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
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
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Allyssa
This is really tasty and super easy to make! Fa loves it, will surely have this again! Highly recommended! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Well done!
Jessie
This was much needed tonight and it was amazing. Keeping this one on hand.
Biana
Looks like a great combination of flavors!
Jo
Made this cocktail last weekend and it turns out so great! Thank you!
Sarah Baumeister
You can’t go wrong with a classic cocktail– this is perfect.
Andrea
Such an easy drink to make and so delightful.
Joan Lisowski
This you have posted here is a true class Old Fashioned. However, if you ever venture to the state of Wisconsin you will find a much different Old Fashioned. Start off with a “Double” Old Fashioned Glass. Add to the glass a fresh orange slice, add to it a few shakes of Angostura bitters onto the orange slice with a little simple/bar syrup. Muddle the combined ingredients into the orange slice. Add ice to the glass. Then add a jigger or 2 of Brandy (most Wisconsinites prefer Brandy, I myself prefer Bourbon). Top of it with Lemon-Lime Soda (Sprite/7 UP) or Sour Soda (50/50 or Squirt). Garnish with another orange slice & a Maraschino cherry.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the heads up Joan. That sounds absolutely delicious!! I am going to have to give it a try!
Sue
I put a slice of lemon, a slice of orange in my glass. Then, I add the angostura bitters and muddle the fruit. Next, I add the simple syrup, bourbon and a splash of either club soda or 7up. Ice finishes my drink … This is my drink of choice!
Allyson Zea
This is one of my favorite cocktails! The flavors are perfect!
Toni
Thank you so much for the tips! It turned out so good! I loved it!
Erin
This Old Fashioned Cocktail is looks incredibly delicious!
Catalina
wow! This cocktail is so easy to make. It’s exactly what my husband need for some more relax.
Jeannette
I just love how easy cocktails are, and you can easily adjust it with more orange juice to your liking – just like your husband!
Irina
Tonight my husband and I made this cocktail following your recipe. It is perfect for a relaxed evening. My husband is asking for more. 🙂
cyndy
This looks like the perfect was to start the weekend. I have never made an Old Fashioned and I didn’t realize they were so simple! I just made the simple syrup so I am ready to go for the weekend.
rika
It’s been a long week and I am ready to make this cocktail for the weekend! It looks so refreshing!
Megan Lehr
Old fashioneds are my go to drink and this is my go to recipe! Absolutely the best recipe.