AmericanGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail

Name: Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey; 1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon simple syrup); 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters; 1 dash orange bitters (optional); 1 teaspoon water (if using sugar cube); 1 large ice cube or sphere; 1 strip orange peel, for garnish; 1 Luxardo maraschino cherry, for garnish

A american drink built for repeat cooking, with a clear ingredient list, tested timings, and practical variations.

5 min total

1 servings

Stirred

Calories

154 kcal

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Ingredients checklist

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon simple syrup)2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters1 dash orange bitters (optional)1 teaspoon water (if using sugar cube)1 large ice cube or sphere1 strip orange peel, for garnish1 Luxardo maraschino cherry, for garnish

Numbered instructions

1Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass. Add bitters and water, then muddle until the sugar dissolves into a paste.

2Add a large ice cube to the glass.

3Pour bourbon or rye over the ice.

4Stir gently for 20–30 revolutions (about 30 seconds) to chill and slightly dilute.

5Express orange peel oils by bending it skin-side down over the glass — you'll see a fine citrus mist. Run peel around the rim, then drop it in.

6Add a cherry and serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

A large single ice cube melts slower than small cubes, diluting the drink gradually without watering it down fast.

Bourbon makes a sweeter, rounder Old Fashioned; rye makes it drier and spicier — both are correct.

Simple syrup is easier to dissolve than a sugar cube and produces a more consistent cocktail every time.

Express the orange peel properly — give it a sharp bend skin-side down an inch above the glass to release the citrus oils.

Recipe Variations

Smoked Old Fashioned: Use a cocktail smoking kit with cherry or applewood chips before building the drink.

Mezcal Old Fashioned: Swap whiskey for smoky mezcal and add a dash of mole bitters for a Mexican-inspired riff.

Wisconsin Old Fashioned: Use brandy instead of whiskey, muddle a cherry and orange slice, then top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.

Source: Difford's Guide at https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/4782/old-fashioned

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