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Old Fashioned cocktail in a rocks glass
BOURBON · ROCKS GLASS · STIR

Old Fashioned

★ 4.5 · 225 ratings in Cocktail Art

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most revered classic cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. It is a spirit-forward drink that balances the robust, woody notes of bourbon with the herbal complexity of aromatic bitters and a touch of sweetness. Sip this timeless classic slow and cold as an after-dinner digestif or during a quiet evening at home.

  • IBA official
  • Classic
  • Strong
  • Digestif
  • Sweet
  • GlassRocks glass
  • MethodStir
  • Time3 min
  • Strength≈ 33% ABV
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How to make a Old Fashioned

Stir it in a rocks glass with ice cubes. About 3 minutes.

  1. Place one sugar cube in a rocks glass and saturate it with two dashes of Angostura bitters, then add a few dashes of plain water.
  2. Muddle the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in 45 ml of bourbon.
  4. Stir gently to combine and chill the drink.
  5. Garnish with a half orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Bartender’s tips

  • If you do not have bourbon, you can substitute it with rye whiskey for a spicier profile, or use a brown sugar cube for a richer molasses flavor.
  • Use a large, single ice cube if possible, as it melts slower than smaller cubes and prevents the cocktail from diluting too quickly.

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Old Fashioned questions

What kind of whiskey is best for an Old Fashioned?

Bourbon is the traditional choice for its sweet, oaky flavor, but you can also use rye whiskey if you prefer a spicier, drier cocktail.

How strong is an Old Fashioned?

This cocktail is quite spirit-forward and strong, with an estimated alcohol by volume of about 33 percent.

Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?

Yes, you can substitute the sugar cube and water with a small splash of simple syrup to make dissolving the sweetness easier.