Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Best Old Fashioned Recipe

Name: Best Old Fashioned Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey ((or rye whiskey for spice—you can’t go wrong with Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)); 1/2 tsp simple syrup ((1:1 cane sugar dissolved in warm water) or 1 sugar cube (swap demerara sugar for richer flavor)); 2 dashes Angostura bitters ((orange bitters work wonders, too)); 1 large sphere or a handful ice ((bigger is better—slower dilution!)); 1 orange peel ((use a swivel peeler for a neat twist)); Optional garnish: Luxardo cherry ((for a boozy pop))

Smooth, whiskey-forward and effortlessly classy, the Best Old Fashioned Recipe is your go-to homemade cocktail for cozy nights or festive gatherings.

I still remember the first time I sipped this classic drink at my neighborhood bourbon bar—its warm sweetness and bitter edge felt like the perfect winter hug. This homemade cocktail stands out because it’s endlessly adaptable: swap in rye for a spice kick or use demerara syrup for deeper caramel notes. Whether you’re serving it by a crackling fireplace or shaking it up on a summer evening, this recipe consistently ranks as one of the best recipes among friends and craft-cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Best Old Fashioned Recipe

• Ready in under 5 minutes—no special prep required.
• Only four core ingredients—minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
• Totally customizable—choose bourbon, rye, or even mezcal.
• Impresses guests with a pro-level presentation (no bar license needed).
• Uses everyday pantry items—chances are you’ve got bitters and sugar at home.
• Ideal for batching—mix 4–6 drinks ahead for easy entertaining.
• A true classic drink that never goes out of style.
• Perfect whiskey drink for both newcomers and seasoned sippers.

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey (or rye whiskey for spice—you can’t go wrong with Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
• ½ tsp simple syrup (1:1 cane sugar dissolved in warm water) or 1 sugar cube (swap demerara sugar for richer flavor)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters (orange bitters work wonders, too)
• Ice: 1 large sphere or a handful of large cubes (bigger is better—slower dilution!)
• Orange peel (use a swivel peeler for a neat twist)
• Optional garnish: Luxardo cherry (for a boozy pop)

Tips:
– Chill your mixing glass in the freezer for 5 minutes to keep things crisp.
– If you’re brand-curious, try Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve for a smooth finish.
– Always strain off excess syrup so the drink doesn’t feel cloying.

Directions

1. Add sugar and bitters: Place the sugar cube (or simple syrup) in your rocks glass. Drop in two dashes of Angostura bitters. If using a sugar cube, add a splash of water—just enough to help muddle.
2. Muddle gently: Press the sugar and bitters together until the cube breaks down into a paste. A few gentle twists—don’t pulverize.
3. Stir in whiskey: Pour in 2 oz bourbon (or your preferred whiskey) and stir for about 15 seconds. This helps chill and slightly dilute for balance.
4. Add ice: Pop in a large ice cube or sphere. Give it another gentle stir—listen for that soft clink, a sign it’s perfectly mixed.
5. Express the peel: Hold a twist of orange peel over the glass, skin-side down, and give it a good squeeze so the oils dance across the surface. Rub the rim with the peel, then drop it in.
6. Garnish and serve: Crown your cocktail with a Luxardo cherry on a pick. Admire the amber glow, then sip slowly.

Servings & Timing

• Yield: 1 cocktail
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Chill/Rest Time: none (aside from glass chill, if you choose)
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Maple Old Fashioned: Swap simple syrup for ½ tsp pure maple syrup.
• Smoked Old Fashioned: Burn a cinnamon stick or spritz Lapsang tea smoke over the glass.
• Tequila Old Fashioned: Use reposado tequila for a bright, agave-forward twist.
• Coconut Old Fashioned: Replace bitters with chocolate bitters and add a drop of coconut extract.
• Fruit-Infused: Muddle a few raspberries or figs alongside your sugar cube.
• Low-Calorie: Swap sugar for 1 tsp stevia syrup and use diet ginger ale float.

Storage & Reheating

• Make-Ahead: Combine whiskey, syrup, and bitters in a sealed container; store in the fridge up to 2 days.
• Shelf Life: Pre-mixed batch stays fresh for 48 hours—flavors settle but won’t turn bitter.
• Freezing: Not recommended (ice crystals can dull the punch).
• Reheating: N/A—serve cold.
• Glass Prep Tip: If prepping glasses in advance, wrap them in a damp towel and chill to avoid sweat marks.

Notes

• I learned that demerara sugar holds up better under muddling—less grit in the glass.
• For a silkier mouthfeel, try a 2:1 syrup ratio (2 parts sugar to 1 part water) and reduce bitters by one dash.
• A heavier ice cube dilutes more slowly—think of it like slow-release flavor control.
• Don’t skip the peel expression—it’s the fragrance that ties the whole drink together.

FAQs

Q: What’s the ideal whiskey for an Old Fashioned?
A: Bourbon is classic for its sweet, vanilla notes; rye brings spice—choose based on your flavor mood.

Q: Can I substitute brown sugar or honey?
A: Brown sugar adds molasses depth; honey works, but cut back to ⅓ tsp to prevent cloying.

Q: Why is my Old Fashioned cloudy?
A: Fast dilution from small ice or too much stir; use larger cubes and chill ingredients/glass.

Q: How do I get the perfect orange twist?
A: Use a swivel vegetable peeler to get a neat strip—trim excess pith to avoid bitterness.

Q: Can I make a pitcher of Old Fashioneds?
A: Absolutely—mix 12 oz whiskey, 3 oz simple syrup, and 12 dashes bitters; stash in fridge; add ice per glass.

Q: Do I have to use Angostura bitters?
A: No, but Angostura provides that signature herbal edge; orange or chocolate bitters create fun twists.

Q: Is water necessary in the mix?
A: A splash (about ¼ oz) helps dissolve sugar; you can skip it if using syrup instead of cube.

Q: What glassware works best?
A: A sturdy, lowball rocks glass—its wider mouth lets aromas shine and makes for easy sipping.

Conclusion

This Best Old Fashioned Recipe brings together simplicity and sophistication in every sip. With just a handful of ingredients and a couple of easy steps, you’ll master this classic drink and delight guests or savor a quiet evening at home. Give it a try, leave a comment on how yours turned out, and be sure to explore my other classic drink guides for more homemade cocktail inspiration!