Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned

A stirred whiskey cocktail balancing sugar, bitters, and citrus oil.

Total 3 min Makes 1 serving Calories 170/serving

Dietary

Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Kosher

This classic cocktail pairs bourbon or rye with a touch of sugar and aromatic bitters, stirred over ice until silky and cold. A twist of orange peel releases fragrant oils that round out the drink's rich, slightly smoky edge. Serve it as a slow-sipping aperitif or nightcap.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon sugar, or 1 sugar cube
  • 3 dashes aromatic bitters
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 orange peel, for garnish
  • 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Method

  1. Place the sugar in an old fashioned glass, add the bitters and water, and stir or mash with a bar spoon until the sugar mostly dissolves into a wet paste.

  2. Add the whiskey and stir for about 30 seconds to combine with the sugar mixture.

  3. Add a large ice cube or several ice cubes and stir for 30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.

  4. Twist a strip of orange peel over the glass to release its oils, rub it around the rim, and drop it into the drink.

  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry if desired, and serve immediately.

Rate this recipe

★ 4.1 (1)

Old Fashioned

This classic cocktail pairs bourbon or rye with a touch of sugar and aromatic bitters, stirred over ice until silky and cold. A twist of orange peel releases fragrant oils that round out the drink's rich, slightly smoky edge. Serve it as a slow-sipping aperitif or nightcap.

3 min 1 serving 170 cal

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon sugar, or 1 sugar cube
  • 3 dashes aromatic bitters
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 orange peel, for garnish
  • 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Method

  1. 1

    Place the sugar in an old fashioned glass, add the bitters and water, and stir or mash with a bar spoon until the sugar mostly dissolves into a wet paste.

  2. 2

    Add the whiskey and stir for about 30 seconds to combine with the sugar mixture.

  3. 3

    Add a large ice cube or several ice cubes and stir for 30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.

  4. 4

    Twist a strip of orange peel over the glass to release its oils, rub it around the rim, and drop it into the drink.

  5. 5

    Garnish with a maraschino cherry if desired, and serve immediately.