Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe (Easy, Timeless Bourbon Drink)

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic bourbon cocktails ever created—simple, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Made with just a few quality ingredients, this timeless drink lets the whiskey shine with subtle hints of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail night or winding down after work, knowing how to make a proper Old Fashioned is a skill every home bartender should master.

This classic cocktail dates back to the 1800s and remains a favorite for good reason: it’s bold, refined, and endlessly sippable. Serve it in a short glass over a big ice cube, and enjoy a drink that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Recipe

• Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
• Balanced with just the right amount of sweetness
• Customizable based on your favorite whiskey or bourbon
• Ideal for cocktail hour, holidays, or slow evenings
• No shaker or fancy tools needed

Ingredients + Notes

• 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey: A good-quality bourbon like Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, or Maker’s Mark works well
• 1 sugar cube or ½ teaspoon simple syrup: Traditionalists use a sugar cube, but syrup blends more easily
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters: A must-have for that warm, spiced depth
• Orange peel: Expressed over the glass and used as a garnish for citrus aroma
• Large ice cube: Melts slowly and chills the drink without watering it down
• Optional: A maraschino cherry for garnish

How to Make an Old Fashioned Cocktail

Step 1: If using a sugar cube, place it in the bottom of a short glass (Old Fashioned or rocks glass). Add bitters and a splash of water. Muddle until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Add bourbon (or rye) and stir to combine.

Step 3: Add a large ice cube or a few smaller cubes. Stir gently for 15–20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.

Step 4: Express an orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release the oils. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it in as a garnish.

Step 5: Add a cherry if desired and serve immediately.

How to Store Leftover Ingredients

You can store simple syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Bitters keep indefinitely at room temperature.

If you’re batching Old Fashioneds for a party, mix the sugar, bitters, and bourbon in a pitcher ahead of time (without ice). Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, then pour over ice when ready to serve.

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