4 min

Old Fashioned: the classic whiskey cocktail

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail dating back to the 19th century, considered one of the first cocktails, in the true sense of the word, to be invented. It is known for its simplicity and the balanced combination of Bourbon Whisky, sugar, Angostura Bitters, and water.

Cocktails

4 min

Bitter Angostura Whiskey Bourbon orange cherry

Ingredients

Sugar

Soda water (to dissolve the sugar)

Angostura Bitters

Bourbon Whiskey

Orange

Cherry

Nutritional Profile

Calories

168 per serving

Alcohol content

37% alcohol by volume (ABV)

Almond Old Fashioned (with Bourbon base)

To prepare an Almond Old Fashioned with a Bourbon base, simply add Amaretto Disaronno.

Almond Old Fashioned (with Tequila base)

To prepare an Almond Old Fashioned with a Tequila base, substitute Bourbon Whiskey with Tequila and add Amaretto Disaronno.

Tequila Old Fashioned

A Tequila Old Fashioned, instead of Bourbon Whiskey, uses Tequila. Additionally, Margarita Bitters are added instead of Angostura Bitters.

Brandy Old Fashioned (Wisconsin-style)

Instead of Bourbon Whiskey, the Brandy Old Fashioned uses brandy.

Irish Old Fashioned

To prepare an Irish Old Fashioned, Irish Whiskey is used instead of Bourbon Whiskey.

Maple Rum Old Fashioned

To make a Maple Rum Old Fashioned, replace the Bourbon Whiskey with Caribbean Rum.

Speyside Single Malt Old Fashioned

For a Speyside Single Malt Old Fashioned, simply replace the Bourbon Whiskey with Speyburn 10 Years Old.

Why is this drink called Old Fashioned?

The name “Old Fashioned” is an abbreviation for “cocktail with whiskey in the old-fashioned way”. In the 1800s, this meant any drink that mixed whiskey, sugar, and bitters.

What is the best Whiskey to prepare an Old Fashioned?

Bourbon Whiskey is considered one of the best to prepare an Old Fashioned.

Why is an orange slice or peel added to the Old Fashioned?

Adding an orange slice to the Old Fashioned releases oils from the peel into the drink, enhancing its flavour.

What is the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan?

Although both are classic whiskey cocktails, the Old Fashioned is made with Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, while the Manhattan is prepared with Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, and bitters.

Is it possible to make an Old Fashioned without sugar?

Yes, you can make an Old Fashioned without sugar or substitute it with an alternative sweetener such as honey.

What is the best way to serve an Old Fashioned?

The Old Fashioned is traditionally served in a low glass, called an “Old Fashioned glass”, with an orange slice and a cherry as garnish.