The classic Old Fashioned co*cktail features little more than whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
By
Paul Clarke blogs about co*cktails at The co*cktail Chronicles and writes regularly on spirits and co*cktails for Imbibe magazine. He lives in Seattle, where he works as a writer and magazine editor.
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Updated January 17, 2024
Why It Works
- Bitters add complexity and dimension to the bourbon or rye.
- Sugar brings subtle sweetness to open the bourbon's aroma.
- Toasted sugar tastes less sweet than plain, and can add a subtle note of caramel to play off the bourbon or rye.
The Old Fashioned is one of the most venerable of co*cktails, predating not only the motorcar but the presidency of Abe Lincoln. All it takes is serving whiskey, sugar, bitters and, if you like, a cherry or orange garnish on the rocks. Properly made, it's strong but not too strong, sweet but not too sweet, and, most importantly, it's dead-simple and absolutely delicious.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/20231204-SEA-OldFashioned-TwoBites-04-6a1e37d7f85647c8a181c8e3f82372b4.jpg "Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe (1)")
The best bitters for an Old Fashioned are up for debate, but Angostura is classic for a reason, while Fee Brothers offer a welcome alternative.
June 2008
Recipe Details
Old Fashioned co*cktail
Prep5 mins
Active5 mins
Total5 mins
Serves1 serving
Ingredients
2 ounces (60ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
2 to 3 dashes bitters (Angostura bitters are traditional and work well; Fee Brothers’ Whiskey Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned Bitters are better)
1 teaspoon (5g) superfine sugar,toasted sugar, or 1 sugar cube
Orange and/or co*cktail cherry, such as Luxardo to garnish (optional)
Directions
Combine whiskey, bitters, and sugar in a mixing glass. Add several large ice cubes and stir rapidly with a bar spoon to chill. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish, if you like, with a slice of orange and/or a cherry.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/20231204-SEA-OldFashioned-TwoBites-step1-461a786daf6d4fe088a09980ff3c07d7.jpg "Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe (2)")
Special Equipment
Mixing glass, co*cktail strainer
Notes
The best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is a highly personal decision; Bulleit is a safe choice for bourbon or rye, while Four Roses has a pleasant caramel edge for co*cktail newcomers.
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| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 23 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 5g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 23 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 5g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5g | |
| Protein 0g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 0mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 0mg | 0% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
