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  • Emily Wilson
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Old Fashioned Recipe | How To Make An Old Fashioned Cocktail

It doesn’t get much more classic than an old fashioned – the original recipe dates back to the 1800s! With both sweet and bitter notes complementing each other, there are a variety of different takes on the cocktail, with each variation more popular than the last. Easy to make, the old fashioned is sophisticated and timeless. 

What’s In An Old Fashioned? 

The base of an old fashioned is whiskey, bitters, sugar and water, though both orange and cherry garnishes are common additions to the drink. Soda water is also a popular addition, adding a light and subtle spritz to the cocktail. 

How To Make An Old Fashioned Cocktail 

Part of the old fashioned’s charm is that it can be created in a matter of minutes, making it as simple as it is delicious. Here’s how to make an old fashioned cocktail in just a few simple steps. 

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients Needed:

  • 2 tsp of sugar syrup (or 1tsp of granulated sugar)
  • 1-2 dashes of bitters 
  • A splash of water 
  • 60ml of whisky or bourbon 
  • Soda water (optional) 
  • Orange slice 
  • Maraschino cherry 
  • Ice 

Method:

  1. Place the sugar and bitters into a mixing glass and add a splash of water. 
  2. Stir the mix together (until the sugar dissolves if using granulated sugar). 
  3. Fill the glass with ice cubes, and stir in the whiskey.
  4. Add a splash of soda water and stir together. 
  5. Strain into a whisky tumbler filled with ice and garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry. 
  6. Serve immediately.

Alternative Old Fashioned Recipes 

With the old fashioned having been around for so long, an extensive number of alternatives have been created as an ode to the original – each as tasty and as tempting as the classic. If you’re an old fashioned fan or fancy trying something a little different, why not try out an alternative recipe. 

Orange Old Fashioned 

An orange old fashioned is a delicious twist on the classic recipe, with a fresh and fruity taste complimenting the deep flavour of the original. Our recipe uses Oleo Saccharum syrup to provide a fun, sherbet kick to the base notes. 

Equipment Needed:

  • Mixing glass 
  • Jigger 
  • Bar spoon 
  • Whiskey tumbler
  • Strainer  

Ingredients Needed:

Method:

  1. Place the Oleo Saccharum syrup, whiskey and bitters into a mixing glass with plenty of ice. 
  2. Stir together with a bar spoon for around 30 seconds to a minute. 
  3. Add ice to your whiskey tumbler and strain the cocktail in. 
  4. Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice and serve immediately. 

Conclusion 

The old fashioned is an easy cocktail to make that exudes elegance and class – with variations available to suit all tastes. From fruity alternatives to botanical ones, there’s an old fashioned recipe for everyone. The cocktail is both smooth and strong and is well worth a taste if you’re yet to try it.