Cocktail College The (Re)Old Fashioned (Live From the VinePair HQ)
May 8, 2025
Steve Schneider, a renowned bar manager and bartender from Sip & Guzzle in New York, shares his expertise on the timeless Old Fashioned. He discusses its historical significance and resurgence in modern cocktail culture, spurred by pop phenomena like 'Mad Men'. The conversation dives into essential ingredients and techniques, spotlighting the crucial role of bitters and the impact of proof and sweetness. Steve also shares his go-to Old Fashioned recipe, emphasizing the art of balancing flavors for the perfect drink experience.
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Old Fashioned's Role in Cocktail Revival
- The Old Fashioned sparked the modern cocktail resurgence and remains a core classic.
- Its evolution reflects cocktail culture shifts from muddled fruit to simple, spirit-forward drinks.
Old Fashioned's Low Popularity Early On
- Early in Steve Schneider's bartending days, Old Fashioneds were rarely ordered and often made poorly.
- They were considered a drink to purposely mess up during the disco shot era.
Old Fashioned's Simplification Journey
- Initially, Old Fashioneds included muddled fruit, causing complexity and confusion.
- Over time, bartenders simplified the drink back to spirit, bitters, sugar, and citrus.