Old Fashioned Cocktail

This classic Old Fashioned Cocktail makes entertaining easy without breaking the bank. Prepare to impress your whiskey-loving friends and family.

Course cocktail

Cuisine American

Keyword best old fashioned recipe, how to make an old fashioned, old fashioned drink, what's in an old fashioned

Prep Time 5

Servings serving

Calories 183kcal

Author Beth Pierce

Add the simple syrup and bitters to an old-fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass or a lowball) and give it a little stir. Add the bourbon and stir for just a moment.
Add a few ice cubes. Spritz with an orange peel or squeeze just a little bit of orange juice into the glass and add a cherry.

I prefer a little spritz of the orange oil from the peel, but my husband prefers a little splash of orange juice.
Use good quality, fairly high-end bourbon whiskey, as this is the key reason anyone drinks an Old Fashioned. Without a doubt, anyone that enjoys an old-fashioned is a whiskey lover, and they want to taste and smell those oak and caramel notes.
This drink should be enjoyed right after mixing, so it does not get too chilled by the ice. Once whiskey reaches a temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it starts to lose its subtle qualities.
If you do a lot of entertaining, then you may want to invest in ice cube trays for whiskey. They make larger ice cubes which are ideal for keeping whiskey cocktails at the optimum temperature.
To make an orange twist use a paring knife to cut across the surface of the orange while turning it. You can use a wide piece of peel or use the knife to trim it down or in two. Roll the peel around a chopstick or fat wooden spoon, depending on how tight a twist you want.
To make simple syrup add equal amounts of sugar and water to a saucepan. Then place it over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow it to cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.