Old Fashioned
The primordial cocktail—whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water—showcasing the base spirit in its purest, most aromatic form.
39%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“First recorded in 1806 as the very definition of a "cocktail"—spirit, sugar, water, bitters—the drink later took the name "Old Fashioned" at Kentucky's Pendennis Club in the 1880s to distinguish it from newer, frillier concoctions. Prohibition muddied the recipe with fruit and soda, but the 21st-century craft revival restored the minimalist whiskey-forward style.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add simple syrup and bitters to a chilled rocks glass
Add bourbon and a large ice cube
Stir 20–25 seconds to chill and dilute
Express an orange peel over the surface and place in the drink
Glassware
Served over one large ice cube in a rocks glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink, then drop in or discard
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a single large cube to control dilution
Choose a 100-proof bourbon or rye for structure
Store syrup and bitters at room temperature but keep citrus fresh
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Old Fashioned.
Press
Wisconsin style topped with equal parts lemon-lime soda and club soda.
Changes
Regal Stir
Stir a piece of orange peel with the drink for subtle citrus without muddling.
Changes
Brandy Old Fashioned
Wisconsin's state cocktail replacing whiskey with brandy and often served with soda.
Changes
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Split base of tequila and mezcal sweetened with agave nectar.
Changes
Rum Old Fashioned
Aged rum provides a molasses depth in place of whiskey.
Changes
Gin Old Fashioned
Old Tom gin yields a lighter, botanical rendition.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Mint Julep
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John Collins
The bourbon take on the 19th‑century gin punch from Limmer's Old House—spirit, lemon, sugar and sparkling water built tall and fizzy.
Planter's Punch
Dark rum punch with citrus and spice—the Caribbean's signature party drink.