best old fashioned recipe
The Best best old fashioned recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how it balances flavor and nutrition without you even noticing. Thereās protein to keep everyone full, fiber from the whole ingredients, and just enough natural sweetness to make it appealing without being unhealthy. Itās one of those meals that doesnāt feel like a compromiseāitās good for you, but it doesnāt taste like it. And because it reheats so well, I can make a big batch on Sunday and have leftovers ready for lunches or those nights when I donāt have the energy to cook from scratch. Itās the kind of recipe that makes life easier, not harder, and thatās why itās stayed in my rotation for so long.
The Best Old Fashioned Cocktail
A timeless classic cocktail made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. This recipe delivers a smooth, balanced drink with deep caramel and vanilla notes, perfect for sipping.
š„Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp granulated sugar)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
- 1 tsp water
- Ice (large cube preferred)
- Orange twist or cherry for garnish
šØāš³Directions
-
1
Place the sugar cube in the old fashioned glass and add the bitters and water. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved. -
2
Add the whiskey and stir well to combine. -
3
Fill the glass with a large ice cube and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill the drink. -
4
Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink by squeezing it gently, then rub the twist around the rim of the glass. Drop the twist into the glass or use it as a garnish. Alternatively, garnish with a cherry. -
5
Serve immediately and enjoy slowly.
š§Equipment
- Old fashioned glass (or rocks glass)
- Muddler or spoon
- Jigger or measuring tool
šNutrition Facts (per serving)
šNotes
Watch Video Of How The Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Works
ā Frequently Asked Questions About The Old Fashioned Cocktail
1. What is the best bourbon to use for an Old Fashioned?
The best bourbon for an Old Fashioned depends on your taste preferences. For a classic, balanced flavor, try Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Makerās Mark. If you prefer a bolder, higher-proof option, Knob Creek or Wild Turkey 101 work well. Avoid overly sweet or flavored bourbons, as they can overpower the drink.
2. Should I muddle the orange peel or just express it?
Traditionally, you express the orange peel over the drink by twisting it to release the oils, then dropping it in (or discarding it). Muddling the peel can make the drink bitter, so itās best to avoid unless you prefer a stronger citrus note. A lemon peel can also be used for a sharper aroma.
3. Do I need to use a sugar cube, or can I use simple syrup?
Both work! A sugar cube (muddled with bitters) gives a more textured, old-school feel, while simple syrup (Ā½ tsp) dissolves easily and ensures consistent sweetness. If using syrup, reduce the water in your recipe slightly to keep the drink balanced.
4. Whatās the ideal ice for an Old Fashionedāone large cube or multiple small cubes?
A single large ice cube (or sphere) is ideal because it melts slower, diluting the drink gradually without watering it down too quickly. Small ice cubes melt faster, which can weaken the cocktailās strength and flavor. If you donāt have a large cube, use one big chunk from a tray.
5. Can I make an Old Fashioned with rye whiskey instead of bourbon?
Absolutely! A rye Old Fashioned is a classic variation, offering a spicier, drier profile compared to bourbonās sweeter notes. Popular rye choices include Rittenhouse, Bulleit Rye, or Sazerac Rye. The rest of the recipe (bitters, sugar, citrus) stays the sameājust swap the whiskey.
