What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making an Old Fashioned at home is easier than you think, and the results are worth every sip. You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, uses just a handful of ingredients, and lets you enjoy a classic cocktail without leaving your kitchen. The combination of whiskey, sugar, and bitters creates a smooth, balanced drink that feels special. Plus, mixing it yourself means you can tweak it to your taste, making it sweeter or stronger as you like. It’s a timeless recipe that’s perfect for relaxing after a long day or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Recipe
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century. Known for its simplicity and bold flavors, it remains a favorite among whiskey lovers. This timeless drink combines bourbon or rye whiskey with sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist for a perfectly balanced sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp granulated sugar)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange twist (for garnish)
- 1 large ice cube (or a few smaller ones)
- Optional: 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- Add the bitters and a splash of water (or club soda) to help dissolve the sugar.
- Muddle the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the whiskey and stir well.
- Fill the glass with a large ice cube (or smaller cubes).
- Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry if desired.
Notes:
- For a smoother drink, use high-quality whiskey.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- If using granulated sugar, make sure it dissolves completely before adding ice.
Equipment:
- Old Fashioned glass
- Muddler or spoon
- Bar spoon for stirring
Time:
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 1 cocktail
Nutrition
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic drink made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters. Here are its nutritional details per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 154 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Total Carbs | 6 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade Old Fashioned with a simple yet tasty cheese platter, as the flavors complement each other perfectly. Grilled meats, like steak or chicken, also make it a hearty and satisfying combo for a cozy evening. It’s all about finding what feels right for your taste and vibe.
Cheese Platter
When you’re serving a homemade Old Fashioned, a well-paired cheese platter can take your cocktail hour to the next level. I love pairing bold cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda with the whiskey’s rich flavors. Soft cheeses like brie or camembert add a creamy contrast, balancing the drink’s bite. Don’t forget blue cheese—its sharp tang complements the sweetness of the cocktail beautifully. Add some nuts, like walnuts or almonds, and dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, for texture and sweetness. A few crackers or slices of crusty bread round it out perfectly. It’s simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Meats
Grilled meats shine when paired with sides that balance their smoky richness, and I’ve found that a mix of fresh, tangy, and hearty options works best. A crisp cucumber salad with lemon dressing cuts through the fat, while roasted potatoes with rosemary add a satisfying crunch. Corn on the cob, slathered in butter, brings sweetness that complements the charred flavors. For something lighter, grilled asparagus or zucchini keeps things bright. Don’t forget a tangy chimichurri sauce—it’s my go-to for extra flavor. Whether it’s steak, chicken, or ribs, these sides elevate the meal without stealing the spotlight from the star of the grill.
