By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
Ever wanted to know how old school you REALLY are when it comes to your values and attitudes? Take this quiz and find out!
How Old Fashioned Are You?
Ever wondered if your soul is a time traveler from a bygone era? It's time to unravel the mystery of your inner antique with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of curiosity. Are you the type who swoons over rotary phones, believes that letters are the only proper way to communicate, and feels that a cup of tea should always be served with a side of scones? Then you, my friend, might just be a walking, talking vintage treasure.
In a world where technology changes faster than fashion trends, it's possible that your tastes are more vinyl records than viral videos. If your idea of a wild Friday night involves knitting and sipping homemade lemonade on the porch swing, then it's high time to confirm your suspicions: You might be more old-fashioned than you realize. Grab your pearl necklace or dust off that top hat—let's discover just how delightfully outdated you are with a quiz that measures the age of your spirit with more precision than a grandfather clock!
Now, ready your quill—or smartphone—and tap into your inner old-timey self with this How Old Fashioned Are You? quiz. Who knows, you might be just a few questions away from finding out that you belong in a different century!
The Old Fashioned Deconstructed
Ever wondered how a simple blend of whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters became the epitome of cocktail culture? Let's unravel this beverage that's as timeless as your granddad's tweed suit but has probably seen more bars than he has.
A Brief Romp Through History
The Old Fashioned didn't just fall out of a bartender's sleeve. It's like the fossil of the cocktail world, dating back to when your great-great-grandpappy might've sipped it in a dimly lit saloon. Thanks to Jerry Thomas and his revolutionary book, "How to Mix Drinks," this concoction found its stride before Prohibition told everyone to hide their hooch.
The Spirit of the Cocktail
Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or a rye enthusiast, this is where your taste buds get to play ball. Both are tried-and-true foundations of the classic Old Fashioned, making for a showdown more tension-filled than a Thanksgiving family debate. Many bourbon distillers and Rittenhouse Rye can take a bow for their roles in this spirited spectacle.
The Sweet Science of Balance
Sugar isn't just for your cereal; it's the secret handshake that unites the strong-willed whiskey with the ever-so-dramatic bitters. But don't douse it like you're making Kool-Aid for a kiddie pool party – the right touch of sweetness is more delicate than a souffle in a sledgehammer factory.
The Icebreaker Debate
Here's where opinions clash louder than cymbals in a marching band. Some swear by a single, hulking ice cube, while others argue that a handful of smaller cubes chills with greater zest. Whichever camp you're in, just remember that melting ice is the unsung hero subtly transforming your sippable symphony.
Garnish: An Ode to the Orange Peel
Finally, the crowning glory that's more than just a pretty twist – the orange peel. A little citrus rub around the rim can lift your spirits faster than elevators in a skyscraper. So give that peel the respect it deserves; it's not just garnish, it's the aromatic wink that turns a mere drink into a bonafide Old Fashioned.
Remember, whether you like your drink as classic as a black-and-white movie or as daring as socks with sandals, the Old Fashioned is yours to personalise. And if you're curious to see just how old-fashioned you truly are, why not tip your hat to Brainfall's quiz and find out? It's the bee's knees!
Crafting The Classic and Its Cousins
In the world of cocktails, the Old Fashioned is akin to royalty, and its kin are the dukes and duchesses bringing flavor to the court. Let's take a whirlwind tour of its lineage.
Mix It Up: Sundry Variations
Your basic Old Fashioned is like your reliable best friend: always there, comforting, with simple syrup, bourbon, and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. However, wouldn't you say life's too short to not mix it up a bit? Call in a Manhattan, switch bourbon for rye, add a splash of sweet vermouth and, voilà, you've got a whole new personality on your hands. Or sway tropical with a Rum Old Fashioned, introducing a sweet, toasty edge that whispers stories of palm trees and sea breezes.
The Sweetness Spectrum
Now, if you're the sort of person who whispers sweet nothings to your desserts, you'll be keen to play along the sweetness spectrum of Old Fashioneds. Swap out simple syrup for a dollop of maple syrup and you’ve just hugged a tree. Go further with a spoon of brown sugar for a deeper, caramel kiss. Or, for you, Wisconsin folks, hit peak sweetness with an orange soda-based Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
- Less Sweet: 1 sugar cube or teaspoon granulated sugar
- Balanced Sweet: Simple syrup
- Rich Sweet: Maple syrup
- Wisconsin Sweet: Soda water + 1 luxardo cherry + 1 orange slice
Adventures in Muddling
Embark on the muddling pilgrimage! While aggressive muddling might be a good stress reliever, a gentle squish to your sugar cube and orange peel will better release the vibrant oils without bringing forth a bitter feud. It's the small victories in life—like beautifully muddled Old Fashioned—that count.
Accessorizing Your Cocktail
Accessorizing is not just for fashionistas. Your choice of garnish can turn heads and palates. Consider the classic citrus flair with an orange twist, or pop in a maraschino cherry for a candy-like nod. Even in a lowball glass, the right garnish is like the cherry on top of your... well, you know.
- Classic: Orange peel
- Glam: Maraschino cherry
- Twist and Shout: Lemon peel
- Bold Move: Olive (go on, we dare you)
Sipping in Style: Presentation
Truth be told, you eat—or in this case, drink—with your eyes first. A chic rocks glass, a couple of ice cubes standing at attention, perhaps a smoky-scented glass if you've invited Scotch to the party. The precision in choosing the correct ice shape shouldn't be underestimated. It’s not showing off; it’s just matching your outer sophistication with your inner Don Draper.
- Proper Vessel: Old Fashioned glass
- Cool Factor: Cubed or spherical ice
- Flair: Orange peel or maraschino cherry on the rim
- Heat: Lightly charred glass edge for that smoky touch