The Wild Turkey Old Fashioned – A Classic Cocktail Revived

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails in the history of mixology. This simple yet bold drink showcases the rich flavor of its main spirit – traditionally American bourbon or rye whiskey. While the Old Fashioned has many variations, the version made with Wild Turkey bourbon stands out for its complexity and balance. With its high-rye mash bill and high proof, Wild Turkey 101 makes an excellent base for a smooth, flavorful Old Fashioned cocktail.

The Evolution of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s. Originally, it was a mixture of whiskey, bitters, water, and sugar The exact origins are disputed, but it became popular in private clubs and finer establishments As cocktails grew more elaborate through the late 1800s, this drink was referred to as an “Old Fashioned” to distinguish it from newer concoctions.

In the late 1800s, the Old Fashioned evolved to include fruit. Bartenders would muddle an orange slice and cherry along with the sugar to enhance the flavor. This fruited version surged in popularity during Prohibition in the 1920s and cemented itself as the standard.

Today, you’ll find many riffs on the Old Fashioned including tropical, coffee, and chocolate versions. But many whiskey enthusiasts still prefer the classic recipe made with American rye or bourbon whiskey as the base spirit.

Why Wild Turkey Shines in an Old Fashioned

Wild Turkey, the beloved Kentucky straight bourbon, stands up beautifully to the bold bitters and sweetener in an Old Fashioned cocktail. Here’s why it’s such an excellent choice:

• High-rye mash bill – Wild Turkey contains around 13% rye grain in its mash bill. This contributes a spicy, peppery flavor that complements the Angostura bitters.

• 101 Proof – The higher 50.5% ABV gives Wild Turkey 101 loads of flavor and complexity that shine through when served on the rocks.

• Aged in new charred oak – Wild Turkey ages for at least 4 years in heavily charred new American oak barrels. This adds rich vanilla and caramel notes to balance the cocktail.

The woody, vanilla foundation along with spicy rye notes makes Wild Turkey 101 and Old Fashioned a match made in heaven.

Mixing the Perfect Wild Turkey Old Fashioned

The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity, Here is how to mix one properly

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 bourbon – Use freshly-opened bottle for maximum flavor.

• 1 sugar cube – A single sugar cube provides just the right sweetness.

• 2-4 dashes Angostura bitters – The bitters should complement, not overwhelm.

• 1 orange slice – Use a thick-cut orange slice to express oils.

• 1 cherry – Go for a quality maraschino cherry or brandied cherry.

• Ice cubes – Use large cubes to minimize dilution as the drink sits.

To make it:

1. Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and soak it with 2-4 dashes of bitters.

2. Muddle lightly to saturate the sugar with bitters.

3. Add one large ice cube and 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 bourbon. Stir gently.

4. Express oils from an orange peel over the drink and add as garnish along with a cherry.

Enjoy this simple, elegant cocktail slowly as the ice cube melts and dilutes the whiskey over time.

Variations on the Wild Turkey Old Fashioned

Once you master the original, try these fun riffs on the classic Wild Turkey Old Fashioned:

• Maple Old Fashioned – Replace sugar with maple syrup for added richness.

• Blackberry-Thyme Old Fashioned – Muddle blackberries and thyme leaves for a fresh twist.

• Bacon Old Fashioned – Add a couple drops of bacon fat-washed bourbon for a smoky, savory flavor.

• Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Swap the sugar cube for a teaspoon of agave nectar.

• Caribbean Old Fashioned – Top with a few ounces of ginger beer for some fizz.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with small tweaks like different bitters, sweeteners, herbs, spices and garnishes. The possibilities are endless!

How to Serve a Wild Turkey Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned makes for a classy, satisfying before-dinner sipper. For special occasions, serve it in a vintage rocks glass with a large ice cube or sphere. But any kind of glassware works fine!

When entertaining, have your ingredients pre-measured in small vessels so guests can customize their own. Provide an array of bitters, citrus peels, sweeteners, and fresh herbs for them to select from.

For intimacy and ambience, place everything on a bar cart and make Old Fashioneds to order. This is a great drink to master for impressing guests with your mixology skills.

The Wild Turkey Old Fashioned is a timeless, sophisticated classic. The sweet, spicy and woody flavors pair so beautifully. Keep a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 stocked on your bar cart along with sugar cubes and bitters. Then you’ll always be ready to mix this iconic bourbon cocktail.