Jump to content Jump to search
featured image

Orange Old Fashioned

Wed, Apr 02, 25

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most beloved cocktails, known for its simplicity, elegance, and rich flavor. It's a timeless drink that has stood the test of time, combining whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus. Here's how to make the perfect Old Fashioned at home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey (choose a quality whiskey you enjoy)

  • 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup)

  • 2 dashes Angostura Orange bitters (or another aromatic bitters of your choice)

  • A small splash of water (to help dissolve the sugar)

  • Ice (preferably a large ice cube or ice ball)

Instructions:

  1. Muddle the Sugar and Bitters: In a rocks glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass), add the sugar cube and dashes of bitters. If you're using simple syrup, skip the sugar cube and just add the syrup directly to the glass. Add a small splash of water to help dissolve the sugar.

    Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to gently muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture becomes syrupy.

  2. Add the Whiskey: Pour 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass over the muddled sugar and bitters mixture. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

  3. Add Ice: Fill the glass with a large ice cube or a few regular ice cubes. A larger cube will melt slower, keeping the drink from diluting too quickly.

  4. Stir: Stir the drink gently for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly. You want to blend the flavors, not over-stir.

  5. Garnish: Cut a slice of orange peel, being careful not to include too much of the bitter white pith. Express the oils from the peel by twisting it over the drink, then drop it into the glass. Some people also like to add a maraschino cherry as a garnish, but the orange peel is the classic choice.

  6. Serve and Enjoy: Sip and savor the smooth, balanced flavors of your Old Fashioned. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned:

  • Whiskey Choice: Whether you prefer bourbon or rye whiskey is up to personal taste. Bourbon will give you a sweeter, rounder flavor, while rye will be spicier and more robust.

  • Bitters: Angostura bitters is the traditional choice, but you can experiment with other types of bitters like orange bitters or chocolate bitters to add different layers of flavor.

  • Ice: The bigger the ice cube, the better. It melts slower, so your Old Fashioned stays chilled without becoming watered down too quickly.

Enjoy your Old Fashioned cocktail—it's a drink that never goes out of style! Cheers!