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A properly made Old Fashioned is difficult to come by these days. Despite being an incredibly simple cocktail, it’s often served as an overly sweet pulp bomb of orange flesh and muddled cherries. Let’s end the debate once and for all and learn how to make the classic Old Fashioned the correct way!
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Old Fashioned cocktail dates back to the late 1800s. It’s said to have been created by bartender, James E. Pepper in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s a classic cocktail made with whiskey (bourbon or rye), Angostura bitters, orange peel (or lemon), and a muddled sugar cube. It’s a fantastic whiskey-forward cocktail with subtle sweetness and a bouquet of fresh citrus on the nose.
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If you love the Old Fashioned cocktail, you should also try the Sazerac cocktail and the very similar Improved Whiskey Cocktail. If you want something a little sweeter and citrusy, look no further than the classic Whiskey Sour or my favorite Sidecar cocktail.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Bourbon: I’ve suggested some of my favorite bourbons below. Use whatever you like best. While you can substitute for rye in a pinch, stick with bourbon if possible.
- Simple sugar/rich demerara syrup: simple syrup is a 50-50 mix of table sugar and hot water. It’s the best way to sweeten cocktails since it easily mixes. You can also use demerara sugar (typically 2:1) in place of table sugar. This has become the gold standard for whiskey cocktails for its richer, darker flavor.
- Orange peel: strictly referring to the orange peel. You should not be adding any orange flesh or muddling an orange wheel.
- Bitters: Angostura bitters are readily available and a classic option for almost any whiskey cocktail.
- 20% saline solution: saline is an optional advanced ingredient in cocktails to make the flavors pop. Just like in food, it’s used as a seasoning to enhance different flavors. Mix 80 grams of water with 20 grams of table salt. Stir until salt is dissolved.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
How to Make Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is easy to make and it only takes minutes. I make traditional simple syrup with a 1:1 mix of sugar and water. While these ingredients should ideally be measured by weight in grams, you can estimate by volume with measuring cups.
- On the stove: heat 1 cup of water on the stovetop and add one cup of table sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let cool, place in a sealable jar, and store in the fridge.
- In the microwave: you can also make simple syrup in a Pyrex glass in the microwave. Microwave in intervals and stir in between. Simple syrup can be made with table sugar or demerara sugar (raw sugar), which is typically reserved for dark spirits or whiskey cocktails.
Rich demerara is commonly used for Old Fashioneds. It’s usually made as a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, making it thicker than a basic simple syrup. A general rule of thumb is to use regular simple syrup with light spirits and demerara with darker spirits. You can learn more about making cocktail syrups on my essential syrups overview.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses in the freezer. A cold glass prevents warming and keeps your drink colder for longer.
- Always stir an Old Fashioned. Most whiskey cocktails are stirred rather than shaken to limit the amount of dilution and oxygen infused into the drink.
- A giant ice cube is designed to melt slower due to its size, causing less dilution. If you’re serious about making cocktails, invest in a clear ice maker. Clear ice cubes taste better and melt even slower.
- For expressing orange peels: point the outer peel (non-pith side) outward facing the drink and gently squeeze the edges so the oils spray out over the top of the drink. If done properly, you can see the oils floating on the surface of your drink. This works best with two hands.
More Whiskey Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup or rich demerara syrup, 2:1 ratio for demerara
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel, or lemon
- optional 2 drops 20% saline solution, see note below
Instructions
- In a mixing glass combine bourbon, demerara syrup, bitters, and saline.
- Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
- Express the orange peel over the drink, wipe the rim, and garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made the demerara simple syrup but am curious how much to use when actually making the cocktail. Your notes say 2:1 but I took that ratio to mean when actually making the syrup not how much should go into a single drink. Appreciate the clarification as this looks delicious and relatively easy
you’re correct. Its stil a .25 addition in the cocktail. The syrup is made with a 2:1 ratio of demerara sugar to water.
I’m new to making my own drinks at home and this was a great one. How I know it’s good, because hubby always ask me to fix him one. Thanks
Just made this after a hard day of housework, and it is A TREAT!!!!!! Very simple AND delish! Even with substituting Skinny Girl Simple Syrup for the real thing! (I have to watch my sugar intake, and that was the most acceptable compromise.🤷🏽♀️
This looks delicious! We shared it in a Valentine’s Day cocktail collection.
I’m not a big bourbon drinker but this is one of the best drinks I’ve ever had , so much better than you will get at most restaurants.
Best old fashioned I’ve ever had! Easy to make now that I have the recipe! Thank you!
We really enjoyed this! Thanks!
I make this recipe but isn’t there little twists to make it your own? I’ve had old fashioned in fancy restaurants that were outstanding. What makes it different? A cherry and a mandarin orange wedge on a pick? Orange bitters instead of regular? Is the rye instead of bourbon the difference?
Not looking for different – this is the Old Fashioned in its purest form – how a meticulous cocktail bar would build the drink. Traditionally it’s orange peel, sugar, and bitters. Unfortunately a lot of bars and restaurants will muddle cherry and an orange wheel (with guts) but it’s too sweet and not how a true Old Fashioned should be made!
Was looking for a traditional Old Fashioned recipe just now. Going to whip this up. Thanks
Used what I have…12yr. Dickel. Nice