how to make a classic Old Fashioned

Written by Michael Bergström
Additional texts by Scott van Dort

Indulge in the timeless allure of the Old Fashioned. Whether you’re sipping it in a dimly lit speakeasy or enjoying a laid-back evening at home, the Old Fashioned sets the stage for refined relaxation. 

While the Old Fashioned might seem intimidating due to its legendary status, it’s actually deceivingly simple to make from home. Mastering it however, is a whole other discussion.

It’s a perfect cocktail to set the mood and impress your guests with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a touch of finesse, you can turn any gathering into an occasion and transport your guests to a bygone era of classic charm.

How To Make an Old Fashioned

What You’ll Need

• Rocks Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Bar Spoon
• Peeler (for Orange Zest)

How to Mix

1. Grab a Rocks Glass and add Simple Syrup or Sugar.
2. Add half of your Whiskey, a few dashes of Bitters, and Ice.
3. Stir, add the rest of your Whiskey and top up with more Ice.
4. Garnish with a nice big Orange Zest and enjoy!

What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?

The Old Fashioned is a classic and sophisticated cocktail that dates back to the 19th century, and arguably the most well-known Whiskey cocktail. With just a few ingredients—Bourbon, Simple Syrup, and Bitters, garnished with an Orange twist—it’s easy to make, yet its timeless appeal lies in its complex, rich flavor profile. This iconic drink has stood the test of time and is the epitome of tradition and refinement.

What Does an Old Fashioned Taste Like?

For a drink that’s easy to make, the flavor profile of an Old Fashioned is both complex and sophisticated. Simultaneously sweet, spicy and smooth, its blend of Bourbon, Bitters, and Simple Syrup creates a warm, sweet flavor profile while the Orange Zest adds a subtle citrus note adding to the drink’s complexity. It’s like sipping on a timeless, refined concoction that exudes warmth and elegance.

The History of the Old Fashioned 

One of the first written records of the term ‘Cocktail’ can be found in one of the first ever published cocktail books from 1806. In it, the “Cock-tail” is described as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.” Sound familiar?

The earliest iteration of an Old Fashioned comes from the first-ever published book on drink recipes from 1862, although the recipe originally called for Holland Gin aka Genever. The DNA of the ’cocktail’ evolved as bartenders added dashes of Absinthe for an ‘Improved Cocktail’ or Curaçao for a ‘Fancy Cocktail.’ 

However, not all customers appreciated this evolution. A small rebellious movement emerged, demanding ‘Old Fashioned Cocktails’ and rejecting the ’silly’ modern variations. Over time, Whiskey became the preferred choice, and the name was shortened to the familiar Old Fashioned we know today!

Tips for Making the Perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail

During the craft cocktail revival in 1990s London, a specific ritual surrounding the Old Fashioned gained a cult-like following. It involved multiple stages and took approximately 5 minutes to make. Some argued that it needlessly overcomplicated the recipe, while others saw it as a tribute to the Old Fashioned, paying utmost respect to the royalty of cocktails. 

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Place a bar napkin on top of a Tumbler Glass and put a sugar cube on it.
2. Douse the sugar cube in Angostura Bitters until fully soaked, allowing the napkin to absorb any excess bitters.
3. Drop the soaked Sugar Cube into the glass, add a splash of Soda Water, and muddle the Sugar until almost dissolved.
4. Stir in ⅓ of the Whiskey, then add 2-3 Ice Cubes and continue stirring.
5. Gradually add another ⅓ of the Whiskey with a few more Ice Cubes and keep stirring.
6. Finally, pour in the remaining Whiskey, give it a last stir, and top it off with a few more Ice Cubes.
7. Finish by garnishing with a generous zest of Orange, ensuring to rub the zest over the rim of the glass to release the aromatic oils.

Expert Tip! Make sure to zest your Orange while holding it above the drink to capture all those yummy aromatic oils!

Complicated? Somewhat. Delicious? Definitely! Now that’s how to make an Old Fashioned!

Variations of an Old Fashioned Cocktail

• Almond Old Fashioned
  The Almond Old Fashioned offers a delightful twist on the old classic, featuring Scotch Whisky, Orange Bitters, and a touch of Amaretto, creating a wonderful blend of smoky, citrusy, and nutty flavors. Discover how to make an Almond Old Fashioned.

• The Absolut Gangster
  If you really want to mix things up and marry the old world with the new world, then you’ve got to try Rico’s own ‘Absolut Gangster’ – a Vodka-based Old Fashioned. It uses Absolut Vodka, Clove Bitters, Lillet Blanc and Simple Syrup. Watch Rico make The Absolut Gangster!

Serving and Garnish Ideas for Old Fashioned

OK, when it comes to serving and garnishing, there are many cocktails that allow for rule-bending. The Old Fashioned is not one of them. No, no – an Old Fashioned should always be served in a Rocks Glass. 

Aside from tradition and elegance, the wide, sturdy base of the glass allows for muddling and stirring, while the short, heavy design helps maintain the drink’s chill without dilution. Watch this video to see how to muddle.

As for the Orange Zest garnish, it adds a delightful citrus aroma and a hint of bright, fresh flavor to complement the rich, deep notes of the Bourbon and Bitters. It’s the final touch of elegance to an already classic cocktail.