Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail

If you are looking for a very simple, proven cocktail recipe, then this classic old fashioned will be just what you need. Using just three ingredients and a little fruit to garnish, it is something even the most newbie cocktail maker can handle with style.

The drink that makes me feel cool

As a bartender, I have made my fair share old fashioneds but I had never tasted one until several years ago when we were with my brother- and sister-in-law. There we sat; sipping away at this lovely cocktail. I have to admit, there is something about the classic drinks that makes one feel worldly. Or at least, that’s how they make me feel!

A while ago, we went to visit another of Christopher’s sisters and while we were gathered at an old haunt of ours and our other brother-in-law was drinking one of these beauties! He offered me a sip and I never say no to a free sip.

Ahhhh! I instantly felt cool and looked around the bar to see everyone nodding their heads and looking at me approvingly. Okay, that last part might have been my fantasy, but that doesn’t negate the cool feeling I had when I sipped this delicious drink.

And while the cocktail at this restaurant was acceptable, it wasn’t the best old fashioned I’ve ever had. I turned to Christopher and told him that I was soooo going to make a classic old fashioned cocktail recipe for the blog!

On so I did.

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Helpful Tips

• As always, use a good bourbon as this cocktail is almost all booze so you will taste the difference. Check out my guide on bourbon for brand recommendations.
• If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the back of a spoon.
• Use big cubes, since it looks pretty cool in cocktails. Here are the trays that I have.
• Use good cherries like Luxardo cherries.
• Once the bourbon is poured in the glass, use a cocktail spoon to stir it.
• This cocktail usually is made with a few dashes of bitters. I actually prefer it without the addition, but if you like it with bitters, add it when you muddle the fruit with the water and sugar.
• I say make it both ways to see which you prefer.

How to make an old fashioned cocktail

This is a cocktail that you make directly in your double old fashioned glass. This is called building a cocktail.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – bourbon, cherries, orange, sugar and water (and if you are adding bitters, gather that too.) (A)

Step two

Slice an orange wheel and cut in half. Place the orange into the glass. (B)

Step three

Gather the cherries and place them in the glass with the orange slices. I use 2 Luxardo cherries. (C)

Step four

Add water, sugar and (a few dashes of bitters if you prefer) and take your muddler and muddle the cherries, orange with the water and sugar. (D)

Overhead view of the muddled fruit.

Step five

Add a large ice cube in the double old fashioned glass. (E)

Step six:  Measure 2 ounces of bourbon. (F)

Step seven

Pour the bourbon directly over the ice and then take your cocktail spoon and swirl all the ingredients around the glass. You want the bourbon nice and cold and the ingredients to all meld together.

Here’s an overhead view of the old fashioned!

And the vertical view.

All that is left to do is sit on my couch and sip this classic old fashioned cocktail!

Other popular bourbon recipes

• Apple cider bourbon smash
• Bourbon ribs
• Bourbon meatballs

I hope you enjoyed this recipe. Feel free to leave me a comment, what is your favorite classic cocktail?

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

This classic Old Fashioned drink is so easy and delicious. It will make you feel like you’re on the Mad Men set!

5 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: Cocktails

Keyword: classic cocktail, classic old fashioned, old fashioned

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 cocktail

Calories: 171kcal

Author: Elaine Benoit

Ingredients

• 1 orange wheel (cut in half)
• 2 maraschino cherries (I used a deluxe brand like Luxardo, but regular will do)
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 dashes bitters (to me, this is optional but have added it in the recipe because it usually goes in an old fashioned, but I prefer the cocktail without it. Angostura is a good solid brand)
• Ice
• 2 ounces bourbon

Garnish

• maraschino cherries

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Instructions

• In a rocks or double old fashioned glass put your orange wheel, maraschino cherry, water, sugar and the optional bitters
• Take a muddler or the back of a spoon and smush the orange and cherry with the water, sugar (and bitters if you use it)
• Put some ice on top of the muddled fruit
• Pour bourbon over ice
• Take cocktail spoon and stir thoroughly
• Sip
• Smile
• Enjoy

Equipment

muddler

cocktail spoon

double old fashioned glass

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Notes

Helpful tips

• As always, use a good bourbon as this cocktail is almost all booze so you will taste the difference. Check out my guide on bourbon for brand recommendations.
• If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the back of a spoon.
• Use big cubes, since it looks pretty cool in cocktails. Here are the trays that I have.
• Use good cherries like Luxardo cherries.
• Once the bourbon is poured in the glass, use a cocktail spoon to stir it.
• This cocktail usually is made with a few dashes of bitters. I actually prefer it without the addition, but if you like it with bitters, add it when you muddle the fruit with the water and sugar.
• I say make it both ways to see which you prefer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 171kcal

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Originally published in February of 2016.

Elaine Benoit

Website | + posts

From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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