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–+ servings

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

  • Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass
  • Muddler
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Ice cube tray for large cubes
  • Peeler or paring knife for citrus garnish

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube or 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • 1 large ice cube for serving
  • Optional: 1 cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions

  • Place sugar cube in Old Fashioned glass.
  • Add 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters to the sugar.
  • Add a small splash of water.
  • Muddle until sugar dissolves.
  • Add large ice cube to glass.
  • Pour in 2 oz whiskey.
  • Stir gently for 20-30 seconds.
  • Twist orange peel over drink to express oils.
  • Drop in orange peel and optional cherry.

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.