Old Fashioned Recipe

Sophisticated, classic, bold, and smooth – the old fashioned has always been my go-to cocktail order. But once I realized how simple it is to make at home, it quickly became a staple in my own kitchen! With just five simple ingredients, let me guide you through my tried and true old fashioned recipe so you can sip in style, too.

Two old fashioned cocktails in rocks glasses - 1

Once you learn how to make a classic old fashioned, there’s really no going back. It might seem fancy, but I promise it’s one of the easiest cocktails to master—and it comes together in about five minutes. The key thing to remember is to always stir, never shake. Stirring chills the drink while keeping it smooth and spirit-forward, without watering it down.

This recipe sticks to the traditional five ingredients, and that simplicity is exactly what makes it so good. I start with a bit of sugar and Angostura bitters to balance the whiskey, then add bourbon (or rye, if that’s what I’m in the mood for). An orange peel adds a bright citrus aroma, and a Luxardo cherry finishes the drink with a touch of richness. Because there’s nowhere to hide in a cocktail like this, the quality and proportions of each ingredient really matter—and that’s also what makes it easy to tweak to your own taste. One of my favorite variations is a maple old fashioned .

It’s a timeless, sophisticated drink that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to sip. Once you’ve got the method down, an old fashioned becomes less of a recipe and more of a ritual—simple, reliable, and endlessly satisfying.

An Old Fashioned in a cocktail glass - 3

Best whiskey for an old fashioned recipe

An old fashioned is a spirit-forward cocktail, so you definitely want to select a whiskey that you love sipping on its own. While the cocktail is lightly sweetened and balanced with some sugar and a few dashes of bitters, the whiskey remains the star of the show, so your personal preference should play a big factor in your selection.

Old fashioned variations

Fizzy old fashioned : To make it less spirit-forward, you can top it off with club soda – the bubbles add some fun!
Spirit swap: A Wisconsin old fashioned uses brandy instead of whiskey, and tops it off with club soda. Other spirits you can use include rum, tequila, or gin.
Fall old fashioned: When the weather gets cooler, I like to add a dash of cider and little sprinkle of cinnamon.
Vanilla: Pour a little splash of vanilla into your shaker. The flavor works beautifully with whiskey!

Tip: Try a flaming orange peel

This tip suits two types of people: those who like smoky flavors, and those who like fun tricks! If you’re like me, you’re both! Take a little slice of orange peel, then carefully light a match or lighter next to it before you squeeze the zest out. The juice will give a little spark. Hold it over your glass to infuse some of those smoky citrus flavors.