The key to creating this classic, smooth Old Fashioned recipe is to stir the ingredients gently with ice: this chills the bourbon and dilutes it just enough to mellow the burn without making the drink watery. It’s delicious served as a sophisticated nightcap or a pre-dinner cocktail.
Jump to RecipeOld Fashioned Recipe Ingredients
- 2 tsp simple syrup
- 1 tsp water
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1½ oz bourbon
- 1 slice orange
- 1 maraschino cherry
How To Make Old Fashioned Recipe
- Start simple: Grab your whiskey glass (rocks glass) and add the simple syrup, water, and bitters. Stir briefly for a second to combine the sugar and aromatics.
- Add the good stuff: Add the ice cubes to the glass, then pour the bourbon over the ice. Stir again, just a few turns, to chill the whiskey.
- Finish it off: Garnish the drink by tossing in a fresh orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve: The drink is ready immediately; take a sip and enjoy slowly.
Recipe Tips
- Ice matters: If available, use one large ice cube or sphere instead of small chips; it melts slower and keeps the drink cold without diluting the whiskey too quickly.
- Simple syrup vs. Sugar cube: While traditional recipes use a sugar cube, simple syrup is easier to mix and ensures you don’t have gritty sugar granules at the bottom of your glass.
- Orange twist: For extra aroma, twist the orange slice (or a strip of peel) over the glass to release the essential oils before dropping it in.
- Choice of whiskey: A high-quality bourbon adds sweetness, while a rye whiskey will give the drink a drier, spicier kick.
What To Serve With Old Fashioned
This bold, spirit-forward cocktail pairs well with rich, savory flavors or dark sweets.
- A charcuterie board with cured meats and sharp cheese
- Roasted nuts or spiced pecans
- Dark chocolate truffles
- A grilled steak or pork chop dinner
How To Store Old Fashioned
- Refrigerate: You can batch-mix the bourbon, syrup, and bitters (without ice) in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to a week for easy pouring.
- Freeze: Do not freeze the finished drink with ice, but you can store your bourbon in the freezer if you prefer an extra-cold cocktail.
Old Fashioned Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 7g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on alcohol brands and garnishes used.
FAQs
Bitters are alcohol-infused with botanical aromatics (like herbs, bark, roots, and fruit); Angostura is the most common brand used for an Old Fashioned.
Yes, swapping whiskey for brandy makes a “Wisconsin Old Fashioned,” which is often topped with lemon-lime soda and garnished with pickled mushrooms or olives.
Not for this specific recipe, as we are using simple syrup and whole fruit garnishes, but traditional versions often muddle a sugar cube with fruit at the bottom of the glass.
Old Fashioned Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes150
kcalA timeless, spirit-forward cocktail made with whiskey, bitters, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
2 tsp simple syrup
1 tsp water
2 dashes bitters
1 cup ice cubes
1½ oz bourbon
1 slice orange
1 maraschino cherry
Directions
- Combine simple syrup, water, and bitters in a rocks glass.
- Add ice and pour the bourbon over it.
- Stir gently to chill and dilute slightly.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry before serving.
Notes
- Use a “rocks” or “lowball” glass for the best presentation.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to taste.
- Luxardo cherries are a premium alternative to standard maraschino cherries for a richer flavor.
