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
Flavor profile
Whiskey
Taste values from the Pocket Bartender recipe catalog.
Ingredients
- Bourbon3 oz
- Sugar1
- Maraschino Cherry(optional)1
- Water1 tsp
- Angostura Bitters3 dashes
- Orange(optional)1
Ingredient substitutions
No exact bottle on the shelf? These swaps keep Classic Old-Fashioned close to the original.
Instead of Bourbon
- Rye Whiskey— spicier, drier
- Tennessee Whiskey— close cousin, a bit mellower
Instead of Sugar
- Honey— floral sweetness
- Simple Syrup— dissolves instantly
Instead of Angostura Bitters
- Orange Bitters— citrus-forward
- Peychaud's Bitters— brighter, anise-tinged
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
Similar taste
Frequently asked questions
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