Old Fashioned Cocktail

The classic Old Fashioned cocktail features little more than whiskey, sugar, and bitters.

By
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke blogs about cocktails at The Cocktail Chronicles and writes regularly on spirits and cocktails for Imbibe magazine. He lives in Seattle, where he works as a writer and magazine editor.
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Updated January 17, 2024

Why It Works

  • Bitters add complexity and dimension to the bourbon or rye.
  • Sugar brings subtle sweetness to open the bourbon's aroma.
  • Toasted sugar tastes less sweet than plain, and can add a subtle note of caramel to play off the bourbon or rye.

The Old Fashioned is one of the most venerable of cocktails, predating not only the motorcar but the presidency of Abe Lincoln. All it takes is serving whiskey, sugar, bitters and, if you like, a cherry or orange garnish on the rocks. Properly made, it's strong but not too strong, sweet but not too sweet, and, most importantly, it's dead-simple and absolutely delicious.

Old Fashioned with a orange slice

Serious Eats / Two Bites

The best bitters for an Old Fashioned are up for debate, but Angostura is classic for a reason, while Fee Brothers offer a welcome alternative.

June 2008

Recipe Details

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Prep 5 mins
Active 5 mins
Total 5 mins
Serves 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces (60ml) bourbon or rye whiskey

  • 2 to 3 dashes bitters (Angostura bitters are traditional and work well; Fee Brothers’ Whiskey Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned Bitters are better)

  • 1 teaspoon (5g) superfine sugar, toasted sugar, or 1 sugar cube

  • Orange and/or cocktail cherry, such as Luxardo to garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine whiskey, bitters, and sugar in a mixing glass. Add several large ice cubes and stir rapidly with a bar spoon to chill. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish, if you like, with a slice of orange and/or a cherry.

    Four image collage of making an old fashion

    Serious Eats / Two Bites

Special Equipment

Mixing glass, cocktail strainer

Notes

The best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is a highly personal decision; Bulleit is a safe choice for bourbon or rye, while Four Roses has a pleasant caramel edge for cocktail newcomers.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
23Calories
0gFat
5gCarbs
0gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories23
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
Potassium 0mg0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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