How to Make an Old Fashioned: The Classic Whiskey Cocktail

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails in history, dating back to the 1800s. This simple yet sophisticated drink showcases whiskey's complexity with just a few ingredients. Perfect for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, the Old Fashioned is the drink that gave us the word "cocktail" itself. It's a must-know recipe from our beginner's guide to mixology and ranks among the top 5 most popular cocktails in the world.

History of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned holds a unique place in cocktail history as the drink most closely connected to the original definition of the word "cocktail." In 1806, a New York newspaper called The Balance and Columbian Repository defined a cocktail as "a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters." For decades, that simple four-component formula was the cocktail, full stop.

By the mid-1800s, bartenders began experimenting with new ingredients, adding liqueurs, fruits, and elaborate garnishes to their drinks. Patrons who preferred the original, unadorned version started asking for their cocktails made "the old-fashioned way." This distinction gradually turned into the drink's name, cementing its identity as a call back to the roots of American drinking culture.

The Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, is often credited with popularizing the modern Old Fashioned in the 1880s. A club member, Colonel James E. Pepper, is said to have brought the recipe to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City, where it gained wider fame among the East Coast elite. Throughout the 20th century, the Old Fashioned remained a staple of American cocktail culture, though it suffered through a period of decline in the mid-century when some bartenders began muddling orange slices and maraschino cherries into it, turning the elegant drink into a fruit salad.

The craft cocktail revival of the 2000s restored the Old Fashioned to its original, elegant form, stripping away the excess fruit and returning to the spirit-forward simplicity that made it great. Shows like Mad Men further boosted its popularity by associating it with a certain kind of timeless sophistication. Today the Old Fashioned consistently ranks as one of the most ordered cocktails in the world. The Old Fashioned's enduring legacy is a testament to the power of simplicity in mixology.

The Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

The traditional Old Fashioned follows a simple formula that lets the whiskey shine:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1/2 oz (15ml) simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice (large cube preferred)

Method:

1. Place sugar cube in glass
2. Add bitters and muddle until dissolved
3. Add whiskey and stir gently
4. Add large ice cube
5. Express orange peel over drink and garnish

Essential Ingredients

Whiskey Selection

Choosing the right whiskey is the most important decision you will make when building an Old Fashioned. Since the spirit accounts for roughly 90% of the drink, its character defines the final result. The two main categories to consider are bourbon and rye, each bringing distinct qualities to the glass.

Bourbon - The most popular choice for Old Fashioneds. Bourbon's naturally sweet, full-bodied profile works in harmony with the sugar and bitters, creating a round, approachable drink. By law, bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill, which gives it that characteristic sweetness.

• Buffalo Trace - An excellent all-rounder with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of dark fruit. Affordable and widely available, this is many bartenders' go-to for everyday Old Fashioneds. At around 90 proof, it has enough backbone to stand up to dilution.
• Woodford Reserve - Rich and complex with pronounced dried fruit, chocolate, and baking spice notes. Its heavier body stands up beautifully to the sugar and bitters. The triple-distilled, copper pot still process gives it unusual smoothness.
• Maker's Mark - Wheated bourbon with a softer, sweeter profile. Notes of honey, toasted oak, and red winter wheat give it a velvety mouthfeel that produces a gentler, more dessert-like Old Fashioned.
• Wild Turkey 101 - Bold and high-proof at 101 proof, this bourbon delivers strong caramel and spice flavors that cut through the sweetness and dilution. Excellent for those who like a more assertive drink that does not fade as the ice melts.
• Elijah Craig Small Batch - Aged 8-12 years, this bourbon brings deep vanilla, butterscotch, and charred oak notes that add layers of complexity. Its longer aging gives it a tannic structure that holds up remarkably well in cocktails.
• Four Roses Single Barrel - Complex and floral with notes of ripe plum, maple syrup, and cocoa. At 100 proof, it delivers bold flavor without harsh edges, making it a bartender favorite for premium Old Fashioneds.

Rye Whiskey - The original spirit used in Old Fashioneds before bourbon became dominant. Rye is drier and spicier than bourbon, producing a more structured, less sweet cocktail that many purists consider the superior choice.

• Rittenhouse Rye - Bottled at 100 proof, this is widely considered the gold standard for cocktail rye. Bold peppery spice, cinnamon, and herbal notes create an Old Fashioned with real backbone. Its price-to-quality ratio is exceptional.
• Sazerac Rye - Gentle and approachable with notes of clove, vanilla, and anise. A great introduction to rye Old Fashioneds for bourbon drinkers making the transition. Slightly lower proof makes it easy-drinking.
• Bulleit Rye - High rye content (95% rye mash bill) delivers assertive spice, cherry, and herbal character. Creates a distinctly dry, complex Old Fashioned that is perfect for those who find bourbon too sweet.
• WhistlePig 6 Year - Premium rye with notes of caramel, butterscotch, and oak, balanced by a long peppery finish. Worth the splurge for a special-occasion Old Fashioned.
• Old Forester Rye - A newer entry that offers rich grain character, baking spice, and a pleasant sweetness that bridges the gap between bourbon and rye. Excellent value for cocktails.

For a deeper understanding of how different bourbon and rye whiskey styles affect your cocktails, exploring the production differences between these two American whiskey traditions is well worth your time.

Sugar Options

• Sugar cube: Traditional method, dissolves slowly for a hands-on ritual that is part of the Old Fashioned's charm
• Simple syrup: Easier to mix, consistent sweetness throughout the drink, and preferred in high-volume bars
• Demerara sugar: Rich, molasses-forward flavor that adds depth, warmth, and a slightly more complex sweetness

Bitters

• Angostura: The classic choice, aromatic and spicy with warm baking-spice notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice
• Orange bitters: Adds citrus complexity and pairs especially well with bourbon. Regans' and Fee Brothers are top picks.
• Cherry bitters: Sweet, fruity alternative that complements wheated bourbons and adds a unique berry undertone
• Walnut bitters: A lesser-known option that adds nutty, earthy depth. Excellent with high-rye bourbons.

Step-by-Step Technique

1. Muddle the Sugar

• Place sugar cube in bottom of glass
• Add 2-3 dashes of bitters directly onto the sugar cube
• Add a small splash of water (about a teaspoon) to help dissolve
• Muddle gently with a twisting motion until sugar dissolves into a syrupy paste
• Don't over-muddle or you'll create a gritty texture

2. Add Whiskey

• Pour whiskey over muddled sugar
• Stir gently for about 15 seconds to combine the whiskey with the sugar-bitters mixture
• Don't shake - this is a stirred cocktail that should remain clear

3. Add Ice

• Use one large ice cube if possible, ideally a 2-inch cube
• Large cubes melt slower, preventing over-dilution while still chilling the drink
• If you don't have large cubes, fill the glass 2/3 full with standard ice

4. Garnish

• Cut a wide strip of orange peel (about 1 inch by 3 inches)
• Hold the peel over the drink and give it a firm twist to express the oils
• You should see a fine mist of citrus oil spray across the surface
• Rub the rim of the glass with the peel for extra aroma
• Drop peel in drink or rest it on the rim

Variations

Smoked Old Fashioned

The Smoked Old Fashioned has become one of the most popular modern variations, adding a dramatic layer of aroma and flavor to the classic recipe. The smoke complements the charred oak notes already present in bourbon, creating a complex, multi-sensory experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60ml) bourbon
• 1/2 oz (15ml) simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Wood chips (hickory, cherry, or applewood)
• Orange peel garnish

Method: Build the Old Fashioned as usual in a mixing glass. Use a smoking gun or handheld torch to fill an overturned rocks glass with smoke from wood chips. Trap the smoke in the glass for 30 seconds, then flip the glass right-side up, add a large ice cube, and pour the prepared cocktail into the smoke-filled glass. Express an orange peel over the top. The result is a layered drinking experience where the smoky aroma greets you with every sip and gradually fades as you work through the drink.

Maple Old Fashioned

This autumn-inspired variation replaces simple syrup with maple syrup for a rich, warming drink that pairs beautifully with cooler weather and heartier food.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60ml) bourbon
• 1/4 oz (7ml) pure maple syrup (grade A dark)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel garnish

Method: Combine maple syrup and bitters in a rocks glass. Add a small splash of warm water and stir to thin the maple syrup slightly (it can be thick and difficult to incorporate). Add bourbon and stir until fully combined. Add a large ice cube and garnish with an expressed orange peel. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for authentic depth and flavor. The natural caramel and toffee notes in the maple create a beautifully warming drink.

Rum Old Fashioned

Swapping whiskey for aged rum produces a tropical take on the classic that brings out rich caramel, banana, and vanilla notes you rarely experience in the bourbon version.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60ml) aged rum (Appleton Estate 12 Year or El Dorado 12 Year)
• 1/2 oz (15ml) demerara syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel garnish

Method: Build exactly like a classic Old Fashioned. The demerara syrup echoes the molasses character of the rum, while the Angostura bitters provide the familiar spice backbone. This variation is an excellent gateway to the world of sipping rum for whiskey drinkers, and it works particularly well as an after-dinner drink.

Oaxacan Old Fashioned

Created by bartender Phil Ward at Death & Co in New York, this celebrated variation splits the base spirit between reposado tequila and mezcal for a smoky, agave-forward drink with serious depth.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz (45ml) reposado tequila
• 0.5 oz (15ml) mezcal
• 1 barspoon (about 1 tsp) agave nectar
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel garnish

Method: Combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a flamed orange peel: hold a lit match between the orange peel and the drink, then express the oils through the flame for a caramelized citrus aroma.

Essential Tools

Must-Have Equipment

• Old Fashioned glass: Short, wide glass (also called a rocks glass), ideally 8-10 oz capacity
• Muddler: For dissolving sugar, a flat-bottomed wooden muddler works best
• Bar spoon: For stirring, the long twisted handle provides control
• Large ice cube tray: 2-inch silicone molds produce the ideal cube

Optional Enhancements

• Citrus peeler: Y-peeler for clean, wide peel strips with minimal pith
• Ice mold: Sphere molds for an elegant presentation
• Smoking gun: For making smoked Old Fashioneds at home
• Bitters collection: Building a selection of different bitters lets you customize endlessly

Pro Tips for Success

Whiskey Quality

• Use whiskey you'd enjoy drinking neat. If it tastes harsh on its own, it will taste harsh in the drink.
• Don't use your most expensive bottle. The sugar and bitters will mask the subtle nuances you are paying for.
• Mid-range bottles in the $25-40 range work perfectly and are what most professional bars use.

Temperature Control

• Chill your glass beforehand by filling it with ice water while you prepare ingredients
• Use large ice cubes. A single 2-inch cube is ideal for slow, even dilution.
• Stir gently, about 15-20 rotations, to avoid over-dilution while achieving the right chill

Balance

• Taste and adjust sweetness before adding ice. It is easier to add more sugar than to fix an overly sweet drink.
• More bitters equals more complexity. Don't be afraid to experiment with 3 or even 4 dashes.
• Express the orange peel properly. The aromatic oils are a critical component of the finished drink's aroma and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Muddling Mistakes

• Over-muddling: Creates bitter flavors from crushed pith or gritty undissolved sugar
• Under-muddling: Sugar doesn't dissolve, leaving sweet spots and gritty texture
• Wrong pressure: Gentle pressing and twisting is better than aggressive pounding

Mixing Mistakes

• Shaking: The Old Fashioned should always be stirred. Shaking introduces air bubbles and creates a cloudy drink.
• Over-stirring: Dilutes the drink too much, washing out the whiskey's character
• Wrong ice: Small cubes melt too quickly and dilute the drink before you can finish it

Garnish Mistakes

• Skipping the express: The aromatic citrus oils are a crucial part of the drinking experience
• Wrong citrus: Orange works better than lemon for the classic version
• Over-garnishing: A single orange peel is all you need. Avoid the cherry-and-orange-slice fruit salad approach.

Glassware and Presentation

Traditional Glass

• Old Fashioned glass: Also called a rocks glass or lowball glass
• Short and wide: The wide opening allows you to appreciate the aromatic orange oils
• Thick bottom: Heavy base prevents tipping and withstands muddling

Modern Alternatives

• Double old fashioned: Larger 12-14 oz version, gives more room for ice
• Crystal glass: Elegant presentation that elevates the experience
• Japanese-style rocks glass: Thinner walls, more refined aesthetic

Perfect Old Fashioned Checklist

Before You Start

• [ ] Quality whiskey selected
• [ ] Sugar cube or simple syrup ready
• [ ] Angostura bitters available
• [ ] Orange ready for peeling
• [ ] Large ice cube prepared

During Preparation

• [ ] Muddle sugar gently
• [ ] Add whiskey and stir
• [ ] Add ice cube
• [ ] Express orange peel
• [ ] Garnish properly

Final Result

• [ ] Balanced sweetness
• [ ] Proper dilution
• [ ] Aromatic orange oils
• [ ] Cold temperature
• [ ] Clean presentation

Food Pairings

Perfect Matches

• Steak: The whiskey's oak and caramel notes mirror the char on a good steak
• Dark chocolate: Complementary bitter and sweet flavors create a luxurious pairing
• Nuts: Roasted almonds and candied walnuts echo the bourbon's nutty undertones
• Cheese: Aged cheddar and blue cheese stand up to the drink's bold character

Unexpected Pairings

• Sushi: The whiskey's sweetness cuts through rich fish like salmon and tuna
• BBQ: Smoky, charred flavors complement the bourbon's oak character
• Desserts: Creme brulee, bread pudding, and anything with caramel or vanilla

Storage and Make-Ahead

Preparation Tips

• Sugar cubes: Can be pre-soaked with bitters and stored in an airtight container
• Simple syrup: Keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated in a clean bottle
• Orange peels: Always prepare just before serving for maximum oil content
• Ice cubes: Make large cubes in advance and store in sealed bags to prevent freezer odors

Batch Preparation

• Don't batch: Old Fashioned is best made fresh, one at a time
• Pre-chill glassware: Ready when needed
• Have ingredients ready: Mise en place makes quick assembly possible when entertaining

Troubleshooting

Too Sweet

• Reduce sugar: Use less simple syrup or a smaller sugar cube
• Add more bitters: Increases complexity and counteracts sweetness
• Use rye whiskey: Its natural spiciness offsets sugar better than bourbon

Too Strong

• Add more ice: Increases dilution gradually
• Stir longer: More mixing time cools and dilutes
• Use less whiskey: Reduce to 1.5 oz (45ml) for a lighter version

Too Bitter

• Reduce bitters: Use fewer dashes
• Add more sugar: Increase sweetness to balance
• Use bourbon: Its natural sweetness counteracts bitterness better than rye

Wrong Temperature

• Pre-chill glass: Fill with ice water for 30 seconds before building the drink
• Use larger ice: Slower melting means longer-lasting chill
• Stir longer: More chilling time to reach the ideal temperature

The Old Fashioned is a testament to the principle that great cocktails don't need many ingredients - just quality spirits, proper technique, and attention to detail. Master this classic, and you'll have a cocktail that never goes out of style.

Remember: the best Old Fashioned is the one you enjoy most. Start with the classic recipe, then experiment with different whiskeys, sugars, and bitters ratios to find your perfect version.