This Is The Classic Old Fashioned Recipe That Has Stood The Test of Time

This old fashioned recipe is as classic as it gets.

The first time I tried an Old Fashioned was at a small jazz bar in Charleston. It was moody, smoky, and I felt way too young to be ordering such a serious drink. But that first sip hit all the right notes: warm, bold, and just the right touch of sweetness.

I started playing around with different ingredients at home and eventually landed on a few favorite variations that I now pull out when we have company or just want to dress it up a little.

This post includes the simple, classic Old Fashioned recipe we all know and love: a recipe that has stood the test of time.

If you want to get creative, I’ve put together a roundup of 10 creative Old Fashioned cocktail recipes here.

Why This Classic Old Fashioned Recipe Works

The Old Fashioned is one of those cocktails that never really goes out of style. It’s been around since the 1800s, and while other drinks have come and gone, this one just keeps showing up.

And for good reason.

At its core, the Old Fashioned is strong and simple. It doesn’t rely on mixers, soda, or sugary liqueurs. It’s built around a good pour of whiskey, something sweet to balance it, and a dash or two of bitters to round things out.

That clean simplicity is exactly why people keep coming back to it. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and always tastes like a moment worth savoring.

Once you master the base recipe, you can make it your own in all kinds of ways without ruining the spirit of the drink… but we’ll get to those later.

Ingredients For A Classic Old Fashioned

Here’s what you’ll need for the traditional version:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey – Bourbon brings a natural sweetness and smooth finish. Rye gives you a spicier, drier drink. I like bourbon for company and rye when I’m sipping solo.
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup) – The traditional recipe uses a sugar cube. But if you’re in a hurry or want smoother texture, simple syrup does the trick.
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters – These are what tie everything together. That slightly herbal, clove-like flavor is what gives the Old Fashioned its signature depth.
• Orange peel – For garnish, yes. But also for aroma and citrus oil. It makes a big difference.
• Ice – A single large cube or sphere works best. It chills the drink without watering it down too quickly.

Ingredient Tips:

• Always use a whiskey you actually enjoy drinking neat. This cocktail doesn’t hide anything.
• If you’re using sugar cubes, make sure they dissolve completely or you’ll end up with grainy sips toward the end.
• Don’t skip the peel. Expressing the citrus oils over the glass before serving adds aroma that elevates the whole drink.

Step-by-Step Instructions For A Classic Old Fashioned

1. Add the sugar and bitters. Place one sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup) in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters right on top.
2. Muddle until smooth. If using a sugar cube, muddle until it’s mostly dissolved. You’re looking for a paste-like texture, not full-on syrup. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon.
3. Pour in the whiskey. Add 2 ounces of your chosen bourbon or rye. Give it a few stirs to start mixing with the sugar and bitters.
4. Add ice. Drop in one large cube or a couple of smaller ones if that’s what you have. The key is to chill the drink without turning it watery.
5. Garnish. Use a vegetable peeler to get a wide strip of orange peel. Hold it over the glass and give it a little twist to release the oils, then run it around the rim and drop it in.

Optional: If you want a cleaner, more polished version, stir everything in a mixing glass with ice and strain it into your serving glass over fresh ice.

Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

The Classic Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail made with just whiskey, bitters, sugar, and citrus. It's strong, simple, and perfectly balanced, ideal for slow sipping on any evening.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Ice (one large cube or sphere preferred)

Instructions

1. Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass. Add bitters directly on top.
2. Muddle the sugar and bitters until mostly dissolved.
3. Add the whiskey and stir gently to combine.
4. Drop in one large ice cube to chill the drink.
5. Express the orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release oils, then run it along the rim and drop it in.
6. Sip and enjoy.

Notes

For a smoother drink, stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, then strain over fresh ice.

Use bourbon for a sweeter drink or rye for a spicier edge.

Choose a whiskey you enjoy drinking straight as this cocktail doesn’t hide anything.

A Brief History of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is often considered the original cocktail. Its roots go all the way back to the early 1800s, when cocktails were defined as spirits mixed with sugar, water, and bitters. This simple formula evolved over time, but in the late 19th century, drinkers started asking bartenders for something made “the old-fashioned way” — no extra mixers, just the basics. The name stuck.

During Prohibition, bartenders sometimes muddled fruit to mask the taste of poor-quality liquor, and that version still shows up in some bars today. But the classic Old Fashioned remains the most respected and beloved version.

Where the Old Fashioned Is Most Popular

The Old Fashioned has a loyal following across the U.S., but it’s especially popular in cities with deep cocktail cultures. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is famous for its unique take on the Old Fashioned made with brandy instead of whiskey. In Louisville, Kentucky — home to many of the country’s best bourbons — the Old Fashioned is often considered the city’s signature drink.

You’ll also find the classic Old Fashioned topping menus at high-end cocktail bars in places like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. It’s the kind of drink that never really leaves style. Whether you’re ordering one at a speakeasy or mixing it at home, this cocktail has staying power.

How To Serve a Classic Old Fashioned

The beauty of the Old Fashioned is how effortlessly classy it feels. Even when you’re just pouring one for yourself on a Wednesday.

Use a short rocks glass with a heavy bottom. The weight of the glass adds to the sipping experience. If you have large ice molds, this is the time to use them. They look good and help the drink stay cold without watering it down.

Garnish is more than just a pretty touch. Always express the peel. Use orange for a classic or lemon for a twist. Run it along the rim before dropping it in. That citrus oil pulls the whole drink together.

Want to get a little fancy?

• Add a charred cinnamon stick as a garnish for spiced versions.
• Serve on a wooden board with a square of dark chocolate or smoked almonds.
• Use a cocktail smoker or torch to add smoke right before serving.

These little extras are fun for entertaining or just making your night-in feel a bit more special.

Substitutions & Variations For A Classic Old Fashioned

Once you’ve mastered this simple Old Fashioned recipe, you can experiment with a few subtle changes without losing the integrity of the drink:

• Whiskey Swap: Try aged rum, brandy, or reposado tequila for a different base spirit. Each one brings its own personality, from mellow and sweet to earthy and bold.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Use brown sugar syrup, maple syrup, or honey syrup for a richer or more seasonal flavor profile.
• Bitters Options: Angostura is classic, but orange bitters, chocolate bitters, or walnut bitters can add complexity.
• Citrus Garnish: Swap the orange peel for lemon to brighten up the drink.
• Mocktail Version: Use strong brewed tea (like lapsang souchong or Earl Grey), a bit of honey syrup, and a splash of non-alcoholic bitters or tart cherry juice over ice with a citrus twist.

These small adjustments let you tailor the classic Old Fashioned to suit your mood or the season.

If you’re looking for some fully fleshed-out variations on this recipe, I’ve put together a roundup of the 10 best Old Fashioned cocktail recipes here.

How To Store & Batch Old Fashioneds For A Party

An Old Fashioned is best fresh. But batching for a party is absolutely doable and will make hosting so much easier.

To batch:

• Combine 2 cups bourbon, 4 tsp simple syrup, and 24 dashes bitters in a jar or bottle.
• Chill until ready to serve. This makes about 8 drinks.

At party time:

• Pour 3 oz of the mix into each rocks glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with an orange peel or whatever variation you’re going for.

Storing Leftovers:

If you’ve got any leftover base, keep it sealed in the fridge for up to a week. Don’t add the garnish or ice until serving. Once diluted, the flavors start to fade fast.

FAQs About This Old Fashioned Recipe

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this simple Old Fashioned recipe.

What’s the best whiskey to use in an Old Fashioned?

A good middle-shelf bourbon or rye that you enjoy on its own is perfect. Look for something around 90–100 proof. That’s strong enough to hold up to the ice and dilution, but not so bold that it overpowers the drink. Some of my favorites are Buffalo Trace, Old Forester, and Elijah Craig Small Batch.

Can I make an Old Fashioned without bitters?

Technically yes, though I wouldn’t recommend it. Bitters are the backbone of the flavor. Without them, you’re just sipping sweetened whiskey. If you’re out, try a dash of orange zest or a splash of amaro. But stock up on bitters. They last forever and open up a world of cocktail options.

How do I muddle without a muddler?

You don’t need a fancy tool. The back of a wooden spoon or even the end of a rolling pin will work. Just press gently and evenly. You want to release oils and dissolve sugar, not crush everything into a pulp.

What’s the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan?

Both are whiskey-based, but a Manhattan uses sweet vermouth and is usually served up in a stemmed glass. The Old Fashioned is simpler. No vermouth. Just bitters and sweetener. It’s served over ice in a rocks glass. A Manhattan feels a little more formal. The Old Fashioned is like a really well-dressed porch sipper.

Is an Old Fashioned meant to be stirred or shaken?

Always stirred. Shaking adds air and over-dilutes the drink. Stirring keeps it smooth and lets you control the chill without losing the structure. I like stirring directly in the serving glass, but you can also use a mixing glass if you want it extra clear.

Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?

Yes, and it makes the process easier. Use ½ tsp of simple syrup in place of the sugar cube. It mixes more easily and gives you a smooth, even sweetness.

What kind of glass should I use for an Old Fashioned?

A short, heavy-bottomed rocks glass is ideal. It feels good in your hand, holds the ice well, and looks classic on any table.

Can I prep Old Fashioneds ahead of time?

You can batch the base ingredients — whiskey, bitters, and sweetener — in a sealed bottle and store in the fridge. Just add ice and the garnish when serving.

What type of orange peel is best?

Use a wide strip of orange peel with minimal pith. A vegetable peeler works great. Avoid grated zest or thin twists if possible.

Is the Old Fashioned a strong drink?

Yes. The Old Fashioned is spirit-forward, which means it’s mostly whiskey with a touch of sweet and a hint of bitters. It’s a sipping cocktail meant to be enjoyed slowly.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed this classic Old Fashioned recipe, here are a few more delightful drink ideas from the site to keep your cocktail hour well-stocked and delicious:

• The 10 Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes – A roundup of creative spins and tips for mastering the old fashioned in all its delicious forms.
• The Best Espresso Martini – A smooth, frothy, and perfectly balanced cocktail combining fresh espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
• Blackberry Mojito – A vibrant twist on the classic mojito, bursting with fresh blackberries and mint.

Each one offers a unique flavor profile and vibe. Grab your favorite glass, whip one up, and enjoy the next round in style!