How To Make The Best Old-Fashioned You've Ever Had

Picking your bourbon and sugar

Given the limited number of ingredients in an old-fashioned cocktail, it's essential to carefully consider each element. First and foremost, you'll need whiskey. While bourbon is the traditional choice for Old-Fashioneds, you can opt for something different if you prefer. For instance, if you enjoy a spicier profile, rye whiskey is a great alternative. It's important to select a whiskey with a strong flavor, as it serves as the foundation of this drink. Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, and Maker's Mark are all excellent options, and for this recipe, we will be using Maker's Mark.

Next, you'll need to choose your sugar. An Old-Fashioned is typically prepared with a sugar cube, which is muddled together with bitters. However, since many people don't keep sugar cubes on hand, you can easily replace them with cane sugar. If you're worried about the sugar cube not dissolving completely, you might consider using a homemade simple syrup instead. The total sugar content will remain the same: one sugar cube equals one teaspoon of sugar, which is equivalent to two teaspoons of simple syrup. For an added flavor enhancement, consider using demerara sugar, which retains a hint of molasses.

The finishing touches

To complete your cocktail, you'll need some aromatic bitters, which require just a few shakes. While Angostura is a well-known choice, feel free to select any brand you like. We're using Wigle Whiskey's aromatic bitters for this recipe. Some enthusiasts also enjoy adding orange bitters, but this is optional and entirely your decision. For garnish, an orange peel is ideal, as it enhances the orange notes without relying on orange-flavored bitters.

If you plan to add a cherry as a garnish, consider your options carefully. Standard maraschino cherries from the grocery store are acceptable, but for a truly exceptional Old-Fashioned, we suggest upgrading to cocktail cherries. Luxardo cherries, for instance, are free from thickeners and boast a natural deep burgundy color rather than an artificial bright red. You can also find brands that have been brined in brandy, offering a rich and flavorful experience. These choices are far superior to the artificial sundae cherries typically found in stores.

Lastly, don’t forget the ice. We recommend using large whiskey ice cubes, as they melt more slowly than standard small cubes, ensuring your drink stays cool and strong without becoming diluted too quickly.

What tools do you need?

As previously noted, you won't require much specialized equipment. A whiskey tumbler, which is a short and sturdy glass, is essential. While some people prefer to use multiple glasses for this recipe and transfer the cocktail to the final glass once it's ready, we’ve found that this isn’t strictly necessary and only adds to the number of dishes to clean.

You'll also need a measuring tool for your whiskey, like a jigger. That's pretty much all you need. If you're incorporating a sugar cube in your Old-Fashioned, a muddler will be necessary. However, if you don’t have one, you can easily use the end of a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to muddle.

Lastly, if you wish to use a large whiskey ice cube, you'll need a mold. Affordable options are available on Amazon, including both large cubes and spheres. Either choice will enhance both the flavor and presentation of your Old-Fashioned.

Avoid these common mistakes

Before we get into the instructions, let's address some common pitfalls to avoid. First, refrain from adding the cherry liquid to your drink, as it can overwhelm the flavor and introduce excessive sweetness to your Old-Fashioned. Similarly, avoid pouring or squeezing orange juice into your cocktail, as it will lead to the same issues. Additionally, be cautious with the sugar; it should merely complement the bourbon rather than make the drink overly sweet. If you're in the mood for something sweeter, consider choosing a different cocktail.

Lastly, remember to express the orange essence as outlined below. This simple step adds a lovely and subtle balance to the overall drink.

Add the sugar

After you've chosen the type of sugar you want to use, place it at the bottom of your tumbler. Once more, try to avoid the urge to add extra sugar. It may not seem like much, but believe us, one sugar cube, one teaspoon of sugar, or two teaspoons of simple syrup is more than enough.

Dash the bitters

Next, add three to four dashes of bitters to the cup over the sugar. If you prefer to use both aromatic and orange bitters, you can do two dashes of each or three dashes of aromatic and one of orange. If you're using a sugar cube, now is the moment to muddle the sugar and bitters together.

Pour in your bourbon and stir

After mixing your sugar and bitters, pour in two ounces of bourbon. Stir the mixture until all the sugar has completely dissolved. Keep in mind that this process will take more time with granulated sugar or a sugar cube compared to using simple syrup. This is also the reason we hold off on adding ice, as sugar dissolves more slowly in cold liquids. Be sure to continue stirring until every grain of granulated sugar is fully dissolved.

Add your ice cube

After the sugar has completely dissolved and blended in, carefully add your large ice cube to the cocktail. Be gentle to avoid splashing your drink.

Express the orange peel

Grab your slender piece of orange peel. Position it just above the glass with the peel directed towards the drink. Swiftly fold the top and bottom edges together lengthwise and snap the sides. This action will release the orange oil onto the drink. Once you've expressed the oil, glide the peel along the rim of the glass.

Garnish your drink

Add the expressed orange peel to the glass. If you want to be a bit fancy, give it a twist. Next, take a cherry from the container and place it on top. Your cocktail is now ready to enjoy!

Other fun Old-Fashioned recipes and additions

Now that you've mastered the art of crafting a classic Old-Fashioned, it's time to get creative. Consider replacing the bourbon with a different spirit like gin. You could also introduce some floral elements by incorporating flavors like sweet lavender. Feel free to experiment with these and any other combinations you desire, giving this timeless cocktail your personal touch.