Old Fashioned Simple Syrup Calculator

An Old Fashioned cocktail require a balance between whiskey and simple syrup. You need to find a right balance between these two ingredient because if there is too little simple syrup in the cocktail, then the whiskey will have a harshly flavor. On the other hand, if there is too much simple syrup in the cocktail, the cocktail will taste like a dessert.

The balance in an Old Fashioned cocktail depend on the amount of simple syrup, the proof of the whiskey, and the amount of dilution of the cocktail caused by the ice. Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water. To make simple syrup, you can use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water or use a 2:1 ratio to make a thicker simple syrup.

How to Balance Simple Syrup and Whiskey in an Old Fashioned

Most cocktail use a 1:1 ratio of simple syrup but a 2:1 ratio of simple syrup is more concentrated so less of it are used. You must take into account the type of whiskey you are using in your cocktail to determine how much simple syrup to use. For instance, if you use a rye whiskey which have a spicy flavor, you can make a dry Old Fashioned cocktail that has very little simple syrup.

However, if you use bourbon which is smooth in flavor, you will need more simple syrup to make a rich Old Fashioned cocktail. The proof of the whiskey change the amount of simple syrup needed for the Old Fashioned cocktail. If you use high-proof whiskey, you will need more simple syrup to balance out the heat of the alcohol.

If you use low-proof whiskey, you will need less simple syrup. Because alcohol can amplify the perception of bitterness, you will also have to take into account the amount of bitters to use. Bitters provide an herbal flavor to balance the sweetness of the simple syrup and prevent the simple syrup from making the cocktail too sweetly.

The amount of ice that you use for mixing the cocktail will also have an effect on the Old Fashioned cocktail. The ice melt in the cocktail and adds water to the cocktail, which is called dilution. Using large ice cubes result in less dilution than if crushed ice is used.

The longer that the cocktail is stirred, the more dilution that will occur. If you stir the cocktail for a long time, you will need to add more simple syrup to balance the amount of water that the melting ice added to the cocktail. When making batches of Old Fashioned cocktails, you must also take into account the extra volume of cocktails that will be made for a party.

To make batches of Old Fashioned cocktails, you have to prepare extra simple syrup and extra whiskey for the batch of cocktails to allow for spill and extra servings. Many people suggest making a 5% to 10% buffer in the batch recipes for extra volume. For a single person, Old Fashioned cocktail recipes may ask for 2 ounce of 90-proof bourbon and 1/4 ounce of simple syrup.

To make a batch of cocktails for a group of people, you will have to increase these measurement. It is important to taste the cocktail while preparing the Old Fashioned cocktail. By tasting the cocktail while it is being prepared, you can determine if you should add more simple syrup to balance the taste of the whiskey or if you should add more bitters.

If you are making large batches of cocktails, the simple syrup should be kept refrigerated so that it does not crystallize. In order to consistantly make the same Old Fashioned cocktail, it is useful to use a calculator to keep track of how many gram of sugar is used and the total volume of the cocktail being prepared.