A little Old Fashioned?

The Old Fashioned, with recent claims to fame including featuring in most episodes of Mad Men, is said to be the original cocktail, dating back to the 18th century. Its beauty, as with most beautiful things, is in its variety. No two are alike, and the suspense is part of the draw.

The variation in taste is due to the number of preparation methods, and even recipes.
The whiskey used can be Scotch, Bourbon or Rye. A sugar cube may be involved, or syrup instead.
Traditionalists incorporate a maraschino cherry, while most modern bars leave it out, as is the case with the lemon peel.

Equally, the order of ingredients, the stirring periods between each addition, and the amount of ice, whiskey and bitters used will all depend on the bar at which you are sat.

The name 'Old Fashioned' then, seems redundant as a reference to a single cocktail. Maybe.
Nevertheless, you will find the 'Old Fashioned' on the menu of any good bar, and most others will make one on request.

The longer the wait, the better the taste. A rushed 'Old Fashioned' is a 'Young Fashioned', as unmixed and immature as a University fresher, and equally annoying.

£8 is typical for an Old Fashioned in Manchester, although paying a little more in southern bars is to be expected. That said, there is no reason not to try a cheaper one.

Although  my advice would be to drink them wherever you can, below I have listed my 4 Manchester favourites. I am not paid by these places (not even in drinks) so my recommendations are wholehearted and wholly sincere.

The Grill on New York Street

Cloud 23

All Star Lanes

(My all time favourite) Rosso

Happy drinking.