Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a robust and elegant cocktail, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor. It is expertly crafted by muddling a sugar cube with Angostura bitters and a splash of water, then adding high-quality whiskey and a large ice cube. The drink is stirred to perfection and finished with an orange peel, whose expressed oils add a bright, citrusy aroma. It stands as a perfectly balanced sipper that showcases the character of the base spirit.
Old Fashioned

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Old Fashioned is a quintessential classic cocktail, considered one of the foundational drinks in mixology. It falls into the category of short drinks or "sippers" meant to be enjoyed slowly. It is one of the six basic drinks listed in David A. Embury's "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks," cementing its place in the cocktail hall of fame.

Serving

Served cold in a short, sturdy Old Fashioned glass (or rocks glass) with one large ice cube to ensure minimal dilution. This is a spirit-forward drink with a significant alcohol content, meant for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Old Fashioned's history dates back to the early 19th century, embodying the original definition of a "cocktail." Its name was reportedly solidified at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1880s, in honor of distiller Colonel James E. Pepper. He then introduced the recipe to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City, contributing to its widespread popularity. The name signifies a return to the classic, simple method of preparing drinks.
Origin
United States, early 19th century. The modern version was popularized in Louisville, Kentucky, around the 1880s.

Old Fashioned

The drink is most commonly known as the Old Fashioned. It is sometimes referred to as a Whiskey Old Fashioned to specify the base spirit. The name itself refers to the old-fashioned way of making cocktails, which originally consisted of just four elements: spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. This name distinguishes it from more complex cocktails that emerged later.
Original name
Old Fashioned
Alternative name
Whiskey Old Fashioned

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a smooth, rich texture and a complex flavor profile balancing whiskey's warmth with sugar's sweetness and bitters' spice. The aroma is dominated by orange zest and whiskey notes, leading to a long, satisfying finish.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, sweet, bitter, citrusy, warm, complex
Aroma
Whiskey, orange zest, spicy bitters, caramel
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Long, warming, smooth, complex, spicy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, clear, deep brown, rich
Texture
Smooth, rich, velvety, silky
Seasonality
Warming, year-round, classic, cozy

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is strong in alcohol and features a prominent bitterness from the bitters, which is carefully balanced by a subtle sweetness. It is not fruity, creamy, or carbonated, providing a pure, spirit-forward taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The Old Fashioned is built upon four essential components: whiskey (either bourbon or rye), a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and a small splash of water. The quality of the whiskey is paramount as it forms the backbone of the drink's flavor.
  • Bourbon or Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A high-quality bourbon offers a sweeter profile, while rye provides a spicier character.
  • Sugar Cube1 cube
    May be substituted with 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of simple syrup for easier mixing.
  • Angostura Bitters2-3 dashes
    This is the classic choice, but other aromatic bitters like orange or cherry bitters can be used for variation.
  • Water1 splash (approx. 5 ml / 1 tsp)
    Used solely to help dissolve the sugar cube when muddling.

Ice type

  • One large ice cube or sphere

Mixing equipments

This cocktail is built directly in the serving glass, so no shaker is required. You will need a muddler to dissolve the sugar, a bar spoon for gentle stirring, and a peeler to create the perfect orange twist.
  • Old Fashioned Glass for building and serving
  • Bar Spoon for stirring
  • Muddler for crushing the sugar cube
  • Vegetable Peeler or Paring Knife for the garnish

Instructions

The process involves muddling a sugar cube with bitters and water directly in the serving glass. Afterwards, a large ice cube and whiskey are added, and the drink is stirred to perfection before being garnished with an expressed orange peel.
1. Place the sugar cube at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass.
2. Saturate the cube with 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
3. Add a splash of water and muddle the sugar cube until it has completely dissolved into a syrup-like paste.
4. Place one large ice cube or sphere into the glass.
5. Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of your chosen bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice.
6. Using a bar spoon, stir gently for about 15-20 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.
7. Cut a wide peel of orange zest, ensuring little to no white pith.
8. Hold the peel over the glass and twist it to express the fragrant citrus oils onto the drink's surface, then drop it in.

Garnishing

The essential garnish is a wide orange peel, twisted over the drink to release its fragrant oils onto the surface. A high-quality cocktail cherry is a common but optional addition for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Orange Peel expressed over the drink and dropped in
  • Cocktail Cherry (optional)

Dietary Information

This drink is typically caffeine-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. However, the whiskey base is derived from grains containing gluten, and while the distillation process removes most gluten proteins, it may not be suitable for those with severe sensitivities.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

An Old Fashioned is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with its caloric content primarily derived from the alcohol. It contains a minimal amount of sugar and carbohydrates compared to fruit-juice-heavy drinks.
Calories
Averagely 155 kcal / 649 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 6 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 5 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail, perfectly suited for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a contemplative after-dinner sipper. Its classic and warming nature makes it ideal for a quiet, relaxing evening at home. It is also a staple at formal gatherings and upscale bars.
  • Cocktail hour
  • After-dinner drink
  • Relaxing evening
  • Formal gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The robust profile of an Old Fashioned pairs wonderfully with savory and rich foods. It beautifully complements aged cheeses, charcuterie boards, and hearty meat dishes like a well-prepared steak. For a sweet pairing, its complexity is an excellent match for high-quality dark chocolate.
  • Aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Grilled steak or roasted meats
  • Dark chocolate

The Old Fashioned: A Timeless Testament to Classic Cocktails

The Old Fashioned is the embodiment of a classic cocktail, celebrated for its perfect harmony of spirit, sweetness, and bitterness. Its preparation is a satisfying ritual that respects the ingredients, resulting in a strong yet sophisticated sipper. The key to a great Old Fashioned is using a quality whiskey and a large ice cube to ensure slow dilution, allowing the flavors to evolve with each sip. It remains a timeless choice for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, spirit-forward drink.

Variations

Rum Old Fashioned

Uses a quality aged rum in place of whiskey for a sweeter, more tropical profile.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

A modern classic using a split base of reposado tequila and mezcal, with agave nectar instead of sugar.

Similar cocktails

Sazerac

Shares a similar structure but specifically uses rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, and an absinthe rinse in the glass.

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