There are many Old Fashioned variations out there, but this is an authentic version of the classic whiskey cocktail.
The Old Fashioned dates back to the 19th century. The drink is built on a simple combination of sugar, bitters, and whiskey. While some versions use brandy, whiskey — especially rye — is the more traditional choice.
Read next: What does an Old Fashioned taste like?
The versions you see today with muddled orange and cherries came much later, around the mid-1900s. They’re popular and taste good, but they do change the character of the drink. I prefer the original style for its simplicity.
Rye whiskey’s dry, spicy nature creates a more balanced drink than bourbon, which is sweeter. Many whiskey enthusiasts prefer an Old Fashioned with bourbon, but it is softer and sweeter than rye versions.
Serve your Old Fashioneds in a short glass over ice. Large cubes nicely because they melt slowly and soften the drink over time. If you don’t like that gradual softening, you can invest in stainless steel metal ice balls. They keep the drink cool but never water it down.
Read next: What do bitters taste like?
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Old fashioned recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
Description
This is a classic Old Fashioned recipe made with rye whiskey and Angostura bitters.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or a bar spoon of simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 fresh orange peel
- Ice
Instructions
- Mix. In a shaker, add 2 ounces of rye whiskey along with a bar spoon full of simple syrup, 2 dashes of angostura bitter and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Add ice cubes and stir.
- Strain. Strain the drink into a cold glass with one large ice cube.
- Garnish and serve. Rub the orange peel around the mouth of the glass and then drop it in the glass. Serve and enjoy slowly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 24.7 g
- Sodium: 15.7 mg
- Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.9 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
