Scotch Old Fashioned Cocktail | Smoky Whisky Twist on a Classic
A smoky spin on the timeless Old Fashioned, this version swaps bourbon for Scotch to bring subtle peat, oak, and depth. Simple to mix and endlessly refined — a true bartender’s classic reimagined.
A Smoky Take on a Classic
The Scotch Old Fashioned reinterprets the 19th-century icon with the complexity of Scotch whisky. Using a sugar cube, bitters, and an expressed orange peel, it’s the kind of drink that rewards slow stirring and slower sipping.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Scotch Whisky – the smoky, malty heart of the cocktail.
- Sugar Cube – balances the whisky’s intensity with gentle sweetness.
- Bitters – adds aromatic spice and structure.
- Orange Peel – a bright citrus lift to finish.
Equipment
Old-Fashioned glass • muddler • bar spoon • peeler • large ice cube.
Why You’ll Love It
Expect richness without heaviness: the malt sweetness of Scotch, tempered by bitters and citrus, feels both old-school and fresh. It’s an ideal night-capper or fireside sipper.
Substitutions & Variations
- Try a blended Scotch for smoothness or a peated single malt for smoke.
- Swap the sugar cube for simple syrup if you prefer a softer sweetness.
- Experiment with orange or chocolate bitters to tweak the aroma.
Helpful Tips
- Always stir gently over a large cube to avoid over-dilution.
- Express, don’t drop, the orange peel for maximum oils.
- For a party, pre-batch the whisky, sugar, and bitters; stir over ice to order.
Scotch Old Fashioned Recipe
Type of Glass
Whisky Tumbler
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 1 cube
- 2 dashes
Directions
- Place a sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and add bitters with 1 tsp water.
- Muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add the Scotch and stir gently to combine.
- Add a large ice cube and stir until chilled.
- Express an orange peel over the glass, then drop it in as garnish. Optional: add a cherry if desired.
The Scotch Old Fashioned proves that a small twist can give a century-old recipe new life — smoky, balanced, and built to linger.
