Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 50 mlrye whisky or bourbon
• 1sugar cube or 10 ml sugar syrup
• 3 to 5 dashesAngostura bitters
• A fewlarge ice cubes
• To garnishorange slice or orange zest

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the sugar

   Place the sugar cube or sugar syrup in the centre of the glass.

2. 2

   Add bitters

   Add the Angostura bitters and a very small splash of orange juice, taking care to avoid any pips.

3. 3

   Combine ingredients

   Stir until combined, then add the ice and whisky. Bourbon or rye whisky are both classic choices.

4. 4

   Stir slowly

   Use a bar spoon to stir slowly in circles, letting a little water from the ice blend into the drink for a slightly syrupy texture.

5. 5

   Garnish and serve

   Finish with a piece of orange zest and serve.

What is an Old Fashioned?

The Old Fashioned is a classic American cocktail built around whisky, sugar and bitters. Its simple combination belongs to the early tradition of mixed drinks, where spirits were lightly seasoned rather than masked.

This version keeps the whisky at the centre, with orange as a fragrant finishing touch. Slow stirring softens the spirit and brings the sugar and bitters together.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 140 calories, 0g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the energy comes from the whisky, with additional carbohydrate from the sugar cube or syrup; the bitters contribute only a small amount. Serve it alongside a balanced meal or a savoury snack if you want the drink to be part of a more substantial occasion.

Choosing the whisky and sweetener

Whisky: Rye gives the drink a spicier edge, while bourbon tends to bring a rounder, sweeter character. Either works well, so choose one you enjoy sipping.

Sugar: A cube dissolves gradually as you stir; sugar syrup mixes in more quickly. Both provide the sweetness that balances the whisky and bitters.

Getting the texture right

Stirring: Use a bar spoon to move slowly around the glass rather than shaking the drink. This chills and combines it while allowing a small amount of meltwater to soften the whisky.

Ice: Large cubes melt more slowly than small pieces, helping you control how diluted the drink becomes. Stir until the drink is cold and the sweetener is incorporated.

Bitters and orange

Bitters: Start with three dashes for a gentler aromatic note, or use up to five for a more pronounced bitters flavour. Add them directly to the sweetener so they are distributed as you stir.

Orange: The method includes a tiny splash of orange juice, while the listed garnish is an orange slice or zest. Keep any juice splash small, and avoid letting pips fall into the glass.

Serving the drink

Serve the Old Fashioned in the glass you mixed it in, with the large ice cubes and orange garnish. It is best enjoyed soon after stirring, while it is chilled and the dilution is still balanced.

For a simple accompaniment, serve it with salted nuts, olives or a small savoury snack. These give you something to nibble without competing with the whisky.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a glass with enough room to stir comfortably around the ice.
• Choose a whisky whose flavour you enjoy on its own, as it remains prominent.
• Measure the whisky rather than pouring by eye for a consistent drink.
• Add bitters gradually within the stated range and adjust to taste.
• Use orange zest for a fragrant garnish without adding much juice.

Variations

• Choose rye: Use rye whisky for a spicier, drier-tasting version.
• Choose bourbon: Use bourbon for a rounder, sweeter whisky character.
• Use sugar syrup: Swap in 10 ml sugar syrup for a sweetener that stirs in easily.
• Adjust the bitters: Use three dashes for a subtler bitters note or five for more intensity.
• Garnish with orange: Use a slice instead of zest for a fuller citrus garnish.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Stirring too quickly: Move the spoon slowly in circles so the drink chills without being needlessly agitated.
• Using small ice: Small pieces can dilute the drink quickly; choose a few large cubes.
• Adding too much sugar: Keep to the sugar cube or 10 ml syrup so the whisky remains in focus.
• Skipping the stir: Stir until the sweetener is combined and a little meltwater has softened the drink.
• Dropping in orange pips: Check the fruit before adding the tiny splash of juice or garnish.

How to store

An Old Fashioned is best made and served immediately rather than stored. If left standing, the ice will continue to melt and dilute the drink.

Frequently asked questions