Bitters in Cocktails: The Secret Ingredient That Transforms Drinks
Bitters may come in tiny bottles, but they pack a huge punch. Learn why bartenders call them the "salt and pepper" of cocktails.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a foundational cocktail defined by the balance of spirit, sweetness, bitters, and dilution—but its true legacy lies in its countless variations. While traditionally made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, aromatic bitters, and citrus oils, the Old Fashioned has evolved to embrace different base spirits, sweeteners, bitters, and garnishes. From rum, brandy, and mezcal Old Fashioneds to modern interpretations using flavored syrups, smoked elements, or alternative bitters, the drink serves as a flexible template that highlights the character of any chosen spirit.