Classic Cocktails · Whiskey Cocktails

Old Fashioned

A direct descendant of the earliest printed definition of a 'cocktail': spirit, sugar, water and bitters.

Base spirit: Whiskey
Origin: United States
Period: 19th century

Ingredients

IBA official specification

Bourbon or rye whiskey45 ml
Sugar cube1 cube
Angostura bitters3 dash
Plain water2 dash

Glass: Old fashioned (rocks)
Ice: Large cube
Garnish: Orange peel, optional cocktail cherry
Technique: Built
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 4 min

Method

01
Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and saturate with bitters and a few dashes of water.
02
Muddle until the sugar dissolves.
03
Add a large ice cube and pour in the whiskey.
04
Stir gently for 20 seconds.
05
Express an orange peel over the drink and garnish.

Tasting Notes

Sweetness

Acidity

Bitterness

Body

Aroma: Vanilla, oak, orange oil, clove
Finish: Warm and lingering
Character: Rich, spirit-forward, contemplative

Tasting scores are MIXY editorial assessments.

History & Background

In 1806 the Balance and Columbian Repository defined a cocktail as spirits, sugar, water and bitters. As drinks grew more elaborate, patrons began asking for whiskey cocktails the 'old-fashioned' way.

Disputed or unverified

The Pendennis Club in Louisville is often named as its birthplace; this claim is not supported by reliable evidence.

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