100 Best Old Fashioned Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol to make an Old Fashioned with? ›

With that said, bourbon is often the go-to whiskey choice for an Old Fashioned. The relatively heavy body of the mostly corn-based spirit creates structure within the co*cktail, and its natural sweetness helps counterbalance the more astringent elements of bitters.

The first whiskey old fashioned recipe was printed in 1895 in Modern American Drinks by George Kappeler. His recipe instructs the reader to dissolve a lump of sugar in water, add two dashes of bitters, a piece of ice, lemon-peel and one jigger whiskey.

Bourbon or rye whiskey

Consequently, some traditionalists insist an Old-Fashioned should be made with rye, but bourbon is equally correct and the choice of whiskey should be entirely up to the personal taste of the drinker. Bourbon makes a mellow, slightly sweeter drink, while rye adds more spice and kick.

I recommend a high-proof bourbon with bold flavor notes, so that its flavor will not be overpowered by the orange and bitters. Bitters: Angostura bitters are most commonly used in this co*cktail. I generally add about 3 to 4 shakes, but feel free to add as many as you prefer.

I focused my tasting on American whiskeys, stressing a balance between familiar bottles and less-famous ones that are well worth space on your shelf, though there are any number of fantastic rye-forward Canadian whiskeys that make great Old Fashioned co*cktails, such as Crown Royal and Alberta Premium.

But the simple syrup in this staple (as well as co*cktails like a Whiskey Sour) isn't so simple, nutritionally speaking. “Just 1-ounce packs in over 5 teaspoons of added sugar,” Holthaus says. “And a 6-ounce Old Fashioned will cost you around 260 calories.”

Both co*cktails call for whisky and Angostura bitters, but the defining factor lies in their sweetening agents. The Old Fashioned opts for straightforward sugar or syrup, helping to soften the whisky. In contrast the Manhattan favours a sweet vermouth – adding fruity and caramel flavours into the mix.

In a mixing glass, stir together two ounces of bourbon, whiskey or rye, rich simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube, and garnish with an orange peel and/or a maraschino cherry, if desired.

The best old fashioned recipes call for sugar to balance the alcohol. I use simple syrup, which quickly dissolves and is simple to make. It also allows us to play around and use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the syrup, giving our co*cktail a caramel-like flavor that works well with whiskey or rum.

Sweet and strong with touches of citrus, the Old Fashioned never really gets old, especially when it's made with Maker's Mark^®.

What is the best affordable bourbon for an Old Fashioned? ›

Evan Williams. For those seeking a balance of quality and affordability, Evan Williams Black Label delivers. This bourbon boasts a smooth and mellow profile, with a hint of caramel and a touch of oak.

Knob Creek 7-Year Rye Whiskey

Balanced with a spicy black pepper taste and a sweet vanilla and caramel flavoring, this blend is one of the best bottles of whiskey for Old Fashioned co*cktails. True to its name, this is aged in barrels for seven years to give it the perfect flavor profiling.

There's no wrong way to order an Old Fashioned, simply state what you want and how you want it. Start by saying the type of whisky you fancy, followed by any tweaks you want to make. It could be with a twist, an extra dash of bitters or syrup instead of sugar.

Reach for an aged rum or even gin. Or add a mix of tequila and mezcal. And use whichever bitters you have: Angostura, orange or otherwise. Needless to say, a rye old-fashioned and a rum old-fashioned taste quite different, but both work.

Sweet and strong with touches of citrus, the Old Fashioned never really gets old, especially when it's made with Maker's Mark^®.

🥃 Quick summary. Whiskey is a general term for an alcoholic liquor made from fermented mashed grains. Bourbon is the term for a whiskey made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. Bourbon was traditionally made in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and most bourbon is still produced in the state of Kentucky.