Indulge in a truly unique cocktail experience with the strawberry preserves old fashioned, a delightful twist on a classic that infuses the rich, fruity essence of homemade preserves into a sophisticated drink. This recipe isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about crafting an unbelievably delicious and unexpectedly easy-to-make beverage that brings a touch of vintage charm to any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Preserves Old Fashioned
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this captivating cocktail:
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey: Opt for a good quality bourbon. Its caramel and vanilla notes perfectly complement the strawberry.
- 1 Heaping Teaspoon Strawberry Preserves: Homemade or a high-quality store-bought option with real fruit pieces works best for a robust flavor.
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters: Essential for balancing sweetness and adding aromatic complexity.
- 1 Orange Peel: For expressing oils and garnishing.
- Large Ice Cube or Sphere: For slow dilution and optimal chilling.
- Optional: 1/4 oz Simple Syrup: Only if your preserves aren’t very sweet or you prefer a sweeter drink. (Combine equal parts sugar and hot water, stir until dissolved, then cool.)
How to Make Strawberry Preserves Old Fashioned
Crafting the strawberry preserves old fashioned is surprisingly simple, yet yields a wonderfully complex and satisfying cocktail. This drink is a true testament to how easily a few quality ingredients can combine to create something truly special. The vibrant sweetness of the strawberry preserves beautifully mellows the bourbon, resulting in a smooth, fruit-forward sipper that’s both refreshing and comforting. With a prep time of just 5 minutes, you can enjoy this delightful beverage in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Glass: Grab a sturdy old fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass).
- Add Preserves and Bitters: Place 1 heaping teaspoon of strawberry preserves and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters into the bottom of the glass. If using, add the optional 1/4 oz simple syrup now.
- Muddle Gently (Optional but Recommended): If your preserves have larger fruit chunks, use a muddler to gently press and break them down, releasing more of their flavor. Don’t overdo it – you want a rustic texture, not a purée.
- Add Bourbon: Pour 2 oz of your chosen bourbon whiskey into the glass.
- Stir to Combine: Stir the mixture well with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds. This ensures the preserves are fully incorporated and contributes to a smooth flavor profile. You’ll notice the liquid taking on a beautiful reddish hue.
- Add Ice: Place a large ice cube or sphere into the glass. Large ice melts slower, preventing your drink from becoming watered down too quickly.
- Stir Again (Briefly): Give the drink another quick stir, about 10-15 seconds, to chill it down properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Take an orange peel, give it a gentle twist over the drink to express its aromatic oils, then drop it into the glass. Some like to rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in for an extra burst of citrus aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Preserves Old Fashioned
You’ll adore this strawberry preserves old fashioned for its incredibly fresh and vibrant twist on a sophisticated classic. The star of the show is undoubtedly the sweet and tangy strawberry preserves, which infuse every sip with a burst of summery fruitiness that harmonizes perfectly with the robust bourbon. Making this cocktail at home also offers fantastic cost savings compared to an artisanal bar drink, allowing you to enjoy a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Beyond the savings, the rich texture and delightful flavor profile set this drink apart. Imagine the comforting warmth of an Old Fashioned, now elevated with bright berry notes and a subtle, jammy sweetness. It’s significantly more complex and engaging than a simple whiskey sour, and just as easy to make! Don’t just take our word for it—whip up a batch tonight and treat yourself to this truly special libation.
What to Serve Strawberry Preserves Old Fashioned With
The strawberry preserves old fashioned is a cocktail that demands to be savored, and pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Think about flavors and textures that complement its sweet, fruity, and robust profile:
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: A selection of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and salty cured meats (like prosciutto) offers a delightful contrast to the drink’s sweetness. Add some crusty bread or artisanal crackers.
- Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) forms a classic pairing with berries and bourbon, providing a decadent counterpoint. Try dark chocolate-covered strawberries for an extra treat.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts: The sweet crunch of nuts adds another layer of texture and flavor that complements the whiskey’s notes.
- Berry-Based Desserts: While the drink itself is sweet, a small, elegant berry tart or individual panna cottas with a berry compote could create a truly luxurious dessert pairing.
- Grilled Meats (think BBQ): For something heartier, the sweetness and fruit notes in the cocktail can actually cut through the richness of smoky grilled pork or chicken, making it a surprising yet delicious match for a summer BBQ.
Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Preserves Old Fashioned
To truly master your strawberry preserves old fashioned and ensure every sip is perfection, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Quality Preserves Matter: This isn’t the time for artificial fruit spreads. Opt for high-quality strawberry preserves with real fruit pieces and a good balance of sweetness and tartness. If you have homemade preserves, even better! The flavor will shine through.
- Don’t Skimp on Bourbon: A cheap bourbon can overpower or clash with the delicate strawberry notes. Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking on its own; its character will enhance the cocktail.
- The Power of the Muddle: While not strictly necessary if your preserves are very smooth, gently muddling the preserves helps release their full flavor and incorporates them better into the cocktail. Just a few presses are enough – you don’t want to mash them into a pulp.
- Large Ice is Key: Smaller ice cubes melt rapidly, diluting your drink and weakening the flavor. A large ice cube or sphere chills the drink slowly and efficiently, allowing you to savor it without it getting watered down.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Preserves can vary greatly in sweetness. After adding your preserves and bourbon, take a quick taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of simple syrup (start with 1/4 oz) and stir well. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, a small extra dash of bitters or even a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice can help balance it.
- Don’t Over-Stir (Initially): When mixing the preserves, bitters, and bourbon, stir just enough to dissolve the preserves. Over-stirring before adding ice can incorporate too much air. Once ice is added, then stir to chill.
- Express the Orange Peel: Don’t just drop the orange peel in. Give it a good twist directly over the glass to release its aromatic oils onto the surface of the drink. This fragrant burst significantly enhances the experience.
Storing and Reheating Tips
While a freshly made strawberry preserves old fashioned is always best, sometimes you might wonder about preparing ahead or storing any leftover components.
- Pre-Batching (Partial): You can pre-batch the strawberry preserve and bitters mixture for convenience. In a clean, airtight container, combine your preserves and bitters. Store this in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply add the bourbon, ice, and garnish to one portion. Do NOT mix the bourbon in beforehand, as it will dilute over time and the quality will diminish.
- Strawberry Preserves: Store any leftover strawberry preserves in their original airtight container in the refrigerator according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for several weeks after opening.
- Leftover Cocktail: An Old Fashioned is truly meant to be enjoyed immediately. If you have a fully prepared, ice-diluted cocktail leftover, it will not retain its quality if stored and reheated. The ice will melt completely, significantly watering down the drink, and the fresh aromatics will dissipate. It’s always best to make this cocktail fresh, one serving at a time. The good news is, it’s so quick to prepare, it’s never really an inconvenience!
Final Thoughts
The strawberry preserves old fashioned is more than just a cocktail; it’s a delightful journey for your taste buds, blending iconic bourbon with the sweet, nostalgic charm of fresh preserves. We encourage you to try this simple yet sophisticated recipe at home. It’s guaranteed to become a new favorite, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little sweetness and a lot of class.
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Strawberry Preserves Old Fashioned FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of preserves?
A: While you could theoretically muddle frozen strawberries, they won’t give you the same concentrated sweetness and jammy texture of preserves. For the best result, stick to actual strawberry preserves. If using fresh strawberries, you’d need to make a strawberry syrup first.
Q: What kind of bourbon is best for this recipe?
A: Choose a bourbon that you enjoy drinking neat or on the rocks. A mid-range bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a slight sweetness will complement the preserves beautifully. Avoid anything too smoky or overly spicy.
Q: Can I make this cocktail less sweet?
A: Absolutely! The sweetness largely comes from the preserves. If your preserves are very sweet, you can reduce the amount slightly. Also, ensure you use enough bitters, as they help balance the sweetness. You can also skip any optional simple syrup.
Q: Do I really need Angostura bitters?
A: Yes, Angostura bitters are crucial for an Old Fashioned. They provide a complex layer of spice and aromatics that balance the sweetness and whiskey, tying all the flavors together. Don’t skip them!
Q: Can I make a large batch of this cocktail for a party?
A: You can pre-batch the preserves and bitters mixture for several servings and store it in the fridge. However, only add the bourbon, ice, and garnish right before serving each drink to maintain optimal flavor and avoid dilution.
Q: What if I don’t have a muddler?
A: A sturdy wooden spoon or the back of a cocktail shaker can work in a pinch to gently press down the preserves if needed.
Q: Can I use different fruit preserves?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is wonderful for experimentation. Raspberry, apricot, or even fig preserves could create fascinating variations. Just ensure the preserve’s flavor profile marries well with bourbon.