How to Make an Old Fashioned Cocktail – A Timeless Classic
Paul Cooper
Information
5 min
Strong
1 cocktail
Whiskey-based Cocktail
USA, early 1800s
A Brief History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned Cocktail dates back to the early 19th century and is considered one of the earliest true cocktails. Originally a simple mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters, it evolved alongside the rise of American whiskey.
By the mid-1800s, it became a fixture in bars, often served with a twist of orange or cherry. The Old Fashioned remains the gold standard for refined whiskey drinks and continues to be a signature choice for bartenders worldwide.
Ingredients
- 50ml bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube (or 10ml sugar syrup)
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Maraschino cherry (optional)
Ice cube or large cube
Equipment You’ll Need
- Jigger (25ml/50ml)
Bar Spoon
Mixing Glass (or directly in serving glass)
Muddler (if using sugar cube)
Rocks Glass or Old Fashioned Glass
Ice Tongs
🛒 Shop Old Fashioned Cocktail Tools at BarBits.co.uk
Method
Step 1 - Muddle the Sugar and Bitters
Place a sugar cube in the glass or mixing glass. Add 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a few drops of water, then gently muddle until dissolved.
Step 2 - Add Whiskey
Pour in 50ml of your chosen bourbon or rye whiskey using a jigger.
Step 3 - Stir Gently with Ice
Add a large cube of ice (or a few smaller ones) and stir slowly to chill and dilute the drink.
Step 4 - Garnish with Orange
Express an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then place it in the glass. Add a maraschino cherry if desired.
Step 5 - Serve and Sip
Serve immediately with no straw. The drink is best enjoyed slowly to appreciate the evolving flavour as the ice melts.
Cocktail Recipe
The Old Fashioned Cocktail is a showcase of simplicity and strength - combining sugar, bitters, and whiskey into a perfectly balanced drink.
Whether you're a cocktail purist or simply love a strong classic, this recipe delivers timeless flavour.
Master your Old Fashioned Cocktail at BarBits.co.uk and serve it with style.
