Old Fashioned
The quintessential whiskey cocktail. A timeless blend of bourbon, bitters, and a touch of sweetness, served over a large ice cube with an orange peel garnish.
Prep Time
3 min
Glass
Rocks
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Instructions
Place sugar cube in a rocks glass. Add bitters and a splash of water.
Muddle until the sugar is dissolved completely.
Add a large ice cube to the glass.
Pour bourbon over the ice. Stir gently for 20 seconds.
Express orange peel over the drink and garnish with cherry.
Pro Tips
Use large ice cubes for a slower dilution and better presentation.
Try using a high-rye bourbon for extra spice and complexity.
A flamed orange peel adds a beautiful smoky caramel note.
The Story
Born in the 1880s at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, the Old Fashioned is widely considered the original cocktail. When bartenders began adding fruits and sodas to whiskey drinks, purists demanded their drinks made 'the old-fashioned way' — spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. The name stuck, and it became the gold standard for whiskey cocktails.
Love this recipe?
Get all 291 recipes with step-by-step video guides, AI bottle scanner, and personalized recommendations in the app.
Download Cocktails Chef