Clementine Old Fashioned: A Citrus Twist on a Classic Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail, a simple yet elegant combination of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a touch of water. It’s a drink that allows the spirit to shine, while the other ingredients provide a subtle supporting role. But even a classic can benefit from a little experimentation, and this Clementine Old Fashioned is a perfect example of how to add a fresh, seasonal twist to a beloved drink.
This recipe replaces the traditional sugar cube or simple syrup with muddled clementine segments, infusing the cocktail with bright, citrusy sweetness and a fragrant aroma. The result is a vibrant and refreshing take on the Old Fashioned, perfect for enjoying on a crisp autumn evening or a festive holiday gathering.
## Why Clementines? The Perfect Citrus for an Old Fashioned
Clementines are a type of mandarin orange, known for their easy-to-peel skin, juicy flesh, and sweet, slightly tangy flavor. They’re typically available from late fall through winter, making them a perfect seasonal ingredient for cocktails.
Here’s why clementines work so well in an Old Fashioned:
* **Sweetness:** Clementines offer a natural sweetness that complements the whiskey’s character without overpowering it.
* **Citrus Aroma:** The fragrant zest and juice of clementines add a delightful aromatic dimension to the drink.
* **Balance:** The slight tanginess of clementines helps to balance the sweetness, creating a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.
* **Ease of Use:** Clementines are easy to peel and segment, making them a convenient ingredient to work with.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start mixing, gather the following ingredients:
* **Whiskey:** 2 ounces (60ml) of your favorite whiskey. Bourbon and rye are both excellent choices for an Old Fashioned. Bourbon will lend a sweeter, more rounded flavor, while rye will provide a spicier, more robust character. We’ll dive deeper into whiskey selection later.
* **Clementine:** 1 medium-sized clementine, peeled and segmented.
* **Angostura Bitters:** 2-3 dashes. Angostura bitters are essential for an Old Fashioned, adding depth and complexity to the drink. Don’t skip them!
* **Orange Bitters (Optional):** 1 dash. Orange bitters can enhance the citrus notes of the clementine and add another layer of flavor.
* **Water or Ice Cube:** A splash of water or a single large ice cube. The water helps to dilute the whiskey slightly and open up its flavors.
* **Clementine Peel or Orange Peel (for garnish):** A twist of clementine or orange peel to express the oils and add a final aromatic touch.
* **Sugar (Optional):** 1/4 teaspoon of granulated sugar or simple syrup, if needed. Depending on the sweetness of your clementine, you may want to add a touch of extra sugar.
## Equipment
* **Old Fashioned Glass (Rocks Glass):** A short, sturdy glass is ideal for serving this cocktail.
* **Muddler:** Used to gently crush the clementine segments and release their juices.
* **Jigger or Measuring Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Bar Spoon:** For stirring the cocktail.
* **Knife or Peeler:** For preparing the garnish.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Clementine Old Fashioned
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the cocktail! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Clementine Old Fashioned:
**Step 1: Muddle the Clementine**
* Place the clementine segments into the Old Fashioned glass.
* Add the Angostura bitters (and orange bitters, if using) on top of the clementine.
* Gently muddle the clementine segments with the bitters for about 15-20 seconds. The goal is to release the juices and oils from the clementine without pulverizing it. Avoid excessive muddling, as it can make the cocktail bitter.
**Step 2: Add Sugar (Optional)**
* If your clementine isn’t quite sweet enough, add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar or a small barspoon of simple syrup to the glass.
**Step 3: Add Whiskey**
* Pour 2 ounces (60ml) of your chosen whiskey into the glass.
**Step 4: Add Water or Ice**
* Add a splash of water (about 1/4 ounce) or a single large ice cube to the glass.
**Step 5: Stir**
* Using a bar spoon, gently stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds. This will help to combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail. If using a large ice cube, stir until the ice is slightly diluted.
**Step 6: Add Ice (If Needed)**
* If you used a splash of water initially, now add a few ice cubes to the glass.
**Step 7: Garnish**
* Express the oils from a clementine or orange peel over the glass by gently squeezing the peel, skin-side down, towards the drink. This will release a fragrant mist of citrus oil.
* Rub the peel along the rim of the glass.
* Drop the peel into the glass or rest it on the rim as a garnish.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Your Clementine Old Fashioned is now ready to be served and enjoyed! Sip slowly and savor the flavors of whiskey, citrus, and bitters.
## Choosing the Right Whiskey: Bourbon vs. Rye
The type of whiskey you choose will significantly impact the flavor profile of your Clementine Old Fashioned. Here’s a comparison of bourbon and rye, the two most popular choices for this cocktail:
**Bourbon:**
* **Flavor Profile:** Generally sweeter and smoother than rye, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
* **Mash Bill:** Must be made from at least 51% corn.
* **Best For:** A Clementine Old Fashioned made with bourbon will be sweeter and more approachable, with a mellow citrus flavor. It’s a good choice if you prefer a smoother, less assertive cocktail.
* **Recommendations:** Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve.
**Rye:**
* **Flavor Profile:** Spicier and bolder than bourbon, with notes of pepper, spice, and fruit.
* **Mash Bill:** Must be made from at least 51% rye.
* **Best For:** A Clementine Old Fashioned made with rye will have a more complex and assertive flavor, with the citrus playing a supporting role to the whiskey’s spice. It’s a good choice if you prefer a bolder, more challenging cocktail.
* **Recommendations:** Rittenhouse Rye, Bulleit Rye, High West Double Rye!
Experiment with both bourbon and rye to see which you prefer. You might even find that you prefer a different whiskey depending on the specific clementine you’re using.
## Variations and Customization: Making It Your Own
One of the best things about cocktails is the ability to customize them to your liking. Here are a few variations and ideas to try with your Clementine Old Fashioned:
* **Spiced Clementine:** Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the muddled clementine for a warming, spiced flavor.
* **Smoked Clementine:** Use a smoked simple syrup or smoke the glass with a smoking gun before adding the ingredients for a smoky twist.
* **Herbal Clementine:** Muddle a few fresh mint or basil leaves along with the clementine for a refreshing herbal note.
* **Honey Clementine:** Substitute honey for the sugar or simple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
* **Clementine Rosemary:** Add a sprig of rosemary while muddling for a woodsy, aromatic flavor.
* **Use Different Bitters:** Experiment with different types of bitters, such as grapefruit bitters, cardamom bitters, or chocolate bitters, to add unique flavor nuances.
* **Add a Splash of Soda:** Top the finished cocktail with a splash of club soda or ginger ale for a lighter, more refreshing drink.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Taste the cocktail after stirring and add more sugar or simple syrup if needed to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
## Tips for Success: Mastering the Clementine Old Fashioned
* **Use Fresh Clementines:** The quality of your clementines will directly impact the flavor of your cocktail. Choose clementines that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a vibrant color.
* **Don’t Over-Muddle:** Over-muddling the clementine can release bitter compounds from the peel. Gently muddle just enough to release the juices and oils.
* **Use Good Quality Whiskey:** The Old Fashioned is a spirit-forward cocktail, so the quality of the whiskey is important. Choose a whiskey that you enjoy drinking neat or on the rocks.
* **Chill Your Glass:** Chilling your Old Fashioned glass before making the cocktail will help to keep the drink cold for longer.
* **Use a Large Ice Cube:** A large ice cube will melt slower than smaller ice cubes, preventing the cocktail from becoming diluted too quickly.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Don’t be afraid to taste the cocktail and adjust the ingredients to your liking. You may need to add more sugar, bitters, or whiskey to achieve the perfect balance.
* **Experiment with Garnishes:** Get creative with your garnishes! Try using a different type of citrus peel, adding a sprig of herbs, or even a candied clementine slice.
## When to Serve a Clementine Old Fashioned
This Clementine Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings:
* **Holiday Gatherings:** The festive flavors of clementine and spice make it a perfect cocktail for holiday parties and celebrations.
* **Autumn Evenings:** Enjoy it as a cozy drink on a crisp autumn evening by the fireplace.
* **Dinner Parties:** Serve it as an aperitif or after-dinner drink at a dinner party.
* **Casual Cocktails:** It’s also a great cocktail to enjoy on a casual night in with friends or family.
* **Special Occasions:** Elevate any special occasion with this unique and flavorful twist on a classic cocktail.
## Clementine Old Fashioned Recipe Card
**Yields:** 1 cocktail
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Total time:** 5 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ounces (60ml) Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
* 1 medium-sized clementine, peeled and segmented
* 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
* 1 dash Orange bitters (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar or simple syrup (optional)
* Splash of water or 1 large ice cube
* Clementine peel or orange peel, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Place clementine segments in an Old Fashioned glass.
2. Add Angostura bitters (and orange bitters, if using).
3. Gently muddle for 15-20 seconds.
4. Add sugar or simple syrup (if using).
5. Pour in whiskey.
6. Add a splash of water or a large ice cube.
7. Stir for 20-30 seconds.
8. Add ice (if needed).
9. Express citrus oils from peel over the glass and use as garnish.
10. Serve and enjoy!
Enjoy the delightful citrus twist on this classic cocktail. Happy Mixing!