The 10 Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes

This old fashioned recipe is as classic as it gets, and we’re also going to have some fun with ten creative ways to give it a twist.

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 traditional version plus 10 tantalizing twists that will quickly turn you into the honored home-bartender of your friend group.

Why This 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. That’s where the ten twists come in, but we’ll get to those in a second…

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 Traditional 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.

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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.

10 Creative Twists To Upgrade Your Old Fashioned Recipe

Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, it’s time to have some fun.

These are ten variations I’ve personally tested and served to friends.

Some add depth. Others brighten things up. A few take the drink in an entirely new direction, while still keeping the Old Fashioned’s spirit intact.

1. Old Fashioned With Maple Syrup

Maple syrup brings a richer, woodsy sweetness that works especially well in colder months. Use about ½ tsp, and go for the real stuff. No pancake syrup here. It’s especially tasty when paired with a spiced bitters or a smoked garnish.

2. Old Fashioned With Chocolate Bitters

Swap in chocolate bitters for a more decadent version of the classic. The chocolate notes are subtle. They make the whiskey taste smoother and slightly darker. I like this one after dinner with a square of dark chocolate.

3. Old Fashioned With Smoked Ice Cubes

You can find smoked water or make your own by lightly smoking distilled water and freezing it in large cubes. It adds a beautiful smoky nose as the cube melts. No fancy equipment required. Bonus points if you use a smoky rye.

4. Old Fashioned With Muddled Cherry + Cherry Bitters

Add a Luxardo cherry to the glass and muddle it along with the sugar and bitters. Then use cherry bitters instead of Angostura. It’s a fruitier, more indulgent version that’s perfect for guests who are new to whiskey.

5. Old Fashioned With Orange Liqueur

A splash of orange liqueur (my favorite is Grand Marnier) amplifies the citrus and rounds out the drink. I like this version with rye to balance the extra sweetness. Don’t overdo it. Even just ¼ oz of liqueur is enough.

6. Old Fashioned With Spiced Simple Syrup

Make a simple syrup infused with warm spices. I simmer 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar with a cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and 1 star anise for 10 minutes. Cool, strain, and sub in for your sugar. It turns the drink into a cozy fireside sipper.

7. Old Fashioned With Jalapeño or Chili Tincture

Add just 2–3 drops of chili tincture or muddle a tiny slice of fresh jalapeño. It gives the Old Fashioned a subtle heat that lingers at the end. Works great with honey syrup and a lemon peel.

8. Old Fashioned With Earl Grey–Infused Whiskey

Steep one Earl Grey tea bag in 6 oz of whiskey for about 3 hours, then strain. It adds a floral, bergamot-heavy note that’s surprisingly smooth. This one feels elegant and works well for brunch cocktails or tea lovers.

9. Old Fashioned With Black Walnut Bitters

These bitters add a nutty, earthy complexity. Pair with brown sugar simple syrup and rye whiskey for a layered, rich drink. It’s bold and balanced.

10. Old Fashioned With Honey + Lemon Peel

Use a honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water) instead of sugar and swap the orange peel for lemon. This is one of my favorite lightened-up versions. It’s bright, soothing, and just a little zesty.

Old Fashioned with Muddle Cherry and Cherry Bitters

How To Serve An 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.

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.

Substitutions & Variations For An Old Fashioned

Here’s how to make the Old Fashioned your own. Whether you’re swapping spirits, making it alcohol-free, or just playing with flavor.

• Whiskey Swap: Try aged rum, reposado tequila, or even brandy. Each brings something different. Rum is smooth and vanilla-forward. Tequila adds earthiness and spice. Brandy leans fruitier.
• Sweetener Swap: Brown sugar simple syrup, agave nectar, demerara syrup, or flavored options like rosemary or smoked honey.
• Bitters Swap: Try orange, black walnut, cardamom, or chocolate bitters. Mix and match with different sweeteners and garnishes.
• Mocktail Version: Use brewed black tea (like Earl Grey or lapsang souchong), ½ tsp honey syrup, and a few dashes of alcohol-free bitters or tart cherry juice. Serve over ice with a citrus peel.
• Seasonal Spins: Use cinnamon syrup and apple bitters for fall. Try lavender syrup and lemon bitters in spring.

Old Fashioned with Earl Grey-Infused Whiskey

FAQs About This Old Fashioned Recipe

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this 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.

Try These Recipes Next

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

• 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.
• Skinny Raspberry Acai Mint Spritzer – A lighter, fruity option that can easily be turned into a sparkling cocktail.

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