
Classic Old-Fashioned
Bitters and a sugar cube muddled in the glass, then a generous pour of bourbon over ice with orange and cherry. The unhurried, build-in-glass ritual at its most traditional.
Medium
Difficulty
4 min
Time
230 Cal
Calories
1
Serving
Flavor profile
Whiskey
Taste values from the Pocket Bartender recipe catalog.
Ingredients
- Bourbon· not in your bar3 oz
Or swap: Rye Whiskey — spicier, drier, Tennessee Whiskey — close cousin, a bit mellower
- Sugar· not in your bar1
Or swap: Honey — floral sweetness, Simple Syrup — dissolves instantly
- Maraschino Cherry(optional)· not in your bar1
- Water· not in your bar1 tsp
- Angostura Bitters· not in your bar3 dashes
Or swap: Orange Bitters — citrus-forward, Peychaud's Bitters — brighter, anise-tinged
- Orange(optional)· not in your bar1
Instructions
In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the bitters and water into the sugar cube, using the back of a teaspoon.
Almost fill the glass with ice cubes and add the bourbon.
Garnish with the orange slice and the cherry.
Serve with a swizzle stick.
Pairs well with
Muddled sugar and bitters over bourbon reward slow snacking on rich, smoky fare:
- Smoked brisket bites
- Bourbon-glazed pecans
- Blue cheese-stuffed dates
- Charred orange chocolate squares




