When it comes to iconic drinks, the Old Fashioned stands tall as a timeless piece of cocktail history. This deceptively simple blend of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and citrus is the sort of classic you never outgrow—elegant enough to wow at a party and comforting enough to enjoy on a quiet evening at home. It’s a drink I keep coming back to, and there’s something deeply satisfying about that perfect balance of smooth spirit, subtle sweetness, and bright orange aroma. Ready to craft the ultimate Old Fashioned? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Few dashes plain water
- Large ice cube
- Orange peel for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
How to Make Old Fashioned
Step 1: Muddle the Sugar, Bitters, and Water
Start by placing the sugar cube in your Old Fashioned glass (yes, the glass is named after the drink!). Add the bitters and a few dashes of plain water. Take your muddler and gently press and twist until the sugar dissolves into a fragrant, slightly syrupy base. This sets the stage for a complex, well-blended cocktail—don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Add Ice
Drop a large ice cube into your glass. The slow-melting quality of a single, big cube is more than just stylish—it keeps your Old Fashioned cold while letting you enjoy each sip without it getting watery too quickly.
Step 3: Pour the Whiskey
Now for the star player: pour 2 ounces of your chosen bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice. Whether you go with the vanilla-rich warmth of bourbon or the spicy snap of rye, use something you enjoy sipping on its own.
Step 4: Stir and Combine
Give everything a gentle stir—enough to swirl the flavors into harmony, chilling the drink and helping the sugar finish dissolving. About twenty seconds with a bar spoon will do the trick; your patience here rewards you later!
Step 5: Express and Add Orange Peel
Hold a fresh strip of orange peel over your drink, skin side out, and give it a good twist right above the glass. All those lovely citrus oils will mist onto your Old Fashioned, brightening the aroma and tying everything together. Drop the peel in when you’re done.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with a maraschino cherry if you like (I never say no!). Serve immediately, and enjoy every moment as classic flavors mingle in your glass.
How to Serve Old Fashioned
Garnishes
The finishing touches make the Old Fashioned truly shine—traditionally, a boldly twisted orange peel takes center stage, lending its zesty essential oils. For an extra flourish, a maraschino cherry adds both color and a sweet note that some guests absolutely adore. Always garnish right before serving to maximize freshness.
Side Dishes
While the Old Fashioned is delicious on its own, it pairs beautifully with savory nibbles like salty mixed nuts, smoked meats, or aged cheeses. For a true Old Fashioned experience, set out a small charcuterie board with dried fruit, sharp cheddar, and crispy crackers—each bite enhances your sips.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the standard rocks glass by serving your Old Fashioned in etched vintage tumblers or chilled crystal goblets for some extra sophistication. Try skewering the orange peel and cherry together for a festive touch, or freeze edible flowers in your ice cubes to dazzle at a dinner party. Presentation is part of the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Old Fashioned is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have some left in the glass, just pop it in the fridge for a short while. Don’t forget to remove any citrus peel and cherry before chilling, as they can impart bitterness if left too long. Give it a quick stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for a finished Old Fashioned—the spirit and sugar mixture can separate, and the ice will melt and dilute the flavors. If you’d like to prepare ahead, you can batch-mix the whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, then chill until serving; add the ice and garnishes just before enjoying.
Reheating
This cocktail is absolutely made for sipping cold, so reheating isn’t on the menu. If your drink gets too chilly for your taste, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving or attempting to warm it up; the magic of the Old Fashioned is in its cool, smooth delivery.
FAQs
Which whiskey is better: bourbon or rye?
Both are classic choices for an Old Fashioned! Bourbon brings a smooth, rich sweetness, while rye delivers a bold, peppery character. Try both and settle on your favorite—there’s truly no wrong answer.
Can I use a different type Cocktail
Absolutely, experimenting is encouraged! Traditional Old Fashioneds shine with Angostura bitters, but orange, chocolate, or even herbal bitters can offer fun variations while keeping that classic feel.
Is it necessary to use a sugar cube?
A sugar cube is traditional and fun to muddle, but you can make life easier by using simple syrup or super-fine sugar. What matters most is that the sugar dissolves fully for a smooth sip every time.
What’s the best glass for an Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned is best served in—you guessed it—an Old Fashioned (or rocks) glass. The wide, sturdy base is perfect for muddling and swirling over a large ice cube.
Is the cherry garnish authentic?
The maraschino cherry became a common garnish over time, even if it wasn’t always included in truly old school recipes. It’s optional but beloved by many for its sweet, playful touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing an Old Fashioned with friends or treating yourself after a long day. The ritual, the aroma, that first perfect sip—you’ll find yourself returning to this classic again and again. Give the Old Fashioned a try and see why it has never gone out of style!
Print
Old Fashioned Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. With a perfect balance of whiskey, sugar, and bitters, it’s a go-to cocktail for whiskey enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Few dashes plain water
- Large ice cube
- Orange peel for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube: In an old fashioned glass and add the bitters and a few dashes of water. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill the glass: With a large ice cube. Pour the whiskey over the ice and stir gently to combine.
- Express the orange peel: Over the glass by holding it over the drink and giving it a good twist to release the oils, then drop it into the glass.
- Garnish: With a maraschino cherry if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Try experimenting with different bitters like orange or chocolate for a unique twist.
- For a slightly sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup instead of a sugar cube.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
