Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Old Fashioned
Strawberry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a fruity twist on a classic cocktail perfect for summertime sipping! If you’re in the mood for a deliciously fruity bourbon drink, you must mix some strawberries and sugar and strain out the solids with a mesh strainer.
So try this recipe and add a little fruity flair to your next cocktail hour!
Strawberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- the old fashioned glass (aka the rocks glass)
- small mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 strawberries halved
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon water
Garnish
- orange peel
- 1 strawberry sliced in half
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries. Combine 2 halved strawberries and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. The sugar will draw out the juices from the strawberries, creating a flavorful base for your cocktail.
- Extract the Juice. Place a mesh strainer over a rock glass. Press the macerated strawberries through the strainer to extract their juice into the glass. Be sure to discard the leftover berry solids after straining.
- Assemble the Cocktail. Add ice to the glass to chill the strawberry juice. Then, pour 2 ounces of bourbon, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1 teaspoon of water over the ice. Don't forget to stir the mixture gently to combine all the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve. For an elegant presentation, garnish with a twist of orange peel and a vertically sliced half strawberry on the rim of the glass. Before preparing the cocktail, you could rim the glass with sugar for a sweet touch. Simply rub the rim with an orange peel or strawberry slice, then dip into sugar.
Notes
More Tips:
If possible, use larger ice cubes instead of smaller ones, as they melt at a slower pace, keeping your cocktail from getting overly diluted too quickly.
Avoid including too much of the white pith when preparing your orange peel since it can add bitterness to your drink. You can use a sharp peeler or knife to get a clean cut.
When pressing the strawberries through a strainer, use the back of a spoon to mash and scrape the fruit against the strainer. This technique ensures that you extract as much juice as possible, essential for flavor.
Before adding the garnish, it’s a good idea to taste the cocktail first. If it feels too strong, add a splash of water. If it’s too sweet, add a little more bourbon or a dash of bitters to balance it out.
About the Ingredients
If you want to change things up a bit, try these easy substitutions:
- Bourbon: Try rye whiskey or brandy instead. You can visit a well-stocked liquor store or seek advice from a knowledgeable staff member, which can be helpful. Online liquor stores are also a great resource to find a wider range of options.
- Angostura Bitters: Swap the Angostura bitters with orange bitters for a citrusy taste or chocolate bitters for a deeper flavor. Check the cocktail mixers section of larger supermarkets and specialty food stores, or order online if you find them locally.
- Strawberries: You can use raspberries or blackberries instead to give your drink a different berry flavor.
- Sugar: Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Remember, these substitutions can change the taste of your cocktail, but they can also help you tailor the drink to your liking.
We hope you enjoy making and sipping on this Strawberry Old Fashioned Cocktail. It’s a simple yet delightful twist on a classic that’s perfect for any occasion!
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.