Old Fashioned Cocktail

This classic Old Fashioned Cocktail is sure to please even the most discriminating palate without breaking the bank.  This cocktail combines good sipping bourbon, a little bit of simple syrup, orange bitters, a spritz of orange oil or a splash of orange juice (depending on your taste), an orange twist, and cocktail cherry all stirred over ice.  It is truly a bourbon lover’s treat. The Old Fashioned cocktail is supposedly credited to a bartender in Louisville, Kentucky around the late 1800s. 

Hubby and I love to entertain family and friends here at the humble bungalow.  So we always have the ingredients for a few adult beverages that we can prepare on a moment’s notice. Whiskey Sour, White Russian, Cosmopolitan, and this cocktail are a few of our go-to favorites.

How to make an Old Fashioned Cocktail

Several hours prior to serving, prepare the simple syrup by adding equal amounts of sugar and water in a saucepan.  Then heat over medium heat, stirring several times until the sugar is dissolved.  Let it cool for about 20 minutes, and then place it in the fridge so it can really chill. Simple syrup can be made up to 4 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Add the simple syrup and bitters to an old-fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass or a lowball) and give it a little stir.  Then add the bourbon and stir for just a moment. Then add a few ice cubes. Spritz with an orange peel or squeeze just a little bit of orange juice into the glass for just a touch of citrus flavor. Finally, garnish with a cherry and enjoy.

Recipe notes and helpful tips

• Use good quality, fairly high-end bourbon whiskey, as this is the key reason anyone drinks an Old Fashioned.  Without a doubt, anyone that enjoys an old-fashioned is a whiskey lover, and they want to taste and smell those oak and caramel notes, so use the best bourbon you can afford. I personally love Four Roses single barrel small batch bourbon with hints of plum and cherry. 
• This drink should be enjoyed right after mixing, so it does not get too chilled by the ice.  Once whiskey reaches a temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it starts to lose its subtle qualities.
• If you do a lot of entertaining, then you may want to invest in ice cube trays for whiskey. They make large ice cubes which are ideal for keeping whiskey cocktails at the optimum temperature.
• To make an orange twist use a paring knife to cut across the surface of the orange while turning it.  You can use a wide piece of peel or use the knife to trim it down or in two.  Roll the peel around a chopstick or fat wooden spoon, depending on how tight a twist you want. You can alternatively add an orange slice, lemon slice, or lemon twist.
• To make simple syrup add equal amounts of sugar and water to a saucepan.  Then place it over medium heat on the stovetop.  Stir frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved.  Allow it to cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Other adult beverages you will love!

Old Fashioned Cocktail

This classic Old Fashioned Cocktail makes entertaining easy without breaking the bank.  Prepare to impress your whiskey-loving friends and family.

5 from 17 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: cocktail

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 183kcal

Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 ounces bourbon
• ice
• orange peel see notes
• maraschino or cocktail cherry

Instructions

• Add the simple syrup and bitters to an old-fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass or a lowball) and give it a little stir.  Add the bourbon and stir for just a moment.
• Add a few ice cubes. Spritz with an orange peel or squeeze just a little bit of orange juice into the glass and add a cherry.

Notes

• I prefer a little spritz of the orange oil from the peel, but my husband prefers a little splash of orange juice.
• Use good quality, fairly high-end bourbon whiskey, as this is the key reason anyone drinks an Old Fashioned.  Without a doubt, anyone that enjoys an old-fashioned is a whiskey lover, and they want to taste and smell those oak and caramel notes.
• This drink should be enjoyed right after mixing, so it does not get too chilled by the ice.  Once whiskey reaches a temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it starts to lose its subtle qualities.
• If you do a lot of entertaining, then you may want to invest in ice cube trays for whiskey. They make larger ice cubes which are ideal for keeping whiskey cocktails at the optimum temperature.
• To make an orange twist use a paring knife to cut across the surface of the orange while turning it.  You can use a wide piece of peel or use the knife to trim it down or in two.  Roll the peel around a chopstick or fat wooden spoon, depending on how tight a twist you want.
• To make simple syrup add equal amounts of sugar and water to a saucepan.  Then place it over medium heat on the stovetop.  Stir frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved.  Allow it to cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 10mg | Sugar: 11g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

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