Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
July 11, 2025

old fashioned in an ornate rocks glass with an orange wedge as garnish

Image source: Proof & Grain

Prep Time

3 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Old Fashioned Glass and Rocks Glass

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey (60 ml)
1 sugar cube or ¼ oz simple syrup (7 ml)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist and optional cherry, for garnish

Tools

Check out our official Product Recommendations.

Jigger
Bar spoon
Muddler (if using sugar cube)
Mixing glass (optional)
Hawthorne strainer (if stirring in a separate glass)
Paring knife or peeler

Directions

Place the sugar cube in a glass and saturate it with bitters.
Muddle until dissolved, or use simple syrup. Add whiskey and a large ice cube.
Stir gently for 20–25 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
Garnish with an expressed orange twist and, optionally, a cherry.

Mixologist's Notes

Use quality whiskey—there’s nowhere to hide in this drink.
Stirring with ice helps mellow the alcohol while keeping the texture smooth.
For a touch of complexity, add a dash of orange or chocolate bitters.

Flavor Profile

Strong, smooth, and bittersweet with citrus and spice notes.

Old Fashioned Recipe Poster

$39.00

Mix Easy: 199 Cocktails to Master at Home [eBook]

$3.99

About the Old Fashioned cocktail

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most respected cocktails in the world.

Its roots go back to the early 1800s, when cocktails were defined as spirits, sugar, water, and bitters - simple and direct.

By the mid-19th century, as bartenders began adding newfangled ingredients to drinks, traditionalists pushed back by ordering their cocktails made “the old-fashioned way.”

That name stuck, and so did the drink - a no-nonsense, spirit-forward cocktail that lets the whiskey do the talking.

Why the Old Fashioned Never Goes Out of Style

The Old Fashioned cocktail recipe is simplicity perfected.

It highlights the base spirit - usually bourbon or rye - with just a touch of sweetness from sugar and a few dashes of aromatic bitters. Served over a big ice cube and garnished with citrus, it's minimal, smooth, and endlessly customizable.

It’s a drink that rewards patience, good ingredients, and a little ritual.

Variations and Pairing Possibilities

Want to put your own spin on it?

Use rye whiskey for a spicier edge
Swap the sugar cube for rich demerara syrup
Add a splash of club soda for a lighter touch
Try different bitters like chocolate, cherry, or walnut

The Old Fashioned pairs well with grilled meats, roasted nuts, blue cheese, or dark chocolate. It’s also excellent with cigars, a natural companion to robust flavors.

Why It’s a Classic That Still Commands Respect

The Old Fashioned is timeless for a reason.

It’s a cocktail with roots, weight, and balance. Whether you’re sipping it at a quiet bar or making one at home, it always feels like a small ceremony; understated and deeply satisfying.