Classic Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail
A timeless whiskey cocktail built on simplicity and balance, the Old Fashioned blends bold bourbon or rye with aromatic bitters and subtle sweetness. Finished with a bright citrus oil garnish, it’s a classic that never goes out of style.
The Old Fashioned is the definition of a spirit-forward classic. Built directly in the glass, it highlights the character of whiskey with just enough sweetness and bitters to round the edges. It’s deliberate, minimal, and endlessly satisfying — a cocktail that rewards quality ingredients and proper technique.
Background
One of the oldest named cocktails in history, the Old Fashioned traces back to the early 1800s, when a “cocktail” meant spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. As flashy mixed drinks gained popularity in the late 19th century, bartenders were asked to make drinks the “old-fashioned” way — and the name stuck.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Whiskey – the backbone of the drink; bourbon adds warmth and vanilla, while rye brings spice.
- Simple syrup – provides clean, consistent sweetness.
- Aromatic bitters – add depth, structure, and balance.
- Orange peel – delivers essential citrus oils that brighten the drink.
Traditional note: Early Old Fashioneds used a sugar cube muddled with water instead of syrup — a method still enjoyed by purists today.
Equipment
- Whisky tumbler (Old Fashioned glass)
- Bar spoon
- Large ice cube or ice sphere
Why You’ll Love It — A Masterclass in Restraint
The Old Fashioned is all about control. Nothing is hidden behind juice or soda, so every sip showcases the whiskey itself. When properly diluted and balanced, it’s smooth, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Substitutions & Variations
- Rye whiskey for a drier, spicier profile.
- Maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Orange bitters alongside aromatic bitters for extra citrus depth.
- Smoked Old Fashioned by rinsing the glass with smoke or using smoked ice.
Helpful Tips
- Use a single large ice cube to control dilution.
- Stir gently — this drink should be silky, not watery.
- Express the citrus peel over the glass to release the oils before dropping it in.
Old Fashioned Recipe
Type of Glass
Whisky Tumbler
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 1/4 oz.
- 2-3 dashes
Directions
- Add simple syrup and bitters to a chilled whisky tumbler and briefly stir to combine.
- Add whiskey and fill the glass with a large ice cube.
- Stir gently for 15–20 seconds until properly chilled and lightly diluted.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass, then drop it in as garnish.
A perfectly balanced Old Fashioned proves that great cocktails don’t need complexity — just care.
