Old Fashioned cocktail
Created during the 19th century, the Old Fashioned is a classic alcoholic cocktail made with whiskey, bitters and sugar.
It had many iterations during the 19th Century, but the common garnish of a maraschino cherry wasn't added to the official Old Fashioned cocktail recipe until the 1930s.
The Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, claims the Old Fashioned cocktail was invented there in 1881.
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2.5
Equipment
- Lowball glass
Ingredients
- 60 ml whiskey
- 25 ml soda water
- 2 dahes angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- ice cubes
- 1 maraschino cherry
- 1 orange slice or rind
Instructions
- Put the sugar cube, soda water, angostura bitters in the glass.
- Then mix until the sugar cube has dissolved.
- Next pour in the brandy, and stir until it too has mixed.
- Add a couple more of ice cubes and garnish with the orange slice/rind and the maraschino cherry.
FAQ
What’s the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan?
An Old Fashioned uses sugar, bitters, and bourbon or rye, served over ice. A Manhattan swaps sugar for sweet vermouth and is typically stirred and served up.
Should I use bourbon or rye in an Old Fashioned?
Both are traditional. Bourbon gives a sweeter, rounder flavour, while rye is spicier and drier – choose based on your preference.
Is it OK to use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?
Yes, simple syrup blends more easily and speeds up preparation, though some purists prefer the ritual of muddling the cube.
What’s the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan?
The Manhattan uses sweet vermouth instead of sugar and bitters, giving it a richer, more herbal character. The Old Fashioned is simpler and more whiskey-forward.
Can I make an Old Fashioned with brandy instead of whiskey?
Yes – the Brandy Old Fashioned is especially popular in Wisconsin. You can also try the Brandy Manhattan for another brandy-based twist.
What cocktails are similar to the Old Fashioned?
If you enjoy spirit-forward drinks, try the Sazerac for a New Orleans take with absinthe, or the Boulevardier which swaps whiskey for a bittersweet blend with Campari and vermouth.
Why is it called an “Old Fashioned”?
It refers to an early style of cocktail mixing – just spirit, sugar, water, and bitters – before modern trends introduced more elaborate ingredients.