If you enjoy whiskey, this is one drink you really should know. The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails ever made. It goes all the way back to the early days of bartending in America, and a lot of people still call it the original cocktail that started everything.
You only need four simple ingredients to make it: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist. That’s it. Even with such a basic setup, the Old Fashioned cocktail recipe is still a favorite at craft cocktail bars and home bars alike. It hits a clean balance of sweet and bitter while letting your whiskey do most of the talking.
I’ll walk you through each step so you can make it confidently at home. You’ll learn which whiskey works best and how to adjust the flavor to fit your taste. This guide keeps things simple if you’re new, but it also shares a few solid tips if you already enjoy whiskey drinks. The Old Fashioned has made a big comeback in recent years, from Mad Men to modern cocktail menus. With the right approach, you can make a classic Old Fashioned cocktail that feels just as good in your own kitchen.
What's in an Old Fashioned Cocktail?
You only need four simple things to make an Old Fashioned: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a garnish. That’s it.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
Whiskey - You’ve got two good choices here: bourbon or rye. Bourbon is a bit sweeter, with vanilla and caramel notes that feel smooth and easy. Rye is spicier and drier, which helps balance the sugar. Bottles like Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, Rittenhouse, or Wild Turkey Rye all work well. Pick something you actually enjoy drinking, since the whiskey really drives the flavor.
Sugar - Simple syrup is the easiest option since it dissolves fast and mixes clean. Sugar cubes look classic but take more effort. Demerara or brown sugar adds a deeper, richer note. Start with ¼ ounce of simple syrup or one sugar cube, then adjust to taste.
Bitters - Angostura bitters are the standard and bring that warm spice you expect. Orange bitters add brightness, while chocolate or spiced bitters give the drink more depth. Two dashes is usually just right.
Garnish - An orange peel adds fresh citrus aroma when you twist it over the glass. Luxardo cherries bring a touch of sweetness, and lemon peel works if you want a sharper finish.
Equipment You'll Need
You don’t need much to make a great Old Fashioned at home.
- Rocks glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Citrus peeler
A stainless steel bartending kit is an easy way to cover all the basics in one set. Something like this stainless steel cocktail set for home bartending gives you everything you need without hunting down tools one by one.
How to Make an Old Fashioned Cocktail
A classic Old Fashioned cocktail only needs four ingredients, and the process is simple once you see how it comes together.
Start by adding your sugar to a rocks glass. You can muddle a sugar cube with a small splash of water, or use simple syrup instead. Simple syrup blends faster and gives you a smoother drink.
Next, add two dashes of bitters. Angostura is the go-to choice and brings that warm, slightly spicy flavor you expect in an Old Fashioned.
Fill the glass with large ice cubes. Bigger cubes melt more slowly, so your drink stays cold without getting watered down too fast.
Pour in two ounces of whiskey. Bourbon or rye both work here, so go with what you enjoy drinking.
Stir the drink for about 30 seconds using a bar spoon. Keep the motion smooth and steady. This chills the drink and blends everything together just right.
Finish by holding the orange peel over the glass and giving it a firm twist to release the oils on top. Drop it into the glass or rest it on the rim.
You’ll find the full recipe with exact steps in the recipe card below, so you can print it out and keep it handy at your home bar.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Old Fashioned
- Choose a bourbon you’d happily sip on its own. This drink is simple, so the whiskey really stands out. Quality makes a difference here.
- Go light on the sugar at first. You can always add more, but once it’s mixed, there’s no taking it back.
- Pay attention to your ice. One large cube melts slowly and keeps your drink cold without watering it down. Small cubes melt fast and can make the drink taste flat.
- Stir for about 30 seconds. That’s enough time to chill the drink and bring the flavors together without over-diluting it.
- Adjust your Old Fashioned based on taste:
- Too sweet? Add one more dash of bitters next time
- Too strong? Use a touch more sugar or let it sit a bit longer
- Too weak? Use less ice or stir for less time
- Too bitter? Ease up on the bitters and stick to three dashes
- Making drinks for a group? Mix the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters ahead of time in a bottle. When guests arrive, pour two ounces over ice and stir.
Popular Old Fashioned Recipe Variations
Once you’ve got the classic down, it’s easy to change things up. Small swaps with the spirit or sweetener can completely shift the flavor while keeping that familiar Old Fashioned feel.
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned
This version uses mezcal or a mezcal and tequila blend with agave syrup. You get a smoky, earthy edge that adds extra depth, especially if you like bold flavors. - Rum Old Fashioned
Aged rum takes the place of whiskey here, bringing rich, molasses-style sweetness. It feels warmer and a bit sweeter than the original. - Brandy Old Fashioned (Wisconsin Style)
Made with brandy, muddled fruit, and a splash of soda, this one leans sweet and fruity. In Wisconsin, it’s practically the state drink. - Maple Old Fashioned
Maple syrup adds a deeper, cozy sweetness that pairs really well with bourbon. It plays nicely with the oak notes from aging. - Brown Sugar or Demerara Old Fashioned
Using richer sugar adds caramel-like flavor and gives the drink a fuller, more robust taste. - Irish Old Fashioned
Irish whiskey mixed with honey or an herbal liqueur creates a smooth, gentle drink. It’s a great option if you’re newer to whiskey cocktails. - Scotch Old Fashioned
Depending on the Scotch you choose, you’ll get smoky or peaty notes that make this version bold and complex. - Chocolate or Orange Bitters Old Fashioned
Swapping bitters changes the aroma and finish without touching the base recipe. Even small tweaks can make a big difference. - Benton’s Old Fashioned
This version uses bourbon washed with bacon fat and maple syrup. It sounds unusual, but the savory depth surprises a lot of people in a good way. - Spiced Old Fashioned
Warm spices or spiced syrup bring in seasonal flavor, especially during colder months. Cinnamon and clove notes make the whiskey feel even cozier.
More Whiskey Cocktails to Try
Once you’ve nailed the Old Fashioned, it’s fun to explore a few other whiskey classics.
All of these cocktails start with whiskey but end up tasting completely different. Try a few and see which one earns a regular spot in your rotation. And if you want ideas for what to mix with them, check out this guide to the best whiskey mixers or explore some top bourbon cocktail recipes that go beyond the classics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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