Old Fashioned
/

Old Fashioned
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.54 / 5
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history and a bold, complex flavor profile. Originating in the mid-1800s, it is one of the oldest known recipes for mixed drinks. The traditional recipe calls for just three ingredients: sugar, bitters, and bourbon. The sugar cube provides a touch of sweetness, while the Angostura bitters add a depth of flavor with their complex blend of spices and herbs. The bourbon, with its smooth, smoky character, is the star of the show, providing a warm and comforting kick. When mixed together with ice and stirred well, the Old Fashioned is a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world.
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1806
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bourbon
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
104 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orange, cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40% | 1.8 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic
Stirred

Whisky glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Old Fashioned harnesses the smoky warmth of bourbon enhanced by the hint of sweetness from a sugar cube and the intricate spice profile of Angostura bitters, creating a harmonious blend that's stood the test of time. The simplicity of its ingredients belies a complex flavor experience, perfectly capturing bitter, sweet, and boozy notes in each smoothly stirred sip.

Method
How to make a Old Fashioned

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
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
Elevate the Old Fashioned with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
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.
Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

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  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

  • Classy Cocktails
  • Mad Men Cocktails
  • Speakeasy Spirits: Rediscover the Allure of Prohibition Cocktails
  • New Year's Eve: Cocktail Extravaganza
  • James bond cocktails
  • Barman das Horas Vagas

In the world of mixology, certain cocktails possess an inherent aura of sophistication, effortlessly elevating the drinker's persona and exuding...

Go to collection

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.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)

Create your own cocktail menu!

Use our interactive cocktail menu creator for free, and create wonderful looking cocktail menus for your next party, gathering or bar.

Great looking pre-built designed themes, group your cocktails, choose what to show on them and a host more options.

Get creating
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image