The Old Fashioned Cocktail is an alcoholic drink made with rye whiskey or bourbon, sugar, Angostura bitters, soda water, and ice, garnished with an orange slice and a cherry or maraschino cherry. It is traditionally served in an "old-fashioned" glass, hence its name: its very high alcohol content, around 30%, makes it perfect for sipping after dinner, but it can also be served as an aperitif.
It's on the IBA (International Bartenders Association) list of "unforgettables" and can be made without any special equipment: all you need is a tumbler and a bar spoon, a long teaspoon with which to mix the ingredients.
Old Fashioned History
The Old Fashioned cocktail has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century, making it one of the oldest known mixed drinks. It is believed to have originated at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky around the 1880s, where it was first created by bartender James E. Pepper for a club member. Initially called the "whiskey cocktail," it was made by muddling sugar, bitters, and water with whiskey, and it was soon referred to as the "Old Fashioned" as drinkers in the late 1800s began requesting their cocktails made the traditional way, without the modern additions like sweet vermouth or fruit garnishes. Over time, the Old Fashioned became a staple in bars around the world, embodying simplicity and refinement with just whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus peel. Its classic style continues to be a beloved choice for cocktail enthusiasts today.
Manhattan Vs. Old Fashioned
The difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan comes down to both ingredients and flavor profile. An Old Fashioned is made with whiskey (usually bourbon or rye), sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel, and it’s designed to highlight the spirit itself with minimal sweetness and no dilution beyond ice. A Manhattan, on the other hand, adds sweet vermouth to the mix along with whiskey and bitters, creating a drink that is smoother, slightly sweeter, and more aromatic. In short, the Old Fashioned is spirit-forward and simple, while the Manhattan is more rounded and complex thanks to the vermouth.
What's The Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned?
The best whiskey for an Old Fashioned is typically bourbon or rye, depending on the flavor you prefer. Bourbon is the most popular choice in the U.S. because it brings natural sweetness, vanilla, and caramel notes, making the drink smooth and approachable (brands like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace work well). Rye whiskey, on the other hand, creates a more classic, slightly drier Old Fashioned with a spicier, sharper edge (think Bulleit Rye or Rittenhouse).
Ingredients
How to Make Old Fashioned Cocktail
To prepare the Old Fashioned, start by placing the brown sugar cube (or the two teaspoons) inside the appropriate glass, then pour a few drops of Angostura bitters.
To prepare the Old Fashioned, start by placing the brown sugar cube (or the two teaspoons) inside the appropriate glass, then pour a few drops of Angostura bitters.
Add a little soda (about a teaspoon) and mix, so that the sugar dissolves.
Add a little soda (about a teaspoon) and mix, so that the sugar dissolves.
Pour the Rye whiskey too or Bourbon, then mix all the ingredients with the appropriate bar spoon.
Pour the Rye whiskey too or Bourbon, then mix all the ingredients with the appropriate bar spoon.
At this point, add the ice cubes and give it another stir, so as to cool the drink and bring it to an optimal temperature.
At this point, add the ice cubes and give it another stir, so as to cool the drink and bring it to an optimal temperature.
Finally, garnish with a thinly sliced orange slice and a maraschino cherry (or morello cherry).
Finally, garnish with a thinly sliced orange slice and a maraschino cherry (or morello cherry).
The Old Fashioned is ready to be sipped!
The Old Fashioned is ready to be sipped!
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