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    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

    Updated: Jul 18, 2024 · Published: Dec 19, 2022 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe
    Servings 1 cocktail
    Prep 3 minutes mins
    Cook 0 minutes mins
    Pinterest pin with text overlay of an old fashioned cocktail.

    This Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe is the perfect way to make a classic, popular cocktail that has been around for decades, and it's an excellent choice for any occasion.

    Old fashioned cocktail glass with an old fashioned in the glass.

    Looking for specifics on the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on sections of the recipe.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • How to store, reheat, and freeze
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why this recipe works

    • This recipe is the perfect combination of bourbon, bitters, sugar, and orange peel.
    • It's easy to make and has been around for centuries.
    • The Old Fashioned cocktail can be modified in many ways to suit your tastes or preferences; you can use different types of alcohol.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients with text overlay to make old fashioned.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • Bourbon        
    • bitters
    • sugar cube
    • orange peel or wedge
    • ice

    Equipment

    • old fashioned glasses
    • muddler and stirring utensil

    🔪 Instructions

    This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

    Steps to make a classic old fashioned cocktail.
    1. To a cocktail glass, add a sugar cube in the bottom.
    2. Shake the bitters over the sugar cube so it soaks up the bitters.
    3. Use a muller to completely crush the sugar cube.
    4. Put ice cubes in the glass. Pour the bourbon into the glass. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
    5. Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass, then put it into the drink.
    6. Serve and enjoy.

    How to store, reheat, and freeze

    It is best to serve this cocktail poured fresh to enjoy the flavors.

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

    💭 Expert Tips

    Expert Tip: If you’re having issues with your sugar not dissolving, pour the bourbon in before the ice and stir. You can also add a teaspoon of water to the sugar before adding the ice and bourbon.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the 7 classic cocktails?

    The 7 classic cocktails are the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Martini, Daiquiri, Margarita, Mojito, and Negroni.

    What is the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned cocktail?

    The main difference between the two drinks are the ingredients. A Manhattan is made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, and stirred; while an Old Fashioned is made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and orange peel, and is traditionally muddled.

    Why is it called an Old Fashioned cocktail?

    The drink is named for its simple and time-honored ingredients – whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. The recipe was conceived as a way to make “old-fashioned whiskey punch”.

    📖 Variations

    Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways that you increase the flavor of this dish.

    • If you want more of a citrus kick, squeeze an orange wedge into your glass after adding the bourbon.
    • I’ve added up to 10 drops of bitters before, but some add less. This part is a preference. I would start with 6 drops and you can adjust after tasting.
    • Add cocktail cherries for another fun pop of color and flavor.
    • You can also use cognac or rye whiskey instead of bourbon for a different flavor.
    • Try adding a splash of orange juice for additional sweetness and acidity.
    • If you want to make it more “spicy,” muddle a jalapeno slice in the glass before adding the rest of the ingredients.

    Serving Suggestions

    • A classic marinated drumstick dinner would be awesome starting off with this classic cocktail.
    • These Air Fryer Pork Chops are crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and full of savory flavors that pair so well with this drink.
    • Do you enjoy a sweet treat with your adult beverage? If so, look no further than this Old Fashioned Coconut Custard recipe. It tastes just like Grandma used to make.
    • Instant Pot Chicken Wings are a great appetizer or meal when you need something simple for your guests.

    Similar recipes

    • Hot drinks and beverages are a favorite. You should try my family's famous Irish Coffee so delicious!
    • Another favorite is our Boozy Whiskey Cherries made with Fireball! Wow, they are tasty! And, you could add them to this drink!
    • This Apple Pie Vodka is another treat you will enjoy. When you want a flavorful adult beverage.

    I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

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    Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.

    Eileen  xo

    If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

    If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    📖 Recipe

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    Two old fashioned cocktails in glasses.

    Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

    A classic old fashioned cocktail is a smooth cocktail that is light with a hint of citrus. Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or late night sip.
    Print (Email Required) Rate
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: old fashioned cocktail, old fashioned cocktail recipe, old fashioned drink
    Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 187kcal
    Author: Eileen Kelly

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    • old fashioned glasses
    • muddler and stirring utencil

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces Bourbon        
    • 6 drops bitters
    • 1 sugar cube
    • 1 orange peel or wedge
    • ice

    Instructions

    • Add a sugar cube to the bottom of a cocktail glass.
    • Shake bitters over the sugar cube so it soaks up the bitters.
    • Use your muller to completely crush the sugar cube.
    • Put ice cubes in the glass. Pour bourbon into the glass. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
    • Rub an orange peel around the rim of the glass, then put it into the drink.
    • Serve and enjoy.

    NOTES

    Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe. 
    Note 1: One cocktail is 3 ounces. 
    Note 2: If you’re having issues with your sugar not dissolving, pour the bourbon in before the ice and stir. You can also add a teaspoon of water to the sugar before adding the ice and bourbon.
    Note 3: If you want more of a citrus kick, squeeze an orange wedge into your glass after adding the bourbon.
    Note 4: The bitters are a personal preference. I've made this cocktail for friends and added up to 8 drops of bitters. Then for some less than 6 drops of bitters. Start with 6 drops and adjust after tasting.
    Note 5: Add cocktail cherries for another fun pop of color and flavor.
    I'm not a registered dietician, I do my best to provide the most accurate nutritional values. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

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