Cocktail recipe

Old Fashioned recipe.

A classic whiskey cocktail with bitters and sugar.

Cocktail recipe 5 mins Mocktail option
I’d like to make a for using
Old Fashioned cocktail image
Old Fashioned

Description

The Old Fashioned is more than a cocktail; it is a taste of history in its purest, most elegant form. Dating back to the early 1800s, it became famous when drinkers asked for whiskey served the “old-fashioned” way, with sugar, bitters, and nothing unnecessary. That simple formula created something timeless: a rich, smooth drink where bourbon or rye brings warmth and depth, softened by sweetness and lifted by bright citrus oils over ice.

What makes the Old Fashioned so captivating is its quiet confidence. It does not rely on gimmicks or decoration, only balance, quality, and character. Favoured for generations by bartenders, whiskey lovers, and cultural icons, it remains one of the most respected cocktails ever made. Every sip feels refined, comforting, and unmistakably classic, proving that true style never goes out of fashion.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Bourbon
  • 1 piece Sugar
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 piece Orange Peel (for garnish)

Equipment needed

Muddler – Used to muddle sugar and bitters. Bar Spoon – Used to stir the drink with ice.

Instructions

  1. Put the sugar and Angostura bitters in a rocks glass. Add a small splash of water and muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  2. Add the bourbon and stir it through the bitters and sugar.
  3. Add a large ice cube to each glass and stir until cold. Taste before adding any extra water.
  4. Squeeze the orange peel over each drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass.

Recommended glassware

Lowball Glass
Lowball Glass (recommended)

A short, sturdy glass for spirit-forward cocktails served over ice.

180–300 ml Short, wide, heavy-bottomed tumbler.

Best for: Old Fashioned, Negroni, Boulevardier, Whiskey Sour over ice, Rusty Nail.

Garnish: Great for orange twists, cherries, and large clear ice cubes.

Double Old Fashioned Glass
Double Old Fashioned Glass

A larger version of the lowball for generous pours and extra ice.

Good for a larger pour or oversized ice.

300–470 ml Wider and roomier than a standard lowball.

Best for: Old Fashioned variations, mezcal serves, spirit-forward drinks with large ice.

Garnish: Works well with citrus peels, large cubes, and premium presentation.

Quick facts

5 mins Easy Approx. 32% ABV 2.4 units 155 kcal Large ice cube Mocktail option
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