The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations. This simple yet sophisticated drink combines the rich flavors of bourbon or rye whiskey with the sweetness of a sugar cube and the aromatic complexity of angostura bitters. A twist of orange peel adds a refreshing citrus note, making it the perfect drink for any occasion.
While most of the ingredients for an Old Fashioned cocktail are commonly found in many homes, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Angostura bitters is a key ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the drink, but it may not be a staple in every pantry. Additionally, you may want to ensure you have a fresh orange on hand for the peel twist garnish.

Ingredients For Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Bourbon: A type of American whiskey made primarily from corn, known for its rich and sweet flavor.
Rye whiskey: A type of whiskey made from at least 51% rye, offering a spicier and more robust flavor compared to bourbon.
Sugar cube: A small, compressed cube of sugar that adds sweetness to the cocktail.
Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made from herbs and spices, essential for adding depth and complexity to the drink.
Orange peel: A twist of orange peel used as a garnish, adding a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor.
Technique Tip for Crafting This Cocktail
When muddling the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, ensure you use a gentle but firm pressure to fully dissolve the sugar. This will create a smooth base for your cocktail and help evenly distribute the flavors.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
bourbon - Substitute with non-alcoholic whiskey: Non-alcoholic whiskey provides a similar flavor profile without the alcohol content, making it suitable for a vegan and non-alcoholic version.
rye whiskey - Substitute with non-alcoholic whiskey: Non-alcoholic whiskey mimics the taste of rye whiskey, maintaining the essence of the cocktail while being vegan-friendly.
sugar cube - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and adds a rich, complex sweetness to the drink.
angostura bitters - Substitute with non-alcoholic bitters: Non-alcoholic bitters provide the same aromatic and flavor complexity without the alcohol content, suitable for a vegan version.
orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel offers a similar citrus aroma and flavor, adding a fresh twist to the cocktail.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cocktail
How to Store / Freeze This Cocktail
- To store your Old Fashioned cocktail, first ensure that you have a clean, airtight container. Mason jars work wonderfully for this purpose.
- Pour the cocktail into the container, leaving a little space at the top to allow for any expansion if freezing.
- Seal the container tightly to prevent any air from getting in, which can degrade the quality of the cocktail over time.
- If you plan to enjoy your Old Fashioned within a few days, simply place the container in the refrigerator. The cocktail will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the cocktail. Place the sealed container in the freezer, where it can be stored for up to three months.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen Old Fashioned, remove the container from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Once thawed, give the cocktail a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed before serving.
- If you prefer your Old Fashioned on the rocks, simply pour the thawed cocktail over fresh ice cubes and garnish with a fresh orange peel twist.
- For an extra touch of freshness, you can add a dash of bitters and a splash of water to the thawed cocktail before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Start by ensuring your Old Fashioned cocktail is stored properly. Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its flavors.
- When ready to reheat, pour the cocktail into a glass.
- If you prefer a slightly warmer drink, you can gently warm it by placing the glass in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the flavors of the whiskey and bitters.
- Alternatively, you can add a fresh twist by incorporating a new orange peel garnish to revive the citrus notes.
- Stir gently to recombine the ingredients and enjoy your Old Fashioned cocktail as if it were freshly made.
Best Tools for Crafting This Cocktail
Old fashioned glass: A short, sturdy glass perfect for serving the cocktail and muddling the ingredients directly in it.
Muddler: A tool used to crush the sugar cube and mix it with the bitters and water.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the cocktail gently to combine the ingredients.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey.
Peeler: A tool used to create the twist of orange peel for garnishing the cocktail.
Ice cube tray: Used to make ice cubes that will be added to the glass to chill the cocktail.
How to Save Time on Making This Cocktail
Pre-muddle the sugar: Muddle sugar cube with bitters and water in advance to save time when making multiple cocktails.
Use simple syrup: Substitute the sugar cube with simple syrup to speed up the process and ensure it dissolves quickly.
Pre-cut orange peels: Prepare orange peel twists ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to streamline garnishing.
Batch your cocktails: Mix larger quantities of whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup in a pitcher, then pour over ice and garnish individually.
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey bourbon or rye
- 1 cube sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 twist orange peel
Instructions
- 1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- 2. Add the bitters and a splash of water.
- 3. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- 4. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the whiskey.
- 5. Stir gently to combine.
- 6. Garnish with the orange peel twist.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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