Old Fashioned Recipe – How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned at Home
Timeless. Minimalist. A glass of quiet confidence.
Quick Answer
How do you make an Old Fashioned? Combine 60ml whisky, 1 sugar cube (or 7.5ml simple syrup), and 2 dashes Angostura bitters in a rocks glass. Muddle (if using a cube), add a large clear ice cube, stir 20–30 seconds, then express and garnish with an orange peel.
Origin & Story
Widely considered the blueprint for modern cocktails, the Old Fashioned traces its roots to early 19th-century American bars, when “cocktail” meant spirit, sugar, water, and bitters—nothing more, nothing less. As bartenders later experimented with liqueurs and elaborate garnishes, classics-minded drinkers kept ordering their drink the “old-fashioned” way. That request became its name. Today, the Old Fashioned still stands for restraint and refinement—a simple drink that lets a quality whisky shine.
Why You’ll Love This Version
Built on balance and clarity, this Old Fashioned leans on a smooth, characterful whisky and just enough sweetness to round the edges. The bitters add lift; the orange oils finish the drink with a bright, elegant aroma. It’s your after-work wind-down, your dinner-party opener, your “I’ve got this” moment in a glass.
Ingredients
- 60ml whisky (bourbon, rye, or a smooth blended Scotch)
- 1 sugar cube (or 7.5ml 1:1 simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Dash of still water (optional)
- Orange peel (garnish)
- Large clear ice cube
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rocks (Old Fashioned) glass
- Muddler or spoon
- Bar spoon
- Large ice cube or quality clear ice
How to Make It
- Muddle the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water in the glass until dissolved (skip if using syrup).
- Add whisky and drop in a large clear ice cube.
- Stir 20–30 seconds to chill and lightly dilute for silky texture.
- Express an orange peel over the glass to release aromatic oils, rub the rim, and garnish.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Caramel, citrus oils, oak spice
- Palate: Rounded whisky sweetness, balanced bitters, hint of smoke (depending on spirit)
- Finish: Long with orange oils and vanilla
Perfect For
- 🥃 Quiet evenings with music
- 🎁 Gifting whisky lovers
- 🍽️ Elegant dinner parties
Pro Tips & Variations
- Use a single large ice cube or sphere for slower dilution and better texture.
- Prefer a richer profile? Swap in bourbon with a touch higher ABV.
- Try an Aged Rum Old Fashioned with a dash of aromatic orange bitters.
- Upgrade sweetness: demerara syrup (2:1) adds depth and body.
Recommended Bottles
- Johnnie Walker Black Label – Smooth & smoky
- Chivas Regal 12 – Balanced & creamy
- Glenfiddich 15 Solera – Fruity & complex
FAQs
What’s the best whisky for an Old Fashioned?
Choose a smooth, full-bodied whisky like Johnnie Walker Black Label or a mellow Speyside single malt for balance.
Can I make it without bitters?
You can, but bitters provide the aromatic backbone that defines the drink—skip them and you’ll miss its classic character.
Which glass should I use?
A short tumbler or rocks glass (8–12 oz) showcases the drink and supports the large clear ice cube.
