The Old Fashioned is a timeless whiskey cocktail: simple, refined, and perfectly balanced with sugar, bitters, a splash of water, and quality whiskey.
Old Fashioned Drink Recipe
Today we’ll show you how to make an Old Fashioned. If you love whiskey cocktails, this classic will be an instant favorite. Its straightforward ingredients let the whiskey shine while delivering a smooth, balanced sip.
What is an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is a simple whiskey cocktail composed of whiskey, sugar, water, and Angostura bitters. Traditionally served in an old fashioned glass over a large ice cube, it’s finished with an orange slice or twist and often a maraschino cherry.
Ingredients
The Old Fashioned uses just a few key ingredients. Use good-quality whiskey for the best results.
- Sugar (granulated or simple syrup)
- Angostura bitters
- Water (a splash to dissolve the sugar)
- Whiskey — bourbon or rye (about 2 oz)
Garnish options
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry
- Or an expressed orange twist
How to Make an Old Fashioned
Follow these straightforward steps for a classic Old Fashioned.
1. Add sugar and Angostura bitters to an old fashioned glass.
2. Add a small splash of water to help dissolve the sugar, then stir until mostly dissolved.
3. Add a large ice cube, then pour the whiskey over the ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon until the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted.
5. Garnish: add an orange slice and maraschino cherry, or squeeze an orange twist over the glass to express the oils and drop it in. Sip and enjoy.
Q&A
Is an Old Fashioned a well drink?
Not typically. An Old Fashioned is usually made with a quality bourbon or rye, but if made with lower-cost whiskey it could function as a well drink.
How many calories in an Old Fashioned?
One serving of an Old Fashioned is roughly 158 calories, depending on the whiskey and the amount of sugar used.
Who drinks an Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned has a long history and was once a staple in 19th-century gentleman’s clubs. Today it’s enjoyed by people who appreciate classic, spirit-forward cocktails and a refined, timeless style.
How to enjoy a Smoked Old Fashioned
A Smoked Old Fashioned adds a layer of smoke to the cocktail, typically by using a smoking gun or smoked wood chips to infuse the drink or the spirit. Prepare your Old Fashioned as usual, introduce a controlled amount of smoke, then garnish with an orange peel and enjoy.
Tools You Need
- Old Fashioned glasses
- Stainless steel skewers (for garnish)
- Bar spoon or cocktail stirring spoon
- Measuring jigger
Our Favorite
Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
- The Gold Rush Cocktail
- Irish Mule
- Brown Derby Cocktail
- Tennessee Mule (Moscow Mule with whiskey)
Cocktail Inspo
Need more cocktail inspiration? If you try this recipe, take a photo and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker — we’d love to see it.
Sending you all my love, xo Demeter
Old Fashioned Drink Recipe
Pin
Rate
Equipment
-
Gold Cocktail Shaker Set
-
Measuring Jigger
-
Old Fashioned Glasses
Ingredients
Old Fashioned
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 oz whiskey, bourbon or rye
Garnish
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry
- Or orange twist
Instructions
-
Add sugar and Angostura bitters to an old fashioned glass. Top with water and stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
-
Add a large ice cube, then pour the whiskey over the ice.
-
Stir with a bar spoon until well mixed and chilled.
-
Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry, or express an orange twist over the drink and use it as garnish. Sip and enjoy.
-
★ If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and review — it helps our small business and other readers!
Standout Cocktail Recipes
- Last Word Cocktail
- Dirty Martini or Extra Dirty Martini
- Toasted Almond
- Greyhound Cocktail
Like this recipe? Share it with friends!
Did you make this recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it!
This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.