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
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
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
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
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- 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
Originally published in February of 2016.
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, 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.
Yes..ice cubes can definitely be Fun. But seriously loving the fruit in this. Such a lovely sounding cocktail and my hubby is a bourbon drinker so I’m sure he’d love this one 🙂
It’s fabulous Stephanie. And I know, right? I love how big the ice cube is!
What an incredible cocktail! And the light, and the colors… everything is just spectacular!
Thanks so much Helena! That means a lot to me!
This sure would be a new fav for my hubby. He loves cocktails.
Chichi! Thank you. I love your name! It’s such a delicious classic!
Thanks for the tutorial. I haven’t make many Old Fashioned drinks, so this was very helpful! Can wait to sip!
Thanks Erin! It’s super easy! Oh, and delicious!
Such a stunning drink. I wish I had one to sip on tonight! CHEERS!
Thanks Jessica!!
Great recipe. Gorgeous photos. Well done! Again.
Thank you Christopher. I appreciate it.
this has become my go-to old fashioned recipe. love it! the only thing i do differently is i use simple syrup instead of sugar & water (basically the same thing). i prefer it since it integrates into the cocktail more easily.
I’m so glad you enjoy this drink, Kathleen. I do sometimes use simple syrup as well, but I do the sugar and water thing when I serve it to guests. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to comment, as I appreciate it.
Try muddling a sugar cube, orange slice, cherry and 4 dashes of bitters in a glass then stirring vigorously 3 shots of 7up till it foams and dumping that on to 2 shots of bourbon and a glass full of ice then topping it off with 7up to fill the glass and enjoy
Interesting Zak-gak. I can see the appeal. I need to try it your way, though I’m not fond of 7 up. But I am game. Thanks for the tips.
Is muddling the orange and cherry common or does that replace using bitters? New to this 🙂
The muddling is common, Krystal. I have added the bitters to the recipe, because it does usually go in the cocktail but I’ve always preferred it without. I’ve also amended where it goes in the recipe steps. 🙂 Thanks for the question as I’m glad I could clarify why I don’t add it in the post. 🙂