Old-Fashioned Cocktail

A classic cocktail that showcases the whiskey’s flavor with just a touch of sweetness and aromatic bitters.

Preparation Time

• Prep: 5 mins
• Total: 5 mins

Ingredients

• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 60ml bourbon
• Garnish:
  • Orange peel
  • Maraschino cherry (optional)

Instructions

1. Place sugar cube or sugar in an old-fashioned glass and saturate with bitters
2. Muddle or stir to mix
3. Add bourbon
4. Fill glass with ice and stir well
5. Express orange peel over drink: twist peel and squeeze over glass to release oils
6. Drop orange peel into glass
7. Add maraschino cherry if desired

Variations

• When using granulated sugar, add 1 teaspoon water and stir until dissolved
• Can use simple syrup (barely 1 teaspoon) instead of sugar, mixing with bitters before adding ice and whiskey
• Traditional 20th century version included muddled orange slice and club soda splash

Notes

• Use high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey
• Fresh orange peel provides essential oils for aroma
• Angostura bitters are traditional but other aromatic bitters can be used
• Ice should be large cubes to minimize dilution
• Stir gently but thoroughly to combine ingredients
• Can adjust sugar to taste

Source

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe and History