). The result, a drink which shows off all the characteristics of the base whiskey and highlights them with gentle citrus notes and the wonderful unifying effect of Angostura bitters. I warn you though, order this drink in a bar at your own risk...most bartenders are haphazard in their construction of this venerable classic and do not do it justice (like by adding inordinate amounts of water).
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