How To Make An Old Fashioned: 2025 Guide

Why the Old Fashioned Is Still King

The Old Fashioned is more than a cocktail—it’s a legacy. First crafted in the early 1800s, it remains one of the most popular drinks worldwide. In fact, the Old Fashioned has topped cocktail popularity lists year after year because of its simplicity, versatility, and timeless taste. Made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, it’s a cocktail that celebrates the spirit itself rather than hiding it behind mixers.

In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the perfect Old Fashioned—from ingredients and tools to step-by-step instructions, variations, and expert tips.

Essential Ingredients for an Old Fashioned

At its core, the Old Fashioned requires only a few high-quality ingredients:

• Whiskey: Bourbonor rye is most traditional. Popular choices include Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit Rye, and Elijah Craig.
• Bitters: Angostura bitters are the standard, but orange bitters or specialty flavors can add complexity.
• Sugar: A sugar cube, simple syrup, or demerara syrup provides balance.
• Citrus: An orange peel is most common, though lemon peel is also used.
• Ice: A large ice cube or sphere works best to chill without watering down the drink too quickly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass)
• Muddler (if using sugar cubes)
• Bar spoon
• Peeler or paring knife for the citrus garnish

Step-by-Step: How To Make a Classic Old Fashioned

1. Start with sugar: Place a sugar cube in a rocks glass. Add 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water. Muddle until the sugar dissolves. (If using simple syrup, skip the muddling.)
2. Add whiskey: Pour in 2 oz (60 ml) of bourbon or rye whiskey.
3. Stir: Mix gently with a bar spoon to combine.
4. Add ice: Place a large cube or sphere into the glass.
5. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass, rim the glass with the peel, and drop it in.

You’ve now made a classic Old Fashioned! It should be smooth, slightly sweet, with the bitters and citrus enhancing rather than overpowering the whiskey.

Choosing the Right Whiskey

The star of the Old Fashioned is the whiskey, so choosing the right bottle matters:

• Bourbon: Sweeter, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Examples: Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace.
• Rye: Spicier, with peppery and herbal notes. Examples: Bulleit Rye, Rittenhouse Rye, Sazerac Rye.
• High-end options: Blanton’s Single Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, or even The Macallan for a luxurious twist.

Variations of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned has evolved into countless variations. Here are some popular riffs:

Rum Old Fashioned

Replace whiskey with aged rum, add demerara syrup, and garnish with lime peel.

Tequila or Mezcal Old Fashioned

Swap whiskey for reposado tequila or smoky mezcal. Use agave syrup instead of sugar. Garnish with a grapefruit peel.

Brandy Old Fashioned

Popular in Wisconsin, this version uses brandy instead of whiskey and often includes muddled cherries and soda.

Smoked Old Fashioned

Add a dramatic twist by smoking the glass with wood chips before serving.

Chocolate Old Fashioned

Add a dash of chocolate bitters and garnish with a chocolate shaving.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned

• Don’t over muddle: If you’re using fruit like cherries or orange slices, be careful not to over muddle—they can turn the drink bitter.
• Use big ice: Large cubes or spheres melt slowly and keep the drink cold without watering it down.
• Choose quality whiskey: The Old Fashioned highlights the spirit, so cheap whiskey will stand out (in a bad way).
• Bitters are key: A few extra dashes can completely change the drink’s balance.
• Experiment: Try flavored bitters, infused syrups, or smoked garnishes to make it your own.

Pairings with an Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned pairs beautifully with food, making it versatile for dinner parties:

• Cheese boards: Sharp cheddar or gouda balances the sweetness.
• Steak: The richness of the whiskey complements grilled meats.
• Dark chocolate: A sweet, indulgent pairing for dessert.
• Cigars: A classic pairing for whiskey lovers who want the full experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much sugar—balance is key.
• Over-diluting the drink with small ice cubes.
• Skipping the garnish—it adds essential aroma and flavor.
• Using low-quality whiskey.

The Old Fashioned in Pop Culture

The Old Fashioned has been immortalized in movies and TV shows. Don Draper from Mad Men famously sipped Old Fashioneds, reviving its popularity for a new generation. Today, it’s a staple at craft cocktail bars worldwide.

Hosting an Old Fashioned Night

Want to make the Old Fashioned the star of your next party? Here’s how:

• Create a whiskey bar: Offer a variety of bourbons and ryes for guests to choose from.
• Set up a garnish station: Include orange, lemon, grapefruit, and even cherries.
• Offer variations: Provide recipes for Rum, Tequila, or Brandy Old Fashioneds.
• Pair with food: Serve charcuterie, sliders, or steak bites.

Why the Old Fashioned Will Never Go Out of Style

The Old Fashioned endures because it embodies balance, simplicity, and elegance. It doesn’t require exotic ingredients or fancy equipment—just quality whiskey, sugar, bitters, and citrus. It’s approachable for beginners yet endlessly customizable for experts.

Final Sip

Knowing how to make an Old Fashioned is a rite of passage for whiskey lovers and home bartenders alike. With just a few ingredients and a little practice, you can master this timeless cocktail and make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore creative variations, the Old Fashioned is proof that sometimes, less truly is more.

Ready to make your own Old Fashioned? Shop engraved bourbon bottles and cocktail kits today at Elevated Spirit Shop and bring timeless style to your home bar.