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Make Me a Cocktail

Old Fashioned
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.54 / 5

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You’ll find the Old Fashioned is the blueprint for the modern cocktail: spirit, sugar, bitters, and nothing to hide behind.... ... more

You’ll find the Old Fashioned is the blueprint for the modern cocktail: spirit, sugar, bitters, and nothing to hide behind. It grows out of early 19th‑century “cocktail” definitions that described exactly that simple structure, and it later becomes the drink people ask for when they want their whiskey served the “old-fashioned” way. Over time it settles into its familiar role as a steady, no-nonsense whiskey order—especially once bourbon becomes a popular choice for the base.

With bourbon at the center, you get a rounded, oaky sweetness and warming depth that carries the whole drink. The sugar cube reinforces that natural sweetness, smoothing the edges and giving the sip a richer, more deliberate weight. A few dashes of aromatic bitters pull everything into focus, adding a dry, spiced snap that keeps the bourbon from tasting flat and makes each mouthful feel more structured.

Serve it in a whisky glass when you want something slow and confident—an after-dinner pour, a quiet night in, or a first drink that sets a serious tone. If you like spirit-forward cocktails with a touch of sweetness and a bitter backbone, this is the one you’ll keep coming back to.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
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1806
Base ingredient
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Bourbon
Calories
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104 calories
Garnish
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Orange, cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
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40% | 1.8 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

Tags

tag icon
Christmas cocktail
Bourbon ingredient icon
Bourbon cocktails
tag icon
Easy cocktail
tag icon
3-ingredient cocktail
tag icon
Strong cocktail

Whisky glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Bourbon leads with warm, oaky sweetness, while the sugar cube melts into a rounded caramel note and aromatic bitters add a firm, spicy-bitter backbone that keeps each sip from turning cloying. It works because the bitters sharpen and structure the bourbon-and-sugar richness; ideal for drinkers who like spirit-forward, minimally dressed cocktails and don’t need citrus or dilution to stay interested.

Method
How to make a Old Fashioned

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Bourbon 45ml, Aromatic bitters Few dashes, Sugar 1 cube
Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters and a few splashes water in an old fashioned glass
Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon
Stir gently
Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve
~ The Old Fashioned can be made with bourbon or other whisky. ~

Power tips
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Use a large ice cube or an ice sphere instead of regular ice cubes to slow down the dilution process and keep your Old Fashioned cold longer without watering it down.
Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it above the glass before garnishing. This adds a burst of aromatic citrus that enhances the overall profile.
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Old Fashioned masterclass

Master the craft of the Old Fashioned cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Drink Recipe

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that has become synonymous with sophistication and...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Muddle  ·  Bitters  ·  Stir  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Old Fashioned cocktail?

The Old Fashioned is considered one of the oldest mixed drinks, tracing its roots back to the early 19th century. It originated in Louisville, Kentucky, and was popularized in New York City. The cocktail was originally called a 'whisky cocktail' and followed a basic recipe of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar. Over time, it became known as the Old Fashioned, a name meant to distinguish it from newer, more complex cocktails.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I use a different type of whiskey in an Old Fashioned?

Yes, while the traditional Old Fashioned is made with bourbon, you can certainly use different types of whiskey. Rye whiskey is a popular alternative and offers a spicier, more assertive flavor. Scotch can also be used for a smokier version. The choice of whiskey can significantly change the profile of the drink, allowing for a personalized experience.

Faq icon

How can I make an Old Fashioned sweeter or less sweet?

The sweetness of an Old Fashioned can be adjusted by varying the amount of sugar used. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a little more sugar, or even use simple syrup for easier mixing. Conversely, if you prefer it less sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar or syrup. Another method is to experiment with different types of bitters, as some may offer a sweeter or more bitter profile than the classic Angostura bitters.

Faq icon

What are some common variations of the Old Fashioned?

There are several popular variations of the Old Fashioned, including the use of different spirits like rye whiskey or rum. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned substitutes brandy for whiskey and often includes muddled fruit. The New York Old Fashioned uses grenadine in addition to, or instead of, sugar. Experimenting with different bitters, such as orange or chocolate bitters, can also offer a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Garnishing tips icon

Is it appropriate to garnish an Old Fashioned, and if so, with what?

Yes, garnishing an Old Fashioned not only adds visual appeal but can also enhance the aroma and flavor. The traditional garnish is a twist of orange peel, which adds a citrusy aroma and a light zest when expressed over the drink and rubbed around the rim of the glass. A maraschino cherry is also a common garnish, adding a touch of sweetness. Some variations might include a lemon twist, but the garnish should ultimately complement the cocktail's flavor profile.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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Cocktail Colin

Cocktail Colin

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Cocktail Colin

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