Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I love how a Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned can turn a regular evening into something a little more memorable. This cocktail blends bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a bit of orange for a smooth drink that’s easy to sip and even easier to share.

If you want to make a bourbon Old Fashioned at home, you really just need a handful of ingredients and a couple of tools.

Whenever I make this drink, I’m struck by the balance—sweet, bitter, and citrus all working together. You can easily make an Old Fashioned in your own kitchen, and it’s fun to tweak it to your liking.

I’ll show you what you need and how I put together a classic bourbon Old Fashioned that works every time.

Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

A Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned is one of those drinks that’s simple and satisfying. It doesn’t call for much, but using good bourbon and the right tools makes a big difference.

Equipment

To make an Old Fashioned, I usually grab these:

• Rocks glass (Old Fashioned or lowball glass)
• Mixing glass (optional, but handy)
• Bar spoon
• Muddler
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Strainer (if you’re using a mixing glass)
• Peeler or small knife (for the orange peel)
• Large ice cube or a few regular cubes

A heavy-bottomed glass is my go-to—it keeps things cold and just feels right in your hand. I like a big, clear ice cube since it melts slower and keeps the drink from getting watered down.

Ingredients

I keep things straightforward for the best results:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey (Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, or Knob Creek are all solid choices)
• 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp simple syrup (sometimes I’ll use demerara or maple syrup for a twist)
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters (a dash of orange bitters works too if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 orange peel (for garnish)
• 1 maraschino cherry (Luxardo or any good cocktail cherry, totally optional)
• Splash of water (if you’re using a sugar cube)
• Ice cubes or one large clear ice cube

Quality bourbon really does matter here. And fresh orange peel? Don’t skip it—the aroma is half the fun.

Instructions

Here’s how I go about making my Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned:

• Drop the sugar cube in the bottom of your rocks glass.
• Add the bitters and a splash of water right on top.
• Muddle it all together until the sugar dissolves.
• Pour in the bourbon.
• Add a big ice cube or a few smaller ones.
• Stir for about 30 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
• Take an orange peel, twist it over the glass to release those oils, and drop it in.
• If you like, toss in a maraschino cherry for garnish.

I usually taste and tweak—maybe a little more syrup or bitters, depending on my mood.

Notes

I like to change up my bourbons now and then, but Four Roses Small Batch and Elijah Craig are standouts for a smooth Old Fashioned. Good bitters and real orange peel keep things classic.

If I’m craving a sweeter version, I’ll swap in honey or maple syrup. And when it comes to cherries, Luxardo is my favorite for that finishing touch.

Sometimes I use a mixing glass to get the drink extra cold, but honestly, building it straight in the rocks glass works just fine too.

If I’m making a batch for friends, I’ll prep everything but the ice ahead of time and stir each drink right before serving. Clear ice looks great, by the way.

For a twist, I might add orange bitters, use rye whiskey, or even go for a Wisconsin-style Old Fashioned with extra cherries and a splash of soda. Why not? It’s your drink.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this classic bourbon old fashioned, the first thing that hits me is the smoothness of the bourbon. The whiskey brings a nice warmth, but honestly, there’s no harsh bite.

I get this blend of sweet and spicy flavors swirling around. The sugar and bitters add just enough sweetness to balance out the whiskey’s strength.

There’s a hint of citrus from the orange peel. That fresh note really lifts the drink.

Here’s what stands out:

• Bourbon: Rich, oaky, and just a little smoky
• Bitters: Slightly spicy, herbal, and kind of complex
• Sugar: Light sweetness that ties everything together
• Orange: A fresh burst—shows up in the aroma and lingers in the aftertaste

The drink has that old-fashioned charm that always reminds me of the Prohibition era. It’s a whiskey cocktail that somehow feels timeless.

For anyone new to whiskey-based or bourbon cocktails, this mixed drink’s a great place to start. It’s simple, satisfying, and honestly, a bit hard not to like.