The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations. This simple yet sophisticated drink combines the rich flavors of whiskey with the sweetness of a sugar cube, balanced by the aromatic bitters. It's the perfect choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted, spirit-forward cocktail.
When preparing to make an Old Fashioned, you might need to pick up a few specific items. Angostura bitters are a key ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the drink, and they might not be something you have on hand. Additionally, make sure you have a fresh orange for the peel garnish and a cherry for that classic finishing touch.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Bourbon or rye whiskey: The base spirit of the cocktail, providing rich and robust flavors.
Sugar cube: Adds sweetness to balance the strong whiskey.
Angostura bitters: Provides aromatic complexity and depth to the drink.
Orange peel: Used for garnish, adding a citrusy aroma and flavor.
Cherry: A classic garnish that adds a touch of sweetness and color.
Technique Tip for Crafting This Cocktail
When muddling the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, make sure to use a gentle but firm pressure to fully dissolve the sugar. This ensures a smooth and well-balanced cocktail without any gritty texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
bourbon - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a similar depth and warmth, making it a good alternative for those who prefer a slightly fruitier note.
rye whiskey - Substitute with scotch: Scotch provides a smoky and complex flavor profile, which can add an interesting twist to the cocktail.
sugar cube - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup dissolves more easily and ensures a consistent sweetness throughout the drink.
angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy note that complements the other flavors in the cocktail.
orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel offers a similar aromatic quality with a slightly different citrus profile.
cherry - Substitute with maraschino cherry: Maraschino cherries are a classic garnish that adds a touch of sweetness and color to the drink.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cocktail
How to Store / Freeze This Cocktail
To store your Old Fashioned cocktail, begin by preparing the drink as per the recipe instructions, but do not add the ice or garnishes.
Transfer the mixed cocktail into a clean, airtight glass bottle or mason jar.
Seal the container tightly to prevent any air from entering, which can dilute the flavors.
Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the cocktail fresh and ready to serve.
When ready to enjoy, pour the chilled cocktail over a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass.
Garnish with a fresh orange peel and cherry to enhance the presentation and flavor.
For freezing, prepare the Old Fashioned cocktail without the ice or garnishes.
Pour the cocktail into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
Seal the container tightly to avoid any freezer burn or contamination.
Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness.
Place the container in the freezer and store for up to 1 month.
When ready to serve, thaw the cocktail in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
Once thawed, pour the cocktail over a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass.
Garnish with a fresh orange peel and cherry to complete the drink.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the Old Fashioned cocktail into a small saucepan.
- Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors of the whiskey and bitters.
- Alternatively, place the cocktail in a heatproof glass and use a double boiler method to warm it slowly.
- For a quicker method, microwave the cocktail in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between to distribute the heat.
- Once warmed to your liking, pour back into an old fashioned glass.
- Add a fresh large ice cube to maintain the chill without diluting the drink too much.
- Garnish with a new orange peel and cherry for a refreshed presentation.
Best Tools for Crafting This Cocktail
Old fashioned glass: A short, sturdy glass specifically designed for serving the old fashioned cocktail.
Muddler: A tool used to crush the sugar cube and mix it with the bitters and water.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the cocktail to ensure proper mixing.
Large ice cube tray: A tray used to make large ice cubes that melt slowly, keeping the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
Peeler: A tool used to peel the orange for the garnish.
Cocktail pick: A small skewer used to hold the cherry garnish in place.
How to Save Time on Making This Cocktail
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the whiskey, bitters, and prepare the sugar cube in advance to streamline the process.
Use simple syrup: Substitute the sugar cube with simple syrup to save time on muddling.
Pre-cut garnishes: Prepare the orange peel and cherry ahead of time to quickly garnish your drink.
Batch cocktails: If making multiple drinks, mix a larger batch of the whiskey and bitters in a pitcher to pour over ice as needed.
Use large ice cubes: Large ice cubes melt slower, keeping your drink cold without diluting it quickly.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey Use bourbon or rye
- 1 cube Sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 piece Orange peel For garnish
- 1 piece Cherry For garnish
Instructions
- 1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- 2. Add the bitters and a splash of water.
- 3. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- 4. Fill the glass with a large ice cube.
- 5. Pour the whiskey over the ice and stir.
- 6. Garnish with the orange peel and cherry.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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