Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

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ByJohn

The Old Fashioned stands as one of America’s oldest and most respected cocktails, dating back to the 1800s.

A classic Old Fashioned combines bourbon or rye whiskey with sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel for a smooth, balanced drink.

This simple yet refined cocktail gained fame in Louisville, Kentucky’s Pendennis Club. It then spread across bars nationwide.

Its timeless appeal comes from the perfect mix of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. These flavors enhance the whiskey’s natural taste.

You can make an Old Fashioned at home in just a few minutes. You only need basic ingredients.

The recipe stays true to its roots but allows small tweaks for personal taste.

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
A proper Old Fashioned combines bourbon or rye whiskey with sugar, bitters, and orange for a timeless drink from the 1800s. The key is to use quality ingredients and follow the right mixing technique.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Choose 90-100 proof bourbon or rye for the best results.
Whiskeys under 80 proof become too diluted.
Large ice cubes melt slower than small ones and prevent excess dilution.
You can use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube for faster mixing. Use 1/4 oz syrup per drink.
Store bitters at room temperature. They may lose potency after 5 years.
Use fresh orange peel for garnish. Remove any white pith before expressing oils.

Tasting Notes

A well-made Old Fashioned offers a rich blend of sweet, bitter, and warming flavors.

The bourbon brings notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

The sugar cube adds subtle sweetness and balances the bitter orange from the bitters.

A citrus aroma rises from the expressed orange peel garnish.

The first sip reveals layers of taste. The bourbon’s warmth comes through first, followed by hints of spice and dried fruit.

The drink finishes with a pleasant bite from the bitters.

The texture is smooth and silky. Ice dilution softens the bourbon’s strength and keeps the drink chilled.

Key Flavor Notes:

  • Vanilla and caramel from bourbon
  • Orange and spice from bitters
  • Light sweetness from sugar
  • Oak and woody notes
  • Citrus aromatics

As the ice melts, the flavors mellow and blend together.

The drink keeps its character even as it warms slightly.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

You can make an Old Fashioned with different spirits if bourbon or rye whiskey isn’t available.

Popular alternatives include rum, brandy, or tequila.

Brandy creates a sweeter drink and works well with orange bitters.

Many bars in Wisconsin serve brandy Old Fashioneds as their standard version.

A rum Old Fashioned brings warm caramel notes to the drink.

Dark or aged rum works best. The sweetness of rum pairs nicely with Angostura bitters.

Spirit Substitutions:

  • Dark rum
  • Aged brandy
  • Reposado tequila
  • Cognac
  • Aged scotch

You can use sugar substitutes instead of a sugar cube.

Simple syrup dissolves faster and mixes more smoothly. Brown sugar simple syrup adds extra richness.

For a non-alcoholic version, use alcohol-free whiskey alternatives with bitters and sugar.

Several brands make zero-proof spirits that mimic bourbon’s taste.

You can change the garnish as well. While orange and cherries are classic, lemon twists or grapefruit peels also work.

Each citrus adds its own character to the drink.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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