How to Make an Old Fashioned

The Old-Fashioned is one of the oldest and most traditional cocktails around. Although you only need 3 ingredients to make it, the combination yields uniquely complex results. If you want to experiment with the flavor, try substituting the traditional ingredients with different types of alcohols, sweeteners, and garnishes. Your spin on the classic recipe just might become your drink of choice!

EditIngredients

EditClassic Old-Fashioned Cocktail

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon whiskey
• 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) of simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Orange peel, for garnish (optional)

Makes 1 cocktail

EditSteps

EditMaking a Classic Old-Fashioned Cocktail

1. Add the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup to a mixing glass. Measure out 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon whiskey and 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) of simple syrup and pour both of them into the mixing glass. You can use store-bought syrup or make your own simple syrup at home.^[1]
   
   
   • Simple syrup is the best choice for cocktails because it’s already in liquid form, but you can substitute 1 sugar cube for the simple syrup if you prefer. Be sure to crush the sugar cube to help it dissolve properly.^[2]
2. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass. Alcoholic bitters help to bind cocktail ingredients together and boost the flavors. They come in a range of flavors, but Angostura bitters are preferred for this beverage. Simply add 2 quick dashes to the mixing glass.^[3]
   
   
   • If you don’t have Angostura bitters on hand, use orange bitters.^[4]
   • It’s important to stick to 2 or 3 dashes of bitters. Any more or less won’t create the classic flavor you’re going for.
3. Place a handful of ice cubes into the mixing glass. It’s best to use cubed ice cubes. You can buy them or make your own with tap or filtered water. Using filtered water may make a small difference in the overall flavor.^[5]
   
   
   • Most people probably won't be able to taste the difference between tap water and filtered water.
4. Stir the ingredients together with a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds. You often hear about cocktails being shaken or stirred, and stirring is customary for this drink. Use the bar spoon to swish the ingredients around in the mixing glass until they’re evenly distributed.^[6]
   
   
   • Don’t stir the ingredients for more than 30 seconds. You want to chill the liquid without melting the ice too much.^[7]
5. Fill a rocks glass with large cubes of ice. As before, use store-bought or filtered water ice cubes for the best flavor. Use large ice cubes since they’ll melt slower and create less dilution than small cubes or crushed ice.^[8]
   
   
   • A rocks glass is traditional for an Old-Fashioned, but you can use any glass you have on hand.^[9]
   • You can skip the ice if you don’t want a chilled beverage and to prevent dilution.
6. Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice into the rocks glass. Hold a strainer over the mouth of the mixing glass and carefully pour the cocktail into the glass. The finished cocktail plus a handful of ice will fill a standard-sized rocks glass about halfway.^[10]
   
   
7. Garnish the drink with an orange peel. Cut off a piece of orange peel and twist the peel over the Old-Fashioned to express the oil. Then, rub the peel around the rim of the rocks glass before dropping it into the cocktail. Your classic Old-Fashioned is ready to enjoy!^[11]
   
   
   • Old-Fashioned cocktails were originally enjoyed before meals to stimulate the appetite. Give this a try, or simply enjoy the cocktail any time you like.

EditTrying Variations

1. Replace the whiskey with gin, brandy, or rum for a unique flavor. Bourbon or rye whiskey are classic choices, but if you don’t like the taste, you can certainly switch things up. Just substitute the same amount of your favorite gin, brandy, or rum for the whiskey.^[12]
   
   
   • Dark, aged rum is particularly delicious!
2. Experiment with sugar syrups for a range of sweet flavors. Regular simple syrup is common cocktail ingredient made from white granulated sugar. If you want to try something more exotic, experiment with gum syrup, demerara syrup, brown sugar syrup, or sugar cane syrup. Agave syrup can also add a unique spin on the flavor.^[13]
   
   
   • You can also experiment with honey, maple syrup, and molasses to achieve customized flavors.
3. Use ice balls instead of ice cubes for a fun alternative. Cubes of ice work perfectly fine for Old-Fashioned cocktails, but sometimes you’ll see ice balls being used by fancier bar establishments or cocktail connoisseurs. You can easily make ice balls at home and enjoy them in your favorite cocktails.^[14]
   
   
4. Try a variety of citrus garnishes or add cherries to your cocktail. Orange is the traditional garnish, but maraschino cherries are a popular and tasty alternative! Drop 1 or several cherries into the rocks glass before serving the drink.^[15]
   
   
   • For a fruity variation, drop an orange wheel or slice into the drink with the cherries.
   • Try using a lemon or lime peel instead of the traditional orange peel for a slightly different flavor.

EditThings You’ll Need

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Jigger or small liquid measuring cup
• Paring knife
• Rocks glass

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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