Classic Old-Fashioned
The quintessential whiskey cocktail that defines the category. A spirit-forward blend of bourbon, sugar, water, and aromatic bitters, served over ice to highlight the spirit's nuance.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by oak and vanilla from the bourbon, backed by the herbal spice of Angostura bitters. On the palate, the texture is silky and slightly viscous from the dissolved sugar. The initial taste is sweet and boozy, followed by a long finish of toasted wood and citrus oils.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Angostura Bitters3 dashes
- Water1 tsp
- Sugar Cube1 ml
- Bourbon Whiskey3 oz
- Orange1 slice
- Maraschino Cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- 2
Saturate the sugar cube with the bitters and add the teaspoon of water.
- 3
Muddle the sugar with the liquid until nearly dissolved using the back of a spoon or a muddler.
- 4
Fill the glass with large ice cubes.
- 5
Pour the bourbon over the ice.
- 6
Stir gently to chill and dilute.
- 7
Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a Maraschino cherry, and serve with a swizzle stick.
Substitutions
- Sugar CubeSimple Syrup (1/4 oz) — This provides a more consistent texture without the grit of undissolved sugar.
- Bourbon WhiskeyRye Whiskey — This creates a spicier, drier profile with less caramel sweetness.
- Angostura BittersOrange Bitters — This emphasizes citrus notes while reducing the medicinal herbal character.
- WaterClub Soda — A small splash of carbonation helps dissolve the sugar more quickly and adds a light effervescence.
Variations
Maple Old Fashioned
Replace the sugar cube with a barspoon of maple syrup for a richer, earthy sweetness.
Smoked Old Fashioned
Use a smoking gun or charred cedar plank to infuse the glass with wood smoke before building the drink.