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Old Fashioned

Yields1 Serving

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

Old Fashioned

Ingredients
 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey (rye is drier and spicier; bourbon is sweeter)
 ½ tsp simple syrup
 2 dashes Angostura bitters
 1 orange peel, for garnish
 1 cherry (optional, for garnish)
 Splash of water or club soda (optional, to help dissolve the sugar)
Equipment
1

  • Old Fashioned glass

  • Bar spoon or muddler

  • Jigger

  • Peeler or paring knife

  • Ice cube(s)—preferably a large single cube

Instructions
2

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.

Tips & Variations
3

  • 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.

Pairing Suggestions
4

  • Cheese: Aged gouda, sharp cheddar

  • Food: Grilled steak bites, smoked almonds, bacon-wrapped dates

  • Dessert: Dark chocolate, pecan pie, or spiced cookies

Nutrition Facts

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