The Old Fashioned: a cornerstone of cocktail culture, a testament to simplicity, and a drink that demands respect. Bourbon or rye, a touch of sugar, a few dashes of bitters, and the ever-important cherry. But not just any cherry will do. The choice of cherry in an Old Fashioned is more than just an aesthetic flourish; it’s a flavor decision that can profoundly impact the overall experience. Let’s delve into the world of cherries and uncover which varieties reign supreme in this classic cocktail.
The Maraschino Cherry: A Controversial Classic
When many people picture an Old Fashioned, they immediately envision a bright red, almost unnaturally glossy maraschino cherry perched atop the drink. These cherries, however, have a somewhat complicated history and aren’t always the best choice for a sophisticated Old Fashioned.
The Modern Maraschino: A History of Sweetness
The modern maraschino cherry, as we know it, is a far cry from its origins. The process typically involves brining cherries in a solution of calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide to bleach them, followed by soaking them in high-fructose corn syrup and red food coloring. This results in a cherry that is intensely sweet, with a distinct, almost artificial flavor. This sweetness can overpower the subtle nuances of the whiskey and bitters in an Old Fashioned.
While some people appreciate the nostalgic sweetness of a maraschino cherry, many cocktail enthusiasts find that it detracts from the overall balance of the drink. The syrupy sweetness can mask the more complex flavors of the whiskey and bitters, resulting in a less refined and enjoyable experience.
When is a Maraschino Acceptable?
Despite their drawbacks, maraschino cherries can still have a place in an Old Fashioned, particularly if you’re aiming for a specific, nostalgic flavor profile. A lower quality bourbon that is not too complex in taste can even benefit from its sweetness.
Ultimately, the choice is a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy the sweetness and are not overly concerned with the nuances of the other ingredients, a maraschino cherry may be perfectly acceptable. However, for those seeking a more sophisticated and balanced Old Fashioned, there are far better options available.
The Rise of the Luxardo Cherry: The Gold Standard
For serious Old Fashioned drinkers, the Luxardo cherry has become the gold standard. These Italian cherries offer a depth of flavor and complexity that far surpasses the average maraschino.
What Makes Luxardo Cherries Special?
Luxardo cherries are produced using a traditional process that preserves the natural flavors of the fruit. They are candied in their own marasca cherry juice, resulting in a rich, slightly tart, and intensely cherry flavor. Unlike mass-produced maraschinos, Luxardo cherries are not bleached or artificially colored. They maintain their natural dark red color and possess a firmer texture.
The quality ingredients and meticulous production methods result in a cherry that complements, rather than overwhelms, the other components of an Old Fashioned. The subtle tartness and complex cherry flavor enhance the whiskey and bitters, creating a more balanced and nuanced cocktail.
The Impact on the Old Fashioned
Using a Luxardo cherry in an Old Fashioned elevates the drink to a new level of sophistication. The rich, complex flavor of the cherry complements the oaky notes of the bourbon or rye, while the slight tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar.
The firmer texture of the Luxardo cherry also provides a more satisfying mouthfeel, enhancing the overall drinking experience. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, transforming a simple cocktail into something truly special.
Other Premium Cherry Options: Exploring the Possibilities
While Luxardo cherries are widely considered the best, there are other premium cherry options available that can also enhance an Old Fashioned. Exploring these alternatives can lead to exciting discoveries and allow you to tailor the cocktail to your specific preferences.
Fabbri Amarena Cherries: A Sweet Italian Delight
Like Luxardo, Fabbri Amarena cherries are an Italian import known for their high quality and intense flavor. These cherries are candied in a rich syrup, resulting in a sweet and slightly floral taste.
While they are sweeter than Luxardo cherries, Fabbri Amarena cherries still offer a significant upgrade over mass-produced maraschinos. Their complex flavor and tender texture can add a unique dimension to an Old Fashioned. They have a very particular sweet and tart flavor profile that some may find slightly more artificial than Luxardo.
Filthy Black Cherries: A Bold and Boozy Choice
Filthy Black Cherries are a relative newcomer to the premium cherry scene, but they have quickly gained a following among cocktail enthusiasts. These cherries are soaked in bourbon, adding a boozy kick to the already complex flavor profile.
Filthy Black Cherries are less sweet than both Luxardo and Fabbri cherries, with a more pronounced cherry flavor and a distinct bourbon aroma. They are a great choice for those who want to add an extra layer of complexity and intensity to their Old Fashioned. Be aware that they are soft and the bourbon flavor may overshadow the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Homemade Cherry Cordial: The Ultimate Personal Touch
For the truly dedicated cocktail enthusiast, making your own cherry cordial is the ultimate way to customize your Old Fashioned. This allows you to control every aspect of the cherry’s flavor, from the type of cherry used to the sweetness of the syrup.
There are countless recipes available online for homemade cherry cordial, allowing you to experiment with different flavor combinations and find the perfect complement to your favorite whiskey. This is an incredibly labor-intensive process, but it allows for a personalized cocktail experience that is unmatched.
Beyond the Cherry: Considerations for the Perfect Old Fashioned
While the cherry is an important component of an Old Fashioned, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To create the perfect Old Fashioned, you need to consider all the ingredients and how they work together.
The Whiskey: The Foundation of the Cocktail
The choice of whiskey is arguably the most important decision when making an Old Fashioned. Bourbon and rye are the two most common choices, each offering a distinct flavor profile. Bourbon tends to be sweeter and smoother, while rye is spicier and drier.
Experiment with different whiskies to find the one that best suits your taste. Consider the age and proof of the whiskey, as these factors will also impact the final flavor of the cocktail.
The Bitters: Adding Depth and Complexity
Bitters are essential for balancing the sweetness of the sugar and adding depth and complexity to the Old Fashioned. Angostura bitters are the most traditional choice, but there are many other options available, each offering a unique flavor profile.
Orange bitters can add a citrusy note, while Peychaud’s bitters can add a floral aroma. Experiment with different bitters to find the perfect complement to your chosen whiskey and cherry.
The Sugar: Sweetness and Texture
The type of sugar used in an Old Fashioned can also impact the final result. Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but some bartenders prefer to use simple syrup or a sugar cube.
Simple syrup dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, resulting in a smoother cocktail. A sugar cube requires muddling, which can release additional flavors from the sugar and bitters. The choice is a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth experimenting to see which method you prefer.
The Garnish: Presentation Matters
While the cherry is the star of the garnish, you can also add an orange peel for extra flavor and aroma. Expressing the oils from the orange peel over the cocktail before dropping it in can add a bright, citrusy note that complements the whiskey and bitters.
The overall presentation of the Old Fashioned is also important. Use a rocks glass, add a large ice cube or sphere, and arrange the cherry and orange peel artfully. These small details can elevate the drinking experience and make the cocktail feel even more special.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Cherry
Ultimately, the choice of cherry for your Old Fashioned is a matter of personal preference. However, by understanding the different types of cherries available and how they impact the overall flavor of the cocktail, you can make an informed decision that enhances your drinking experience.
While mass-produced maraschino cherries may be acceptable in a pinch, premium cherries like Luxardo, Fabbri, and Filthy Black offer a significant upgrade in flavor and quality. Experiment with different cherries and other ingredients to find the perfect combination for your taste, and don’t be afraid to get creative. The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail, but it’s also a canvas for experimentation. Enjoy the process of discovery and create an Old Fashioned that is truly your own.
The choice, as always, is yours. Consider what flavors you want to accentuate in your Old Fashioned and allow that to guide your cherry selection. Happy mixing!
What type of cherries are most commonly used in an Old Fashioned cocktail?
Maraschino cherries are the most ubiquitous choice for garnishing an Old Fashioned. These cherries, initially soaked in maraschino liqueur derived from Marasca cherries, are now typically preserved in a highly sweetened brine with artificial coloring and flavoring. Their bright red hue and intense sweetness contribute a distinct visual and taste element to the classic cocktail, though some argue it overpowers the drink’s subtle complexities.
However, discerning bartenders and home mixologists often prefer other options that offer a more sophisticated flavor profile. Luxardo cherries, for example, are a popular alternative. These Italian cherries are made from sour Marasca cherries preserved in their own juice, resulting in a darker color, a less cloying sweetness, and a more complex, subtly bitter flavor that complements the whiskey and other ingredients in an Old Fashioned.
Are all maraschino cherries the same quality for use in an Old Fashioned?
No, the quality of maraschino cherries varies significantly, impacting the overall Old Fashioned experience. Mass-produced maraschino cherries found in supermarkets are typically heavily processed, featuring artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These cherries often lack a genuine cherry flavor and contribute excessive sweetness, potentially masking the nuances of the whiskey and other cocktail components.
In contrast, higher-quality maraschino cherries prioritize natural ingredients and traditional preservation methods. These cherries usually avoid artificial additives, boasting a richer, more authentic cherry flavor. Look for brands that specify the use of real cherry juice and natural coloring agents. Investing in better quality cherries elevates the Old Fashioned, creating a more balanced and refined flavor profile.
Can I use fresh cherries in an Old Fashioned instead of preserved ones?
While less common, fresh cherries can be incorporated into an Old Fashioned, particularly when they are in season. Using fresh cherries requires a slightly different approach. Instead of simply dropping a cherry into the glass as a garnish, you can muddle a fresh cherry along with the sugar and bitters to extract its flavor and juices. This adds a natural sweetness and fruity depth to the cocktail.
However, it’s essential to consider the type of cherry you use. Sweet cherries may work well if you reduce the amount of added sugar, while sour cherries might require a touch more sweetener. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will not offer the same preserved sweetness or vibrant color as traditional maraschino cherries, so the resulting cocktail will have a different character, often more subtle and seasonal.
What is the difference between Luxardo cherries and other cocktail cherries?
Luxardo cherries stand out due to their unique production process and the specific variety of cherry used. They are made from Marasca cherries grown in Luxardo’s own orchards in Italy. These cherries are preserved in a syrup made from the cherry juice itself, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile compared to many other commercially available cocktail cherries.
Many other cocktail cherries, often labeled simply as “maraschino cherries” (especially those from large commercial producers), are typically made from Rainier or Gold cherries, which are then bleached and dyed bright red. These cherries are often preserved in a high-fructose corn syrup-based brine with artificial flavors and preservatives. Luxardo cherries, in contrast, have a darker, more natural color and a distinctively tart and subtly bitter taste that complements spirits beautifully without overpowering them with sweetness.
How does the type of cherry impact the overall taste of an Old Fashioned?
The type of cherry used significantly affects the Old Fashioned’s flavor profile. A standard, brightly colored maraschino cherry adds a burst of artificial sweetness and a hint of cherry flavor. This sweetness can sometimes overshadow the whiskey’s complex notes and create an unbalanced cocktail, especially if the cherry syrup is also added to the drink.
In contrast, using Luxardo cherries or other high-quality preserved cherries imparts a more nuanced and sophisticated flavor. The subtle tartness of these cherries balances the sweetness and complements the whiskey’s character, adding depth and complexity. They offer a richer, more authentic cherry flavor that enhances, rather than masks, the other ingredients in the Old Fashioned.
Are there any cherry alternatives I can use as a garnish in an Old Fashioned?
While a cherry is the traditional garnish, there are several alternatives you can use to add visual appeal and flavor to an Old Fashioned. A simple orange peel is a classic addition, offering citrusy aromatics and a touch of bitterness that complements the whiskey. Expressing the oils from the peel over the drink before dropping it in further enhances the citrus notes.
Other options include brandied cherries (made at home or purchased), which offer a richer, boozier flavor. Candied citrus peels, such as orange or lemon, can also provide a sweet and aromatic garnish. For a spicier alternative, consider using a pickled cherry or even a cinnamon stick. The key is to choose a garnish that complements the whiskey and other ingredients in the cocktail, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Can I make my own cocktail cherries for an Old Fashioned?
Yes, making your own cocktail cherries is a rewarding way to elevate your Old Fashioned. The process involves pitting fresh cherries, simmering them in a mixture of sugar, water, and spices (such as cloves, cinnamon, and star anise), and then preserving them in a jar with a spirit like brandy or bourbon. This allows you to control the sweetness, flavorings, and alcohol content of the cherries.
Homemade cocktail cherries offer a far superior taste and quality compared to many commercially available options. You can experiment with different types of cherries, sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup), and spices to create a custom flavor profile that perfectly complements your favorite whiskey. Making your own cherries is a relatively simple process, and the result is a delicious and impressive addition to your Old Fashioned.