The Old Fashioned gets its name because it started as literally the cocktail. That’s right: the first cocktail in existence! The definition of the word cocktail was first documented in 1806 in a New York paper The Balance and Columbian Repository, calling it a “concoction of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar,” essentially a recipe for an Old Fashioned. Once more cocktails came along in the 1880’s, they needed a name for that original whiskey cocktail. The “Old Fashioned” was born.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century. It's simple, but it has a rich, smooth flavor, primarily featuring whiskey.
In a highball or rocks glass, place 1 sugar cube and soak it with 4 dashes of bitters. Add 1/2 teaspoon of water and muddle until sugar is mostly dissolved.
Add 2 ounces of bourbon for sweet hints of vanilla and oak, or use a rye whiskey for a spicer finish.
Squeeze and twist the orange peel to release the oils. Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass to flavor the rim with the peel oils. Add the ice cube, the orange peel, and the cherry.
Servings 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
This is the traditional method, though many recipes these days call for simple syrup since it dissolves better. We like the nuanced sweetness of the sugar cube best: it allows the whiskey to shine. Don’t worry if it doesn’t dissolve all the way.
