This spirit-forward cocktail dates back to the early 1800s and remains a cornerstone of cocktail culture. The Old Fashioned is bold, warming, and slightly sweet—ideal for sipping slowly and savoring.
Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Spirit-forward
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Rich, smooth, slightly sweet, aromatic
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Old Fashioned / Rocks glass
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🧊 Method: Stirred over ice
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Old Fashioned glass
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Bar spoon or muddler
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Jigger
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Peeler or paring knife
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Ice cube(s)—preferably a large single cube
1. Muddle the Sugar & Bitters
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Place the sugar cube in the bottom of your glass.
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Add 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a tiny splash of water or soda.
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Muddle gently until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
2. Add Whiskey & Ice
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Pour in 2 oz of whiskey.
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Add a large ice cube or a few smaller cubes.
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Stir for 20–30 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted.
3. Garnish & Serve
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Express the orange peel over the glass by twisting it over the surface to release the oils.
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Rub it around the rim and drop it in.
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Add a maraschino or brandied cherry (optional) for a touch of sweetness and color.
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Smoky version: Use peated Scotch or mezcal for depth and complexity.
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Holiday twist: Add a dash of orange or chocolate bitters.
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Modern spin: Infuse the sugar with cinnamon, clove, or even Earl Grey tea.
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Clear version: Try a "White Old Fashioned" with blanco tequila, agave syrup, and grapefruit bitters.
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Cheese: Aged gouda, sharp cheddar
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Food: Grilled steak bites, smoked almonds, bacon-wrapped dates
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Dessert: Dark chocolate, pecan pie, or spiced cookies
Ingredients
Directions
-
Old Fashioned glass
-
Bar spoon or muddler
-
Jigger
-
Peeler or paring knife
-
Ice cube(s)—preferably a large single cube
1. Muddle the Sugar & Bitters
-
Place the sugar cube in the bottom of your glass.
-
Add 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a tiny splash of water or soda.
-
Muddle gently until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
2. Add Whiskey & Ice
-
Pour in 2 oz of whiskey.
-
Add a large ice cube or a few smaller cubes.
-
Stir for 20–30 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted.
3. Garnish & Serve
-
Express the orange peel over the glass by twisting it over the surface to release the oils.
-
Rub it around the rim and drop it in.
-
Add a maraschino or brandied cherry (optional) for a touch of sweetness and color.
-
Smoky version: Use peated Scotch or mezcal for depth and complexity.
-
Holiday twist: Add a dash of orange or chocolate bitters.
-
Modern spin: Infuse the sugar with cinnamon, clove, or even Earl Grey tea.
-
Clear version: Try a "White Old Fashioned" with blanco tequila, agave syrup, and grapefruit bitters.
-
Cheese: Aged gouda, sharp cheddar
-
Food: Grilled steak bites, smoked almonds, bacon-wrapped dates
-
Dessert: Dark chocolate, pecan pie, or spiced cookies