Old Fashioned
The quintessential whiskey cocktail, adhering to the oldest definition of the drink: spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This timeless classic balances the bold flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of sugar and the aromatic depth of bitters.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by oak and vanilla from the bourbon, complemented by the scent of expressed orange oils. On the palate, the drink is spirit-forward with a grainy sweetness that balances the spice of the bitters. The mouthfeel is slightly viscous, finishing with a dry, herbal warmth and a hint of dark fruit.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Bourbon4.5 cl
- Angostura bitters2 dashes
- Sugar1 ml
- Water1 dash
- Orange Twist1 slice
- Cocktail Cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- 2
Saturate the sugar cube with the Angostura bitters and add a dash of plain water.
- 3
Muddle the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- 4
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- 5
Pour in the bourbon whiskey.
- 6
Stir gently to combine and chill the drink.
- 7
Garnish with an orange twist and a cocktail cherry.
Substitutions
- Sugar Cube10ml Simple Syrup — The syrup integrates instantly, creating a more uniform texture without the grit of undissolved sugar.
- BourbonRye Whiskey — Rye provides a drier, spicier profile that reduces the overall perceived sweetness of the drink.
- Angostura bittersOrange bitters — This swap emphasizes citrus notes and lightens the heavy spice profile of the original recipe.
- WaterClub soda — Using carbonated water helps dissolve the sugar cube more quickly and adds a very light effervescence.
Variations
Maple Old Fashioned
Replace the sugar cube with 7.5ml of maple syrup to add earthy, caramel-like depth to the bourbon.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Use a split base of tequila reposado and mezcal instead of bourbon for a smoky, agave-forward variation.