Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

ByGina Elizabeth
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The Old Fashioned is a classic, whiskey forward cocktail. It’s made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey (typically rye or bourbon) or sometimes brandy. It’s served in a rocks glass over ice. Traditional garnishes include an orange slice (or zest) and a cocktail cherry.

The Old Fashioned is simple to make, and has a world of flavor. Here’s how I make the very best Old Fashioned cocktail ever!

Old Fashioned Recipe

I wanted to create a classic Old Fashioned for a bar-worthy cocktail. I think I’ve done it. I’m here to share my go-to Old Fashioned recipe. It’s a classic!

Ingredients

Make the best Old Fashioned you’ve ever had with these ingredients. Each flavor is assertive and had better be great.

  • Whiskey: I usually make my Old Fashioned with a middle-of-the-road rye or bourbon whiskey. Woodford Reserve is my favorite bourbon, and Rittenhouse is a reliable rye.
  • Water: Adding water helps with muddling the sugar and also dilutes the strength of the whiskey.
  • Sugar: I use white sugar or Stevia. Sugar cubes take longer to dissolve. You can also use simple syrup or brown sugar.
  • Bitters: I enjoy either classic Angostura or orange bitters. There is no right answer, just what you like. I waffle between using 2 or 3 dashes, that decision I leave up to you.  
  • Fresh Orange: Oils expressed from an orange peel cover up the strong whiskey taste. I don’t recommend muddling in an orange slice, it overpowers the drink. I garnish with an orange slice.
  • Cocktail Cherry: I use Maraschino or Luxardo cherries.
  • Ice: I use ice cubes or a large ice cube for slow melting.

How to make an Old Fashioned cocktail

Here’s a quick overview of how to make an Old Fashioned:

  1. Muddle the sugar. Place water and a sugar cube in your glass and saturate with bitters. Muddle gently until dissolved.
  2. Add whiskey. Pour in your bourbon or rye.
  3. Add ice. Place ice in the glass.
  4. Stir. Gently stir until the drink is well-chilled and slightly diluted.
  5. Garnish. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink. Add an orange slice and cocktail cherry.

This drink is easier to make than you think. Want something stronger? Add more whiskey! Or less if you prefer.

How to express citrus oils in a classic Old Fashioned

The secret to the BEST Old Fashioned cocktail is in the citrus. Here’s how to express the oils properly:

  1. Cut a piece of orange peel, about 2 inches long.
  2. Hold the peel over the drink, outer side facing down.
  3. Gently twist the peel to release the oils onto the surface of the drink.
  4. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass for extra aroma.
  5. Drop the peel into the drink or discard.

Best whiskeys for an Old Fashioned cocktail

I focused on American rye and bourbon whiskeys. The best whiskey for a classic Old Fashioned is a matter of preference, but here are some great options

  • Bourbon: Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, or Maker’s Mark offer rich, smooth flavors.
  • Rye Whiskey: Rittenhouse Rye or Bulleit Rye provide a spicier profile.
  • High-Proof Options: Wild Turkey 101 a extra warmth and complexity.

I find that whiskeys that I love neat don’t work in an Old Fashioned. I recommend trying different whiskeys to make your perfect Old Fashioned!

Old Fashioned variations to try

The classic cocktail template lends itself to so many riffs. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks.

  • Smoky Old Fashioned – Substitute regular whiskey with a smoky Scotch or add a few drops of mezcal.
  • Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Substitute aged tequila and mezcal for whiskey.
  • Maple Old Fashioned – Replace sugar with maple syrup to add a warm, earthy sweetness.
  • Fruit-Infused Old Fashioned – Muddle fresh fruits like cherries, oranges, or even peaches along with the sugar and bitters for a fruity twist.
  • Spiced Old Fashioned – Use spiced rum or add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Chocolate Old Fashioned – Incorporate chocolate bitters instead of traditional bitters for a rich, dessert-like flavor.
  • Tequila Old Fashioned – Swap whiskey for tequila, creating a refreshing take on the classic while maintaining the same preparation style.
  • Rum Old Fashioned – Use aged rum for a tropical twist.
  • Apple Cider Old Fashioned – Add a splash of apple cider for fall flavors.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to different Old Fashioned cocktails you can make.

Old Fashioned recipe evolution

The recipe for the Old Fashioned cocktail evolved over the years. Here are some key points in its history.

Early 1800s

The original “cocktail” recipe emerges, consisting of a spirit (usually Holland gin or brandy), water, sugar, and bitters, often garnished with grated nutmeg. No ice is used.

Related: 50 Best Gin Martinis (+ Recipes)

1860s

  • Cocktails are now generally served with ice.
  • Whiskey becomes a popular spirit choice.
  • Lemon twist replaces nutmeg as the common garnish.

1880s

  • The term “old-fashioned cocktails” appears, still referring to cocktails made with various spirits.
  • A whiskey version was called an “old fashioned whiskey cocktail”. Recipes call for a lump of sugar rather than syrup. Drink is built in the glass.
  • The earliest recipe for an Old Fashioned cocktail is given by Theodore Proulx of Chicago in 1888.

Early 1900s

  • Orange slices start being used as a garnish as early as 1905.

1930s (post-Prohibition)

  • Recipes for an “Old Fashioned” now specify whiskey and include fruit garnishes like orange slices and cherries.
  • This style is reflected in the modern IBA official recipe.

When to serve an Old Fashioned cocktail

The Dark and Stormy is bubbly and zingy. It’s perfect for sipping as a:

  • Happy hour drink
  • Pre-dinner or after dinner drink
  • Holiday drink
  • Summer drink
  • Cocktail hour drink
  • Late night drink (night cap)
  • Guys or girls night out

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

The whiskey Old Fashioned is a whiskey lover’s drink. You only need a few ingredients to make this classic cocktail. Makes 1 drink.

Old Fashioned Recipe

Old Fashioned Recipe

Yield: 1

The best Old Fashioned cocktail recipe is really easy to make and delicious. One of my favorite whiskey cocktails, it's easy to drink and elegant.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)
  • 1 Sugar Cube
  • 2-3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • 2 Teaspoons of water
  • Orange wheel or peel (for garnish)
  • Cocktail cherry (for garnish)
  • Ice

Instructions

    1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
    2. Saturate the sugar cube with bitters
    3. Add water
    4. Muddle until the sugar is nearly dissolved
    5. Fill the glass with large ice cubes
    6. Pour the whiskey over the ice
    7. Gently stir to combine
    8. Garnish with an orange peel or cocktail cherry (optional)

Notes

  • Bourbon or rye whiskey are traditional, but I recommend experimenting with brandy, tequila, gin, and rum.
  • I chill my glass in the freezer before serving to keep my drink extra-cold.
  • A large cube has less surface area, and melts slowly. It doesn’t water down your drink the way smaller ice cubes do.
  • The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 4 oz.
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 124Sodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 5gNet Carbohydrates: 5gSugar: 4g
© Gina Elizabeth
Cuisine: American / Category: Cocktails

Old Fashioned FAQs

What does an Old Fashioned taste like?

Old Fashioned cocktails taste smooth and slightly sweet from the sugar, with a warmth from the whiskey. The addition of bitters adds depth and aromatic notes, while a citrus garnish provides a hint of brightness, balancing the drink’s richness. 

Is the Old Fashioned a strong cocktail?

The estimated strength of this Old Fashioned cocktail recipe using 1.5 ounces of whiskey is approximately 36.7% ABV, making it a strong drink.

How did the Old Fashioned cocktail get its name?

As cocktails became more complex in the 1860s, drinkers began asking bartenders for simpler, pre-1850s “old fashioned” drinks. Hence the name.

Where was the Old Fashioned cocktail invented?

Despite the strong association with the Pendennis Club (founded in 1881) of Louisville, Kentucky–historians note that the Chicago Daily Tribune discussed similar ‘old fashioned cocktails’ in February of 1880. Nevertheless, Kentucky is associated with the lore surrounding this classic cocktail.

Is an Old Fashioned a digestif?

A whiskey cocktail such as the ​​Old Fashioned is a popular drink within the digestif category.

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Let me know how your Old Fashioned cocktail turns out in the comments!

Cheers!