There is something special about holding a glass that has carried generations of stories. For me, the Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail, it’s a connection to tradition.
I can still remember the first time I saw my grandfather gently stir one in his favorite cut-glass tumbler, the amber liquid catching the light of a warm Friday evening.
He’d settle into his chair, a record spinning softly in the background, and with that first sip, the week seemed to melt away.
The Old Fashioned is the definition of timeless. No frills, no fancy mixers, just a few thoughtful ingredients that let the bourbon shine through.
It’s the drink I reach for when hosting a cozy dinner with friends, or when I want to mark the start of a holiday evening with something classic.
Even the ritual of making it feels grounding: muddling sugar with bitters, the scent of citrus zest filling the air, the clink of ice as it settles into the glass.
This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want something easy yet sophisticated, a drink that tastes just as good made at home as it does in a craft cocktail bar.
Whether you’re celebrating, winding down after a long day, or simply want to honor the beauty of tradition, this Old Fashioned is a glass full of comfort.
Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Place the sugar cube (or sugar) in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add bitters and a few drops of water.
- Tip: If using granulated sugar, stir until it mostly dissolves before adding ice.
- Muddle gently until the sugar begins to break down and dissolve, forming a syrupy base.
- Add the bourbon and stir to combine.
- Place a large ice cube (or a few smaller ones) into the glass. Stir again for 15–20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Tip: A large cube melts slower, keeping your drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass by holding it over the drink and giving it a twist. Rub the peel around the rim, then drop it in.
- Add a Luxardo cherry if you like a touch of sweetness, though purists may prefer to skip it.
- Sip slowly and enjoy.
About the Recipe
What makes this Old Fashioned stand out is its simplicity and balance. Too often, people overcomplicate it, drowning the bourbon in mixers or masking it with too much sugar.
The beauty of the Old Fashioned is that less is more. Just the right touch of sweetness, a whisper of orange oil, and a few dashes of aromatic bitters elevate the bourbon without overpowering it.
This recipe yields one serving, the perfect pour for sipping slowly. But it’s also easy to scale up if you’re hosting a dinner party or holiday gathering.
Simply multiply the ingredients and build each drink in its own glass. It adapts beautifully: you can keep it traditional with bourbon, switch it up with rye for a spicier profile, or even try it with a good aged rum for a fresh twist.
This version is foolproof. No special tools beyond a sturdy spoon and a rocks glass, no exotic ingredients you won’t use again. It’s straightforward enough for beginners, yet sophisticated enough to impress any cocktail lover.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon (or rye whiskey for a spicier version)
- 1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon granulated sugar)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- A few drops plain water (or splash of club soda, optional)
- Large ice cube (or several smaller cubes)
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Optional: 1 Luxardo cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube (or sugar) in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add bitters and a few drops of water.
Tip: If using granulated sugar, stir until it mostly dissolves before adding ice. - Muddle gently until the sugar begins to break down and dissolve, forming a syrupy base.
- Add the bourbon and stir to combine.
- Place a large ice cube (or a few smaller ones) into the glass. Stir again for 15–20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
Tip: A large cube melts slower, keeping your drink cold without watering it down too quickly. - Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass by holding it over the drink and giving it a twist. Rub the peel around the rim, then drop it in.
- Add a Luxardo cherry if you like a touch of sweetness, though purists may prefer to skip it.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the timeless ritual.
Tips for Success
The Old Fashioned may look simple, but the details matter. Start with a good bourbon or rye. Since the spirit is the star, use something you’d happily sip neat. Middle-shelf bottles like Bulleit, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve work beautifully.
Sugar choice makes a difference, too. A cube feels traditional and offers that satisfying moment of muddling, but if you’re short on time, a teaspoon of sugar or even simple syrup works just as well. Just remember: you want sweetness that supports, not dominates.
Ice is more than just cold. A single large cube or sphere chills your drink evenly and melts slowly, giving you time to savor. If you only have smaller cubes, stir for a shorter time to avoid diluting too quickly.
Finally, don’t skip the citrus oil. That twist of orange peel brings brightness to the glass, balancing the richness of the bourbon and the spice of the bitters. It’s the finishing touch that transforms a good Old Fashioned into a great one.
What Goes Well With It
The Old Fashioned pairs beautifully with cozy evenings and hearty flavors. It shines alongside savory snacks like roasted nuts, charcuterie boards, or a simple plate of sharp cheddar with crackers.
The bourbon’s warmth complements salty, smoky bites in the most satisfying way.
If you’re enjoying it after dinner, pair it with chocolate desserts. A square of dark chocolate, a slice of flourless chocolate cake, or even brownies elevate the caramel notes in the bourbon. For something lighter, try it with a slice of pound cake or shortbread cookies.
It’s also a wonderful fireside drink. Imagine sipping it with friends on a winter night, the orange zest and spice from the bitters weaving perfectly into the cozy atmosphere. Or serve it during the holidays as your signature cocktail, it’s festive without being fussy.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
While the Old Fashioned is certainly an indulgence, there are a few small perks worth celebrating. Bourbon contains trace amounts of antioxidants from its time aging in oak barrels, which lend those caramel and vanilla flavors.
The orange peel isn’t just garnish. It contributes aromatic oils rich in vitamin C and adds a natural brightness without extra sugar. Even the bitters, used in small amounts, contain herbs and spices historically valued for their digestive properties.
Most importantly, an Old Fashioned encourages mindful sipping. It’s not a cocktail designed for rushing. With its measured ingredients and slow-melting ice, it invites you to pause, relax, and savor the moment, something that’s just as beneficial for your well-being as any nutrient.
How to Store & Reheat
Cocktails don’t need reheating, but you can absolutely plan ahead with an Old Fashioned. If you’re hosting, pre-mix the sugar, bitters, and bourbon in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply stir over ice and finish with orange peel.
If you find yourself with a leftover glass (a rare occurrence), you can cover it and keep it in the fridge for a day, though the fresh orange oils will fade. Always add the garnish just before serving to capture that burst of aroma.
For longer storage, make a simple syrup in advance. Dissolve equal parts sugar and water, then use one teaspoon of syrup in place of a sugar cube. Stored in the fridge, it keeps for weeks and speeds up cocktail prep whenever the mood strikes.
Closing Personal Touch
Every time I make an Old Fashioned, I’m reminded that the best things in life are often the simplest. This cocktail has been around for more than a century, yet it still feels as fresh and comforting today as it must have to our grandparents.
In my home, it’s become the drink that marks transitions. A glass on Friday evening means the weekend has begun. Serving one to a friend feels like opening a door to warmth and hospitality.
And on holidays, it’s the drink my husband and I quietly share in the kitchen before the bustle of dinner begins.
I hope this recipe becomes part of your story, too. Whether you’re crafting it for the very first time or perfecting your signature version, the Old Fashioned is proof that tradition never goes out of style.
So gather your ingredients, take a moment to muddle, stir, and sip, and let this timeless drink bring a little extra comfort into your life.
