Old Fashioned
A timeless whiskey classic combining bourbon, sugar and aromatic bitters. Rich, smooth and spirit-forward, with warming spice and a fresh orange finish.
Old Fashioned Recipe
- Bourbon whiskey 50 ml
- Cane sugar syrup 5 ml
- Angostura® 2-3 drops
- Fresh orange 1 twist, optional
- Ice 150 g, optional
MAKE IT PROPERLY
- Add bourbon, sugar syrup and aromatic bitters to a rocks glass.
- Add ice and stir until well chilled and lightly diluted.
- Express an orange twist over the drink to release the citrus oils.
- Garnish with the orange twist.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT OLD FASHIONED?
The Old Fashioned is built around the whiskey, so simplicity and balance matter. Bourbon provides richness and character, sugar adds just enough sweetness to soften the spirit, and aromatic bitters bring spice and complexity. Stirring with ice provides the dilution that brings everything together, while an orange twist adds fresh citrus aroma without changing the fundamental character of the drink.
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OLD FASHIONED: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Old Fashioned, from choosing the right bourbon and aromatic bitters to balancing sweetness, dilution and fresh orange aroma.
THE STORY OF THE OLD FASHIONED
The Old Fashioned traces its roots to the earliest definition of a cocktail: a simple combination of spirit, sugar, water and bitters. During the 19th century, cocktails became increasingly elaborate, and drinkers who preferred the original style began ordering their drinks made the “old-fashioned” way.
Today, the Old Fashioned remains one of the defining whiskey cocktails. Its enduring appeal comes from its simplicity: rather than disguising the spirit, the sugar, bitters and dilution are used to enhance it.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR AN OLD FASHIONED
A flavourful bourbon works particularly well because its notes of vanilla, caramel and oak provide a rich foundation for the cocktail. Drinkero recommends Wild Turkey 101 for its bold character and higher strength, which allow the whiskey to remain prominent after dilution.
ANGOSTURA® Aromatic Bitters adds concentrated herbal and spicy complexity, while a small amount of MONIN Pure Cane Sugar Syrup provides consistent sweetness and dissolves immediately.
Finish with a fresh orange twist. Expressing the peel over the glass releases aromatic citrus oils that complement the whiskey and bitters.
HOW TO MAKE A BALANCED OLD FASHIONED
An Old Fashioned should be stirred, not shaken. Add the bourbon, sugar syrup and bitters to a rocks glass, add ice and stir until the drink is properly chilled and lightly diluted.
The key is restraint. Too much sugar can hide the whiskey, while insufficient dilution can leave the drink overly alcoholic and sharp. The finished cocktail should remain distinctly whiskey-forward, with subtle sweetness, aromatic spice and a fresh orange aroma.
Questions about the Old Fashioned
What is an Old Fashioned made from?
A classic Old Fashioned combines whiskey, sugar, aromatic bitters and dilution from ice. Drinkero's recipe uses 50 ml bourbon, 5 ml sugar syrup and 2-3 dashes of ANGOSTURA® Aromatic Bitters.
What is the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned?
Bourbon is an excellent choice because its vanilla, caramel and oak character works naturally with sugar and aromatic bitters. Drinkero recommends Wild Turkey 101.
How many dashes of Angostura should I use?
Drinkero uses 2-3 dashes of ANGOSTURA® Aromatic Bitters per cocktail. This adds spice and complexity without overpowering the bourbon.
Should I use a sugar cube or sugar syrup?
Both approaches can work. Drinkero uses sugar syrup because it mixes evenly and makes quantities easier to calculate consistently when preparing multiple cocktails.
Should an Old Fashioned have an orange slice or orange twist?
Drinkero recommends an orange twist. Express the peel over the drink to release its aromatic oils, then use it as the garnish.
How do I make Old Fashioneds for a group?
Choose 6, 12, 24 or 48 Old Fashioneds in the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder. Drinkero calculates the bourbon, sugar syrup, bitters and other quantities you need.