Craving a timeless classic cocktail? Let me show you how to make the Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe right at home. This iconic bourbon drink is smooth, bold, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with aromatic bitters and citrus oils. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or winding down after a long day, this easy Old Fashioned recipe never goes out of style.

Made with just a handful of simple ingredients — whiskey, sugar, bitters, and orange peel — this cocktail proves that sometimes less really is more. I’ll walk you through exactly how I make my favorite old fashioned, along with pro tips to elevate your home bartending game.

Ingredients List

Old Fashioned Cocktail Ingredients

2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon demerara or granulated sugar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice (large cube preferred)
2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
1 wide strip orange peel
1 to 2 Luxardo cherries, for garnish (optional)

Required Bar Tools

When I make the best Old Fashioned cocktail, having the right tools makes all the difference. You don’t need anything fancy, but these essentials help create a perfectly balanced drink.

Old Fashioned Glass (Rocks Glass): This short, sturdy glass is ideal for serving the cocktail over ice.
Bar Spoon: Perfect for gently stirring the drink without over-diluting it.
Jigger: Ensures precise measurement of whiskey and water.
Vegetable Peeler or Paring Knife: Helps me cut a wide strip of fresh orange peel.
Large Ice Cube Mold (Optional but Recommended): A large cube melts slower and keeps the drink strong and smooth.

Having these tools ready makes the cocktail-making process effortless and enjoyable.

How I Prepare the Perfect Old Fashioned

Making a classic Old Fashioned cocktail is simple, but technique matters. Here’s exactly how I do it.

Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar

In my rocks glass, I combine:

1 teaspoon demerara (or granulated) sugar
2 teaspoons water
3 dashes Angostura bitters

I gently stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Demerara sugar adds a slightly richer, caramel-like depth, which I absolutely love in this drink.

Step 2: Add Ice and Whiskey

Next, I add a large ice cube to the glass. Then I pour in:

2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey

Bourbon gives a smoother, slightly sweeter finish, while rye adds a spicier kick. Both work beautifully depending on your preference.

Step 3: Stir to Perfection

Using a bar spoon, I stir the drink for about 20–30 seconds. This chills the cocktail while slightly diluting it for perfect balance.

The key is not to shake — stirring keeps the texture silky and refined.

Garnishing & Flavor Enhancement

Expressing the Orange Peel

This step elevates the drink from good to exceptional.

I take a wide strip of orange peel and gently twist it over the glass to release the natural citrus oils onto the surface of the cocktail. You’ll actually see a fine mist — that’s pure aroma magic.

Then I rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in.

Optional: Luxardo Cherries

If I’m feeling indulgent, I add 1 to 2 Luxardo cherries. They add a deep, rich sweetness that complements the bitters and whiskey beautifully.

Avoid bright red maraschino cherries — authentic Luxardo cherries make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Serving, Variations & Storage Tips

How I Serve an Old Fashioned

I serve it immediately after stirring. This cocktail is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. The flavors continue to evolve as the ice melts slightly.

It pairs wonderfully with:

Grilled steak
Dark chocolate desserts
A charcuterie board
Roasted nuts

Best Whiskey for Old Fashioned

For the best Old Fashioned cocktail recipe, I recommend:

Bourbon: For smooth vanilla and caramel notes
Rye Whiskey: For bold spice and complexity

Choose a quality mid-range bottle — no need for ultra-premium, but avoid bottom-shelf options.

Easy Variations

Smoked Old Fashioned: Use a cocktail smoker for a smoky aroma.
Maple Old Fashioned: Replace sugar with pure maple syrup.
Orange Bitters Twist: Add 1 dash of orange bitters for extra citrus depth.

Storage Tips

An Old Fashioned is best made fresh. However, if you’re batching for a party:

Mix whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters ahead of time.
Store in a sealed glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Add ice and garnish just before serving.

Conclusion

Mastering the best Old Fashioned cocktail recipe is all about simplicity and balance. With just a few high-quality ingredients and proper technique, I can create a timeless drink that never disappoints.

This classic whiskey cocktail is bold yet smooth, slightly sweet yet aromatic — a true staple in any home bar. Whether you prefer bourbon or rye, once you learn how to make an Old Fashioned properly, you’ll return to it again and again.

Now pour yourself a glass, twist that orange peel, and enjoy one of the most iconic cocktails ever created. Cheers! 🥃

Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe