Old Fashioned
If there's just one cocktail you learn to make, make it an Old Fashioned. Plus, all you’ll need is whiskey, sugar, Angostura bitters and some orange peel. That's it.
Known as the original cocktail and made for the first time back in the early 1800s, the Old Fashioned is a simple blend that has changed little over the years as the ingredients were perfect from the outset. Craft Gin Club has all the spirits, bitters and cocktail kits you need to get an Old Fashioned right.
What is an Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned is about as classic as a cocktail gets, because it comes from a time when the word “cocktail” meant something very specific. In the 19th century, it referred to a mix of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters, simply stirred together. No theatrics, no foam, no dry ice. Just a drink made properly.
Come the 1880s, bartenders were devising all sorts of tricks when it came to cocktails. They would add liqueurs, fruit, and experiment with a variety of tastes and styles. This became pretty divisive and loyal drinkers who wanted it the old way called it just that, the Old Fashioned. Since then, the name has stuck.
The beauty of the Old Fashioned cocktail lies in its simplicity. All it needs is four ingredients, no shaking, no straining, just a good rocks glass and a little patience. The Old Fashioned actually refers to both the cocktail and the glass it’s served in. It’s not entirely clear which came first, the drink or the glass but at this point it hardly matters.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best whiskey for an old fashioned
The bourbon-or-rye debate is so fiery that it could actually feature in a pub quiz, but at the end of the day, both are great choices.Whichever is the best bourbon for an old fashioned depends entirely on what you prefer.
Bourbon has the bigger following in the UK. Its sweet smooth malt profile with vanilla/ maple and caramel notes make it an elegant old fashioned cocktail. It’s also more forgiving if you’re making one at home for the first time. We suggest looking for something around 45–50% ABV so that it holds up once the ice starts to dilute the drink.
Rye whiskey is what the bar-room heroes of yester-year would have been drinking. It’s drier, spicier and has more oomph. If you prefer a drink with more intensity then rye is a strong choice. It has also seen a real resurgence in recent years as people are seeking nostalgia.
For everyday use, Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve offer you both consistency and value. But if you're treating yourself then Maker's Mark 46 or Bulleit Rye are always worth it.
How to make a old fashioned cocktail
Old Fashioned ingredients
Whiskey is the backbone of an Old Fashioned, and when it comes to selecting whiskey for your cocktail, you can choose between bourbon and rye. The choice makes a real difference when it comes to the final drink.
- Whiskey(Bourbon or Rye)
- Sugar: A cube of white sugar or a simple syrup that is made from equal parts sugar and water.
- A few drops of Bitters. You can also add a dash of orange bitters to enhance the citrus notes to the drink.
- Ice and water. A single large ice cube is perfect or an old fashioned as it melts slowly.
Method
- Place a sugar cube in a rocks glass. Splash with 2-3 new-dash Angostura bitters and a tiny bit of water.
- Muddle gently. You're not making a fruit smoothie here, it's only to dissolve the sugar.
- Add one big ice cube.
- Pour 60ml of bourbon or rye on top.
- Stir for 20-30 seconds. Take it slow and steady here - you're settling the dilution and cooling the beverage.
- Roll a strip of orange peel skin side down over the glass to release the oils, and add it into the drink.
- Add a cherry.
That's it.
If you want to make sure your Old Fashioned stands the test of time, remember to use one large ice cube instead of lots of small ones. Always stir rather than shake, and choose a whiskey you actually enjoy drinking.
If you want to explore further, take a look through our Mixers range for syrups and sodas.
Old Fashioned variations
It may be old-fashioned, but it’s also a flexible drink. All you need to do is change the spirit or the sweetener, and you end up with something entirely new.
Smoky Old Fashioned
Simply swap the bourbon for a peated Scotch whisky, or keep the bourbon and use a smoked simple syrup. This results in a subtle smokiness that works especially well on crisper evenings.
Maple Old Fashioned
To do this, replace the sugar with maple syrup. Rye works really well here, as its natural spice cuts through the sweetness and keeps the drink balanced.
Rum Old Fashioned
Use an aged dark rum rather than bourbon. This brings rich, molasses-heavy flavours and shifts the drink into something more indulgent. It’s best enjoyed over a large ice cube and sipped slowly.
Mezcal Old Fashioned
This is slightly more complex, with smoky and earthy notes. Mezcal adds a distinctive depth that pairs well with bitters and orange peel.
Gin Old Fashioned
This is a more unusual take, but one that works really well. Aim for a bold, juniper-forward gin and switch to orange bitters. The botanicals come through clearly, giving the drink a lighter, more aromatic profile.
Frequently asked questions
What’s in an original Old Fashioned?
Whisky (bourbon or rye), a sugar cube, 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water all stirred over a large ice cube. No colourings or Mixers or anything else. The classic simplicity is everything.
What makes for a good Old Fashioned?
Good whisky, good ice, the right balance. Use a spirit you’d drink on its own happily. Use a big cube of ice rather than loads of tiny ones. Add lots of water but not too much sugar so you can taste the bitters easily without it being too sweet.
Is bourbon or rye better for an Old Fashioned?
That depends entirely on your taste. Bourbon makes a sweeter, smoother drink. Rye makes a drier, spicier one. There's no wrong answer. Try both and pick your favourite.
How do I start with bitters?
Carefully! They are strong concentrates of chopped bits of herbs and spices in a bottle that can make or break a cocktail with just one or two dashes. Angostura is probably what you’ll see most often. Pick up a bottle from a proper off-licence and try it out or get one of our kits containing everything you need to make six cocktails.
Can I make an Old Fashioned with Gin?
Of course, and it’s delicious. Choose a highly herbal, juniper led gin, add orange bitters instead of Angostura, otherwise use the same method and serve without a straw. The lighter, vivid taste surprises many Gin drinkers.
If you’d like to try, then see the Cocktail kits we do to make six cocktails at home, see all our gins , or sign up to the curious drinker and receive a brilliant new bottle each month.