Old Fashioned Cocktail

A classic cocktail recipe! An Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar with bitters and then adding whiskey. Finish it with an orange peel and serve it in an old fashioned glass. This creates an easy, yet impressive and timeless cocktail. It’s the perfect way to dress up your favorite whiskey.

Who are my whiskey fans? I’ve got a great classic cocktail to share today – an Old Fashioned! It’s been around forever (since the 1800s!) and I understand why: it’s a smooth, cold cocktail made with just a few ingredients.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had one might a suggest making one for your next at-home happy hour? They’re so simple! Plus, it’s an opportunity to break out the old-fashioned sugar cubes. I love an excuse to use them.

Jason and I like to treat ourselves with a cocktail sometimes and this one never disappoints! Add a salty snack like my ranch pretzels or honey mustard snack mix for a fun cocktail hour at home.

Not a fan of whiskey? Make sure to try our Amaretto Sour!

What’s in an Old Fashioned Cocktail?

There are many variations of this drink including ones that have club soda and garnishes like a maraschino cherry. Some versions don’t include the orange peel, some do. This is my favorite way to make this classic drink. Like all things, you can customize it your tastes!

• Rye Whiskey – This can all be subbed for Bourbon, but traditionally the whiskey is used.
• Sugar cube – You will find these by the sugar in the grocery store. We use the plane cane sugar cubes.
• Splash of water
• Angostura bitters – This adds a bitter flavor to cocktails and drinks. It is made of spices and herbs.
• Orange peel – A lemon peel could also be used instead.

What’s the Difference Between an Old Fashioned and Manhattan?

There’s not much of a difference between these two classic cocktails! It’s basically a difference in sweeteners – an Old Fashioned is sweetened with plain sugar and a Manhattan is sweetened with sweet vermouth. They are two different drinks with just that one difference!

How to Make an Old Fashioned

It’s such a simple drink to make – all you need is a rocks glass and a muddler and you’re ready to mix your cocktail.

• Mix & Muddle – Place the sugar, water and bitters in the bottom of the glass. Muddle them together for one minute. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
• Add Alcohol – Add the whiskey and stir.
• Garnish – Take your orange peel and twist it over the drink before dropping it in. This is called “expressing” the peel.

That’s it – so easy!

I love that it’s so easy to make a single drink – if you’re entertaining, just leave out the ingredients so your guests can mix their own! Don’t get too carried away, though, because this cocktail packs a boozy punch. It’s a serious drink!

What Other Drinks Have Whiskey?

You can use whiskey in all kinds of drinks! Here are some more ideas:

• A Hot Toddy is a classic warm cocktail. It’s a blend of hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice.
• If you like shots a Pickleback is a fun one! It’s super simple and it’s one of the most popular shots ordered in bars around the world!
• Like I already mentioned, a classic Manhattan is another easy drink to make!

More Cocktails to Try

I love a good drink – here are some more amazing drinks you might like to try!

• An Amaretto Sour is so simple to make – it only takes five minutes! It’s a sweet cocktail made with almond-flavored liqueur that’s mixed with lemon juice and lemon-lime soda.
• For another timeless drink, you have to try a Mai Tai! It’s a delicious and refreshing drink.
• I always love a Mojito – it’s the perfect blend of sweetness, citrus and mint to complement the rum in the drink.
• A Whiskey Sour is an easy drink to make at home! It’s sweet and tart and so delicious.

Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!!? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!