Old Fashioned Recipe: Classic Whiskey Cocktail for a Perfect Cocktail Hour
A timeless Old Fashioned Recipe that’s simple, elegant, and sure to become your go-to bourbon drink for every gathering.
Full Recipe Introduction
The Old Fashioned Recipe is the gold standard of whiskey cocktails—born in late-1800s Louisville, it’s a classic drink that champions the spirit (quite literally) of American mixology. What makes it special is its simplicity: just bourbon (or rye), a touch of sugar, aromatic bitters, a twist of citrus, and ice. No blender, no frills—yet every sip feels like a celebration. I love serving it during cozy winter nights by the fire or on mellow summer evenings on the patio, when the sun dips just low enough to cast a warm glow. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe based on reader feedback and, honestly, a fair share of happy accidents, so you’ll find tips here to make your Old Fashioned uniquely yours—whether you’re hosting a cocktail hour or simply unwinding after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Effortless prep—no fancy tools required, just a muddler or spoon
• Completely customizable sweetness level for your palate
• Ready in under five minutes—ideal for last-minute entertaining
• Highlights bourbon’s rich vanilla and oak notes without overpowering them
• Perfect for novice bartenders and cocktail connoisseurs alike
• Scales up easily—batch it for a small party without breaking a sweat
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
• Invites playful garnishes: orange peel, Luxardo cherry, even a cinnamon stick
Ingredients
• 2 ounces (60 ml) bourbon (try Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve for smoothness)
• 1 sugar cube or ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (substitute Demerara sugar for a hint of caramel)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters (or orange bitters for a fruitier twist)
• Splash of water or club soda to dissolve sugar
• Orange twist (peel only) plus 1 brandied cherry (Luxardo recommended)
• Large ice cube or sphere (keeps it from watering down too quickly)
Directions
- Prepare your glass.
Pour the sugar cube into an Old Fashioned glass. Add the bitters and a splash of water to help the sugar dissolve. Gently muddle until the sugar is mostly broken down—think sandy texture, not syrup. Tip: A bar spoon works if you don’t have a muddler. - Add bourbon and ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon. Drop in a single large ice cube or two smaller ones. The goal is slow dilution—watch those ice cubes dance as they gradually chill your drink. - Stir to combine.
Use a bar spoon and stir for about 20 seconds, until the glass feels cold. This ensures the sugar-bitters mix floats evenly through the bourbon, giving every sip balanced flavor. - Garnish with flair.
Express the oils of an orange twist by holding it over the glass and giving it a firm pinch—watch those citrus droplets sparkle on the surface. Run the peel around the rim, then drop it in. Finish with a Luxardo cherry on a pick. - Sip and savor.
Hold the glass up to your nose first—breathe in the bitters-citrus bouquet, then take a small sip. Notice how the warmth of the bourbon meets subtle sweetness and aromatic bitters. That’s the heart of this classic cocktail at its best.
Servings & Timing
Yield: 1 Old Fashioned cocktail
Prep Time: 2 minutes (5 minutes if you include garnish prep)
Chill/Rest Time: None needed—built and served immediately
Total Time: Approximately 5 minutes from glass to first sip
Variations
• Maple Old Fashioned: Swap sugar for ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup for a richer flavor.
• Smoky Rye Twist: Use rye whiskey and add a drop of peated Scotch for campfire vibes.
• Citrus Burst: Muddle a thin slice of blood orange with the sugar for a zesty lift.
• Low-Proof Option: Replace half the bourbon with nonalcoholic whiskey substitute, same bitters.
• Spiced Winter Edition: Add a cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground nutmeg for holiday cheer.
• Cherry-Forward: Use homemade cherry syrup instead of sugar and garnish with fresh cherries.
Storage & Reheating
This is a made-to-order cocktail—best enjoyed fresh. Leftover stirred bourbon in the glass can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, but fresh ice and a quick stir revive it best. No reheating needed—just top with a new ice cube if it warms too quickly.
Notes
• Sugar tip: Demerara sugar adds molasses notes that pair beautifully with bourbon’s oak character.
• Bitters note: Orange bitters are milder than Angostura—perfect if you crave a gentler finish.
• Ice matters: Large cubes melt slower, so your drink stays crisp without losing its bite.
• Glassware: A heavy-bottomed rocks glass helps maintain temperature and feels satisfying in hand.
• Personal tweak: I sometimes rim the glass with a hint of smoked sea salt for an unexpected contrast.
FAQs
Q: Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?
A: Absolutely—you’ll need about ¼ ounce of simple syrup to replace one sugar cube and water.
Q: Is rye whiskey an acceptable swap?
A: Yes—rye adds spice and bite, making it a fantastic alternative for fans of peppery notes.
Q: Why does my Old Fashioned taste too sweet?
A: Try decreasing sugar by a pinch or switching to a less sweet bourbon to balance flavors.
Q: Can I batch this recipe for a party?
A: Mix all ingredients (minus ice and garnish) in a pitcher; stir well and pour over ice when serving.
Q: What glass should I use for an Old Fashioned?
A: A rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass) is standard, but any sturdy lowball will do.
Q: Are there nonalcoholic bitters?
A: Most bitters contain trace alcohol; for a truly alcohol-free version, look for specialty nonalcoholic bitters on the market.
Q: How strong is the cocktail?
A: At roughly 25–30% ABV (depending on your bourbon), it’s medium strength—sip slowly!
Q: Can I garnish with lemon instead of orange?
A: Of course—lemon peel adds a brighter, sharper citrus note if you prefer that profile.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Recipe proves that the simplest drinks can leave the deepest impression. With just a few ingredients, you create a whiskey cocktail that’s rich, balanced, and endlessly adaptable. Why not mix one up tonight? Share your favorite twist in the comments below or explore my Bourbon Sour and Whiskey Smash recipes for more spirited inspiration—cheers to good drinks and even better company!
Old Fashioned Recipe: Classic Whiskey Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 sugar cube or ½ teaspoon sugar substitute Demerara sugar for a hint of caramel
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters bitters or orange bitters for a fruitier twist
- Splash water or club soda water to dissolve sugar
- Orange twist (peel only) plus 1 brandied cherry garnish Luxardo recommended
- Large ice cube or sphere ice keeps it from watering down too quickly
Instructions
- Pour the sugar cube into an Old Fashioned glass. Add the bitters and a splash of water to help the sugar dissolve. Gently muddle until the sugar is mostly broken down.
- Pour in 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon. Drop in a single large ice cube or two smaller ones.
- Use a bar spoon and stir for about 20 seconds, until the glass feels cold.
- Express the oils of an orange twist by holding it over the glass and giving it a firm pinch. Run the peel around the rim, then drop it in. Finish with a Luxardo cherry on a pick.
- Hold the glass up to your nose first—breathe in the bitters-citrus bouquet, then take a small sip.
