Program: Prohibition
Presented by: Chip, Merchants Cafe in Seattle

As its name suggests, the Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails, dating as far back as the 1880s. It was around before, during and long after Prohibition. It is possibly the first drink to be called a cocktail, originally defined as a mixture of spirits, sugar, water and bitters. It was believed to be a way to improve the taste of liquor. The Old Fashioned later became a favorite of President Harry Truman and his wife, Bess.

Ingredients

• 1 sugar cube
• 1 tsp water
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 1/2 oz whiskey
• 2-3 ice cubes
• thin-cut lemon peel

Preparation

Muddle one sugar cube with water and and Angostura Bitters in bottom of a glass until sugar dissolves. Add whiskey (or popular straight rye, bourbon or scotch) and stir. Add ice cubes and stir then squeeze lemon peel over and drop in. Let sit for minute.