Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe | Dude That Cookz (2024)

The single most requested co*cktail in my home, hands down, is an Old Fashioned co*cktail. This classic is made using five ingredients — whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, a co*cktail cherry, and an orange peel. Easy to craft and one of my favorites to enjoy, this boozy, smooth co*cktail never goes out of style.

If you enjoy whiskey co*cktails, you’ll also love my Classic Manhattan co*cktail, Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour, Freya’s Wheels Of Fury co*cktail, Blackberry Whiskey Smash, , and New York Whiskey Sour.

It’s official! Whiskey co*cktails have taken the #1 spot on my list. And while I have other favorites like this Classic Manhattan co*cktail, there is just something about an Old Fashioned that sets it apart. Thanks to the bourbon and simple syrup, it’s balanced in strength and sweetness, with a slight brightness from the spice and citrus notes by way of the bitters and orange peel.

Hailing from New York City, the Old Fashioned co*cktail has been around since the 1800s, and as history shows us, it will be around for a long time.

Old fashioned ingredients

Here is what you need to make an old fashioned co*cktail:

• The foundation for your co*cktail will be your choice of whiskey, and this very important choice will determine the potency and flavor of your old fashioned. For a sweeter, full-bodied co*cktail, go with bourbon, and if you want a spicier, drier version, opt for a rye. See below for a list of my go-to bourbons.
• For the bitters, Angostura Bitters (notes of clove and cinnamon) is the more classic selection. Still, I prefer black walnut bitters, enhancing the old-fashioned with notes of cocoa and a slightly sweet finish.
• A classic old-fashioned uses a sugar cube (granulated white sugar) to sweeten the co*cktail. My approach is to make a simple syrup. To make the best simple syrup, you’ll need turbinado sugar and water. Turbinado sugar results in a rich, caramel-like syrup that is perfect for this recipe.
• You’ll need a large ice cube to cool the co*cktail and for visual appeal. Choose one large ice cube versus smaller cubes or crushed ice. A larger, single ice cube will melt slower and won’t dilute the co*cktail as quickly.
• An orange peel serves as the garnish and provides additional flavor. Using a peeler to make a 1 to 2-inch slice, twist the orange peel directly over your glass to express the oils, or torch your orange peel if you are feeling fancy. Either approach will add a nice citrus aroma to your co*cktail.
• You’ll also need a maraschino cherry in a heavy syrup, like Luxardo.

How to make the best old fashioned co*cktail:

I highly recommend making your simple syrup in advance. Once you have your ingredients ready, you are only a few minutes away from your new favorite co*cktail.

Make your simple syrup. Add the turbinado sugar and water into a mason jar (paid link) or glass and stir until the sugar dissolves. This can take 5-10 minutes, so be patient.

Peel your orange and add your cherry. Using a peeler, slice a 1 to 2-inch piece of orange peel from your orange and flame both sides slightly with a torch (optional). Place in an old fashioned co*cktail glass. Add a maraschino cherry.

Add the bitters and simple syrup. Add two dashes of black walnut bitters and 1 oz. of turbinado simple syrup to the glass.

Add the bourbon. Pour the bourbon whiskey into the glass. Stir well using a bar spoon.

Add ice. Add a large square or round ice cube. Stir for 20-30 seconds to allow the ice to melt a little and cool the co*cktail.

What is the best bourbon for an old fashioned?

The type of whiskey you choose for this recipe will make a huge difference, so you’ll want to choose wisely. I tend to lean more towards bourbon with a hint of sweetness that is high-proof (for the extra stiffness I enjoy). A few bourbons I always have on hand are Knob Creek, Bulleit, and Buffalo Trace. I also enjoy Angel’s Envy, Larceny, Old Forester, and Elijah Craig. Ultimately, you are always safe choosing a whiskey you love — but leave your high-end bottles to enjoy neat!

Are there different old fashioned co*cktail recipes?

During the holidays, you can make an apple, maple, pumpkin, or peppermint old fashioned by infusing your simple syrup with other ingredients like apple cider, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, peppermints, and even rosemary.

What are the best bitters for an old fashioned?

Classic old-fashioned recipes use Angostura Bitters (think clove and cinnamon). I prefer black walnut bitters for this recipe, and you can also try chocolate or orange bitters.

This is a go-to in my home, so be sure to add this Old Fashioned co*cktail to your bar menu. Remember to always be safe and don’t drink and drive. Cheers!

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Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe

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5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Eric Jones
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

This Old Fashioned co*cktail blends bourbon whiskey with the sweetness of turbinado simple syrup and black walnut bitters for a perfectly balanced drink.

Ingredients

UnitsScale

• 1 cup turbinado sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2.5 oz. bourbon whiskey
• 2 dashes black walnut bitters
• 1 large ice cube
• 1 maraschino cherry
• orange peel

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Instructions

1. Add turbinado sugar and water into a mason jar (paid link) or glass and stir until the sugar dissolves. Set to the side.
2. Slice a piece of orange peel from your orange using a peeler. Place the orange peel in a rocks or old fashioned glass. Add the maraschino cherry.
3. Add the bourbon whiskey, black walnut bitters, and 1 oz. turbinado simple syrup to the glass. Stir using a bar spoon. Stir well using a bar spoon.
4. Add a large ice cube and serve. Stir for 20-30 seconds to allow the ice to melt a little and cool the co*cktail.

Equipment

Mason Jar

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Potato Peeler

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(paid link)

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness of the co*cktail by increasing or decreasing the amount of simple syrup.

The recipe will make more simple syrup than you need to make one co*cktail, so there is plenty to create additional drinks.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: co*cktails
• Method: Mixed
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 21mg
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23.8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg