The Old Fashioned. It’s a classic. A cornerstone of cocktail culture. Simple yet sophisticated. But even with its seemingly straightforward recipe, one ingredient consistently sparks debate: the cherry. Is it a mandatory component, a welcome addition, or a sacrilegious offense against cocktail purity? Let’s delve into the history, variations, and passionate opinions surrounding this contentious fruit.
The Historical Roots of the Old Fashioned
To understand the cherry’s role, or lack thereof, we must first journey back to the origins of the Old Fashioned itself. In the late 19th century, as bartenders experimented with increasingly complex and elaborate drinks, some patrons yearned for something simpler, something “old fashioned.” This led to the creation of a drink that showcased the spirit itself, with minimal embellishments.
The classic Old Fashioned, in its purest form, consisted of whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), sugar, bitters, and water. An orange peel, expressed over the drink to release its oils and then dropped into the glass, provided the aromatic element. This was the drink that defined “old fashioned” simplicity.
The key here is the intention. The Old Fashioned was a pushback against over-the-top concoctions. It was about showcasing quality whiskey, allowing its flavor to shine. Adding too many ingredients would defeat the purpose.
The Cherry Enters the Picture: A Slippery Slope?
So, where did the cherry come in? As cocktails evolved, so did people’s tastes and preferences. Bartenders, eager to please their customers and add their own flair, began to experiment. The addition of fruit, including the maraschino cherry, became a common practice.
The maraschino cherry, in particular, gained popularity due to its sweetness and vibrant color. It became an easy way to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to a drink. However, this addition often came at the expense of the Old Fashioned’s intended balance. The sugary sweetness of the cherry could easily overpower the nuances of the whiskey.
Furthermore, the type of maraschino cherry used matters significantly. The bright red, heavily processed cherries commonly found in grocery stores are a far cry from the original, less sweet, Luxardo cherries. These artificially colored and flavored cherries often contribute an overly saccharine and artificial taste to the drink.
The Case Against the Cherry: Purity vs. Preference
Purists argue vehemently against the inclusion of a cherry in an Old Fashioned. They believe it detracts from the drink’s intended character, masking the complexities of the whiskey with unnecessary sweetness. They see the cherry as a crutch, a way to make a mediocre whiskey more palatable.
For these traditionalists, the focus should remain on the quality of the spirit, the balance of the bitters, and the subtle aromatics of the orange peel. The Old Fashioned, in their view, is a celebration of simplicity, and the cherry is an unwelcome distraction.
Many argue that if you need a cherry to enjoy your Old Fashioned, perhaps you should consider a different cocktail altogether. The Old Fashioned is designed to be appreciated for its nuanced flavors, not masked by sugary additions.
The Case For the Cherry: Personalization and Evolution
On the other hand, some argue that the Old Fashioned, like any classic cocktail, is open to interpretation and personalization. They believe that adding a cherry, or other variations, does not necessarily ruin the drink, as long as it is done thoughtfully and with respect for the original recipe.
For those who enjoy a slightly sweeter drink, a single, high-quality cherry can add a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. Choosing a premium maraschino cherry, such as Luxardo, which is less sweet and more complex in flavor, can make a significant difference.
Furthermore, some argue that the Old Fashioned has evolved over time, and the inclusion of a cherry is simply a reflection of changing tastes and preferences. Cocktails, like any form of art, are constantly being reinterpreted and reimagined.
The most important factor is personal enjoyment. If you genuinely prefer your Old Fashioned with a cherry, then there is no shame in adding one. The key is to be mindful of the balance and to use high-quality ingredients.
Variations on the Old Fashioned: Exploring the Spectrum
The Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that lends itself to various interpretations. While the traditional recipe remains a benchmark, numerous variations offer exciting flavor profiles.
Fruit Variations
Besides the cherry, other fruits are sometimes incorporated into Old Fashioneds. Muddling orange slices or adding a small piece of pineapple can introduce different levels of sweetness and complexity. However, these additions should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the whiskey.
Spice Variations
Some bartenders experiment with adding spices to the Old Fashioned, such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. These spices can complement the whiskey’s flavor and add warmth to the drink, especially during colder months.
Spirit Variations
While bourbon and rye are the traditional choices for an Old Fashioned, other spirits can also be used. Rum, tequila, and even mezcal can create unique and interesting variations on the classic cocktail.
Bitters Variations
The type of bitters used in an Old Fashioned can significantly impact its flavor profile. Angostura bitters are the most common choice, but other options, such as orange bitters, chocolate bitters, or even aromatic bitters, can add different layers of complexity.
The Ultimate Verdict: It’s Up to You!
Ultimately, the question of whether or not to include a cherry in an Old Fashioned is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer. The key is to understand the history and the intended flavor profile of the drink, and then to experiment and find what you enjoy the most.
If you’re a purist who values the simplicity and the unadulterated flavor of the whiskey, then leave the cherry out. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink and enjoy the added visual appeal, then add a high-quality cherry.
The most important thing is to approach the Old Fashioned with respect and to use quality ingredients. Whether you choose to include a cherry or not, the goal should always be to create a balanced and enjoyable cocktail.
Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and their potential impact:
| Ingredient | Impact on Flavor | Cherry Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye) | Base spirit, provides primary flavor profile. | The type of whiskey influences whether a cherry complements or clashes. A bolder rye might withstand the cherry better than a subtle bourbon. |
| Sugar (or Simple Syrup) | Adds sweetness, balances the bitters. | Adding a cherry, especially a sweet one, may require reducing the amount of added sugar to maintain balance. |
| Bitters (Angostura, Orange, etc.) | Adds complexity and depth, balances sweetness. | Some bitters might be overpowered by the cherry, while others might complement it. Experimenting with different bitters can influence the cherry’s impact. |
| Water | Dilutes the drink, integrates flavors. | Not directly affected by the cherry, but dilution is crucial for overall balance, especially with added sweetness. |
| Orange Peel | Adds aromatic citrus notes, enhances the whiskey’s flavor. | The orange peel and cherry aromas should complement each other, not compete. A poorly chosen cherry can clash with the orange. |
| Maraschino Cherry | Adds sweetness and visual appeal. | Crucially important. Use high-quality (Luxardo) cherries; avoid overly processed, artificially colored versions. |
Experimenting with different ingredients and techniques is part of the fun of cocktail making. Don’t be afraid to try new things and discover what works best for your palate. Just remember to approach the Old Fashioned with respect and to prioritize balance and quality.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Enjoy your Old Fashioned, however you like it!
FAQ 1: What is the core debate surrounding the cherry in an Old Fashioned?
The primary debate centers around whether or not adding a cherry, especially a maraschino cherry, aligns with the original spirit and intention of the Old Fashioned cocktail. Purists argue that the Old Fashioned, at its core, is meant to showcase the quality of the whiskey and should only be minimally adorned with bitters, sugar, and water. They believe the sweetness and artificial flavor of a maraschino cherry masks the nuances of the whiskey and detracts from the cocktail’s intended profile.
Conversely, proponents of the cherry contend that it adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the drink. They might argue that cocktail preferences are subjective and that the addition of a cherry caters to a broader range of palates. Some might even point to historical variations of the Old Fashioned that may have included fruit, albeit perhaps not the modern maraschino cherry, to justify its inclusion.
FAQ 2: What is the traditional recipe for an Old Fashioned, according to cocktail purists?
A traditional Old Fashioned, in the eyes of many cocktail purists, consists of whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), a sugar cube or a teaspoon of sugar, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water or soda water. The sugar is muddled with the bitters and water to create a syrup, then the whiskey is added and stirred with ice. The cocktail is typically garnished with an orange peel, which is expressed over the drink to release its oils.
This minimalist approach emphasizes the quality and character of the whiskey. The bitters add complexity, the sugar balances the whiskey’s strength, and the water dilutes the drink to the desired proof. The orange peel provides aromatic citrus notes that complement the whiskey’s flavor profile without overpowering it.
FAQ 3: What are the arguments against using a maraschino cherry in an Old Fashioned?
The main argument against using a maraschino cherry, especially the commercially produced bright red variety, stems from its intense sweetness and artificial flavor. These cherries are often preserved in a high-fructose corn syrup solution and contain artificial coloring and preservatives, resulting in a flavor that is significantly different from that of fresh or naturally preserved cherries.
Critics contend that the artificial sweetness of the maraschino cherry overwhelms the subtle nuances of the whiskey, turning the Old Fashioned into a overly sweet and cloying concoction. They believe that it detracts from the drink’s intended purpose, which is to showcase the quality and complexity of the spirit. The cherry’s bright red color also clashes with the classic aesthetic of the Old Fashioned, which is typically a rich amber hue.
FAQ 4: Are there variations of cherries that are considered more acceptable in an Old Fashioned?
Yes, some cocktail enthusiasts find certain types of cherries more palatable in an Old Fashioned than the standard maraschino cherry. Luxardo cherries, for example, are often cited as a superior alternative. These cherries are Italian sour marasca cherries preserved in their own syrup, offering a richer, more complex flavor that is less artificially sweet.
Other alternatives include Amarena cherries, which are similarly preserved in a dark, intense syrup, or even brandied cherries, which have been soaked in brandy. These options offer a more sophisticated and nuanced flavor profile that complements the whiskey rather than masking it. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.
FAQ 5: How did the Old Fashioned cocktail originate, and does its history offer clues about the cherry debate?
The Old Fashioned’s origins can be traced back to the 19th century when cocktails were simple mixtures of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. As bartenders began experimenting with more elaborate ingredients, some drinkers preferred the “old-fashioned” way of making a cocktail, leading to the naming of the drink.
Early recipes for the Old Fashioned often included a small amount of fruit, but the specific type varied depending on availability and regional preferences. These fruits were likely fresh or minimally processed, unlike the modern maraschino cherry. Therefore, while fruit was sometimes present, the intensely sweet and artificially flavored maraschino cherry represents a departure from the drink’s historical roots.
FAQ 6: What is the best way to decide whether to include a cherry in your Old Fashioned?
The best way to decide whether to include a cherry in your Old Fashioned is to consider your own personal preferences. There’s no single “correct” way to enjoy a cocktail, and the most important thing is that you find it enjoyable. Experiment with different variations, including and excluding the cherry, and see which version you prefer.
If you decide to include a cherry, consider using a higher-quality option like Luxardo or Amarena cherries. These cherries offer a more complex and nuanced flavor that complements the whiskey without overwhelming it. Ultimately, the best Old Fashioned is the one that you enjoy the most, regardless of whether it includes a cherry or not.
FAQ 7: If I choose to omit the cherry, what are some alternative garnishes for an Old Fashioned?
If you prefer to omit the cherry, there are several excellent alternative garnishes that can enhance the aroma and flavor of your Old Fashioned. The most classic alternative is an orange peel, which is expressed over the drink to release its citrus oils and then either discarded or placed in the glass.
Other options include a lemon peel, which provides a brighter and more tart citrus note, or even a grapefruit peel for a slightly bitter and complex aroma. You could also experiment with other aromatic elements, such as a star anise or a cinnamon stick, to add a touch of spice and warmth to the drink. The key is to choose a garnish that complements the whiskey and bitters without overpowering them.