How to Make an Old Fashioned Cocktail – A Timeless Classic
Time to read 1 min
The Old Fashioned Cocktail, a bold and timeless drink made with bourbon, bitters, and sugar, professionally styled for BarBits.co.uk
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.
BarBits
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.