Classic Old Fashioned
This Classic Old Fashioned cocktail is made the traditional way with a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and rye whiskey, plus one small twist. Orange bitters are added to smooth out the flavor of this cocktail to make it even more deliciously drinkable. Garnished with Amarena cherries and a flamed orange peel, this sophisticated and classic cocktail recipe will make you feel like a professional mixologist!
To learn how to make this classic cocktail recipe, see the printable recipe card below. Take a look at the recipe video, or get Step by Step Instructions for a more detailed explanation of this recipe. For other recipe variations, visit the Pimp My Recipe section in this recipe’s Blog Comments & Tips.
Sign up for a free subscription to our monthly newsletter and access to exclusive content.
To browse some of our favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and pantry items, visit our Recommended Products page.
RECIPE
(Check out our Step by Step Instructions below the recipe card.)
CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients
Instructions
- For the garnish, pierce Amarena cherries with a cocktail pick. Cut a 2 inch round slice of peel (a “coin”) from an orange. Set each one aside, plus one match stick (see Note #3).
- To a cocktail mixing glass, add sugar cube, Angostura bitters, orange bitters (optional), and 1 bar spoon of filtered water. Muddle the ingredients thoroughly. Add rye whisky, and stir thoroughly to combine and dissolve sugar.
- To a double old-fashioned glass (see Note #4), add one large ice cube, and set aside.
- To the cocktail mixing glass, add regular sized ice cubes, and stir for 15 seconds to chill the cocktail. Strain into the prepared glass.
- To garnish, strike a match, warm the oils of the orange peel, express the oils directly into the glass (see Note #5), then rub the orange zest all over the rim of the glass, and drop it into the cocktail. Garnish with the prepared cocktail pick, and enjoy!
Notes
- A Classic Old Fashioned typically uses only Angostura bitters. However, I find that adding just 2 drops of Fee Brothers orange bitters (or Angostura orange bitters) will smooth out the drink, and make this cocktail even more delicious!
- For this recipe I used WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 year rye whiskey, which has subtle citrus and grapefruit notes. If you prefer an older whiskey, try WhistlePig small batch 10 year rye whiskey, which has notes of caramel, burnt orange, and smoke.
- I like using a match stick instead of a lighter, so the scent of the lighter fluid doesn’t affect the aroma of the orange zest when you express the oils.
- I prefer to use a cocktail mixing glass, and strain the cocktail into a drinking glass with fresh ice. You want to add one large ice cube to your drinking glass and have it ready before you stir your cocktail. Otherwise, your cocktail will get diluted while you prepare your drinking glass.
- To learn how to flame and express the oils from an orange peel, visit Step 5 in the Step by Step Instructions on the website.
- Makes 1 serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
202.67Fat (grams)
0.06 gSat. Fat (grams)
0.01 gCarbs (grams)
11.9 gFiber (grams)
1.61 gNet carbs
10.29 gSugar (grams)
6.75 gProtein (grams)
0.35 gSodium (milligrams)
4.2 mgCholesterol (grams)
0 mgNutritional information provided is strictly an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods.
Step by Step Instructions
PREPARATION
Organize all your tools and ingredients before you begin. Getting all your ingredients in one place at the beginning will shorten your prep time.
Garnish
STEP 1
For the garnish, pierce two Amarena cherries with a cocktail pick. Cut a 2 inch round slice of peel (a “coin”) from an orange. Set each one aside, plus one match stick (see Note below).
Note: I prefer using a match stick instead of a lighter, so the scent of the lighter fluid doesn’t affect the aroma of the orange zest when you express the oils.
Cocktail
STEP 2
To a cocktail mixing glass, add 1 sugar cube, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, 2 drops of orange bitters (optional - see Note below), and 1 bar spoon of filtered water. Muddle the ingredients thoroughly. Add 2 ounces rye whisky, and stir thoroughly to combine and dissolve sugar.
Note: A Classic Old Fashioned typically uses only Angostura bitters. However, I find that adding just 2 drops of Fee Brothers orange bitters (or Angostura orange bitters) will smooth out the drink, and make this cocktail even more delicious!
STEP 3
To a double old-fashioned glass (see Note below), add one large ice cube, and set aside.
Note: I prefer to use a cocktail mixing glass, and strain the cocktail into a drinking glass with fresh ice. You want to add one large ice cube to your drinking glass and have it ready before you stir your cocktail. Otherwise, your cocktail will get diluted while you prepare your drinking glass.
STEP 4
To the cocktail mixing glass, add regular sized ice cubes, and stir for 15 seconds to chill the cocktail. Strain into the prepared glass.
STEP 5
To flame the orange peel garnish, strike a match, hold the peel directly over the glass (facing away from you), and warm the oils by waving the flame about 1 inch away from the peel. Then with the flame about 1 ½ inches in front of the peel, pinch the coin to express the oils into the cocktail (it should spark), blow out the match, and rub the orange zest all over the rim of the glass. Drop it into the cocktail.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Garnish with the prepared cocktail pick, and enjoy!
VIDEO
How to Make a Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail!
(VIDEO COMING SOON)
Blog Comments & Tips
The perfect classic cocktail!
What is the most classic cocktail you can think of? A Classic Old Fashioned cocktail is certainly one of the most traditional drinks in America. In the last few years, I have grown to really enjoy a well made Old Fashioned, especially during the cooler months of the year. There is something about sipping on rye or bourbon whiskey that warms the soul.
It is said that the modern version of this cocktail was first created in 1882 by a bartender in Chicago, Illinois, using Kentucky rye whiskey. This commonly ordered cocktail has many variations depending on the bartender/mixologist who makes it. Ranging from either rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey, the drink’s flavor really varies based upon the mixologist’s preference. Often various types of bitters are added, as well as syrups instead of a sugar cube, and even muddling the fruit before adding the spirit. My favorite version is the Classic Old Fashioned with a couple of drops of orange bitters, and a flamed orange peel to perfume the cocktail. And, we must not forget about those Amarena cherries!
If you want to serve this drink in style, you must learn to flame the orange peel to express the oils into the cocktail. Rubbing the flamed peel all over the rim also enhances the citrus aroma when you take your first sips.
How do you ensure the best results from this recipe?
My 5 tips to making the perfect Classic Old Fashioned cocktail:
High quality ingredients. Use a good quality rye whiskey (or bourbon if you prefer). For this recipe, I used WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 year rye whiskey, which has subtle citrus and grapefruit notes. If you prefer an older whiskey, try WhistlePig small batch 10 year rye whiskey, which has notes of caramel, burnt orange, and smoke.
The quality of the bitters does make a difference. I went the classic route and used Angostura bitters. However, I find that adding just 2 drops of Fee Brothers orange bitters (or Angostura orange bitters) will smooth out the drink, and make this cocktail even more delicious!
Use a cocktail mixing glass, and strain the cocktail into a drinking glass with fresh ice. You want to add one large ice cube to your drinking glass and have it ready before you stir your cocktail. Otherwise, your cocktail will get diluted while you prepare your drinking glass.
To flame the orange peel garnish, strike a match, hold the peel directly over the glass (facing away from you), and warm the oils by waving the flame about 1 inch away from the peel. Then with the flame about 1 ½ inches in front of the peel, pinch the coin to express the oils into the cocktail (it should spark), blow out the match, and rub the orange zest all over the rim of the glass. Drop it into the cocktail.
Do NOT use maraschino cherries. To elevate this cocktail, I highly recommend using Amarena cherries. Trader Joe’s also has wonderful Amarena cherries, but they are seasonal.
It’s time to customize and Pimp My Recipe.
Pimp My Recipe:
Don’t like Rye Whiskey? This is an easy swap. Replace the rye whiskey with bourbon whiskey.
Don’t have sugar cubes? Replace the sugar cube with ¼ ounce of simple syrup. For a unique and cherry forward flavor, you can use ¼ ounce of the syrup from the Amarena cherries jar!
Enjoy and let me know what you think by commenting below, rating my recipes, subscribing, following, and liking Prep My Recipe on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok! Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates on new recipes and tips & tricks.
Santé!
Mich
Footnote: In order to dissolve the sugar and before adding the ice, remember to muddle well and then stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Every editorial product is independently selected. I may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you purchase products via these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
