Old Fashioned
A timeless cocktail that balances the warmth of bourbon with a hint of sweetness and aromatic bitters. Built right in the glass with a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a twist of orange, it's the quintessential slow-sipper for any evening.
For 1 serving
- prep
Chill the glass.
Place an old fashioned glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the drink.
- mix · ~1 min
Muddle the sugar and bitters.
1.Place the sugar cube in the chilled glass.2.Saturate the sugar cube with 3 dashes of angostura bitters.3.Add 1 teaspoon of water.4.Muddle until the sugar is dissolved into a grainy paste.TIPDon't rush the muddling. A fully dissolved sugar base prevents a gritty last sip. - mix · ~1 min
Add bourbon and stir.
1.Add the bourbon to the glass.2.Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds to combine and chill the mixture slightly.TIPStirring before adding ice starts the dilution process and integrates the flavors. - assemble
Add a large ice cube.
Place one large ice cube or a few large fresh cubes into the glass. Stir again briefly for about 10 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail perfectly.
TIPUse one large cube rather than small ones to slow dilution and keep the drink strong. - garnish
Express and garnish with orange peel.
1.Hold a wide strip of orange peel over the glass, skin side down.2.Pinch and twist the peel firmly to release its oils onto the surface of the drink.3.Rub the peel around the rim of the glass.4.Drop the peel into the glass or perch it on the rim.TIPThe citrus oils are essential for the aroma. Don't skip expressing the peel.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a single large ice cube to slow dilution and keep the drink from becoming watery.
- 2Muddle the sugar cube completely to avoid a gritty texture at the bottom of the glass.
- 3Stir the bourbon with the sugar paste before adding ice for better flavor integration.
- 4Express the orange peel over the drink to release essential oils for a fragrant aroma.
- 5Chill the glass beforehand to keep the cocktail cold without over-diluting.
- 6For a less sweet Old Fashioned, use a half sugar cube or a barspoon of simple syrup.
Adapt it for your goals.
Rye Old Fashioned
Substitute bourbon with a 100-proof rye whiskey for a spicier, drier profile that cuts through the sugar more assertively.
Smoked Old FashionedSmoked Old Fashioned
Add a few drops of smoked bitters or rinse the glass with a peated scotch for a campfire-tinged aroma. Ideal for whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy a savory twist.
Sweet & SpicedSweet & Spiced
Replace the sugar cube with a barspoon of maple syrup or demerara syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon or ango orange bitters. Creates a warmer, autumnal flavor.
Low SugarLow-Sugar
Omit the sugar cube entirely and muddle 2-3 maraschino cherries (rinsed) with the bitters and water. Reduces added sugar while adding natural fruit sweetness.
Citrus ForwardCitrus Forward
Swap the orange peel for a grapefruit peel and add 1 dash of grapefruit bitters. Produces a brighter, tarter Old Fashioned that feels lighter on the palate.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Moderate Alcohol Content
A single Old Fashioned (60ml of 80-proof bourbon) contains about one and a half standard drinks, allowing for mindful enjoyment in moderation.
Minimal Added Sugars
With only one sugar cube, this cocktail contains roughly 4 grams of sugar, significantly less than many sweetened cocktails or mixed drinks.
Antioxidants from Bitters
Angostura bitters contain botanicals like gentian root and cinnamon, which provide trace amounts of antioxidants and may aid digestion when consumed in small quantities.
No Artificial Additives
The recipe uses only whole ingredients—whiskey, sugar, water, bitters, and orange peel—with no processed mixers, syrups, or artificial flavorings.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Use 1 teaspoon of granulated or demerara sugar. Muddle it thoroughly with the bitters and water until dissolved to avoid grittiness.
