Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the great classic cocktails and a recipe that was at the forefront of the craft cocktail revolution of the late 90s. Back then we would stir whisky with one or two cubes of ice at a time for five or six minutes; we aren’t sure why we bothered.

Here we recommend a somewhat simpler process to get you there a lot faster. Which is adding a splash of water and stirring it down with ice in a mixing glass.

Whisk(e)y

Stir

Ingredients 

  • 45 ml AMERICAN WHISKY (1 1/2 parts)
  • 7.5 ml SUGAR (1/4 part)
  • 2 DASH ANGOSTURA BITTERS
  • 2 DASH ORANGE BITTERS
Pin Recipe

How to make it

  • 1 – Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir to dissolve sugar.
  • 2 – Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir.
  • 3 – Strain into a lowball glass, and fill with ice.
  • 4 – Garnish and serve.
Tried this recipe?Mention @candra_drinks or tag #makebetterdrinks

Shopping list calculator

Old Fashioned
What you need
Ingredient 0 0 unit
American Whisky 0 0 ml
Sugar 0 0 ml
Dash Angostura Bitters 0 0  
Dash Orange Bitters 0 0  
Orange peel 0 0
Ice 0 0

Get nerdy with it

AMERICAN WHISKY Traditionally made with Bourbon, however, like other classic Whisk(e)y cocktails the formula will work with almost any Whisky. Even Rum, Cognac or Mezcal make a glorious Old Fashioned variations. Get creative.

SOFT BROWN SUGAR Your choice of sugar here will of course make quite an impact on the final drink. We like the slightly deeper notes of a soft brown sugar, instead of white. As always, this is a great place to start, then feel free to experiment. You can even replace the sugar with honey, agave or maple syrup. Find out more about sugar.

ANGOSTURA BITTERS Leave these deliciously aromatic bitters out of the batch and add directly to the glass when serving. This allows for customisation by the individual drinker, and removes the danger of ruining a whole batch by adding too much. The complexity of Angostura Bitters is key to adding depth of flavor and a hint of bitterness that will extended the length of the drink on the palate.

ORANGE BITTERS Especially when combined with the essential oils from an orange twist, a dash of Orange Bitters helps to elevate and lighten this recipe. Adding fresh top notes to a drink that is otherwise richer and heavier. As above, add when serving and not into the batch.

However, as you start to play with this recipe, you can take the drink in very different directions by replacing these Orange Bitters with all sorts of complimentary Bitters, like chocolate for example. 

WATER Dilution is as important as any other ingredient. This is the water that would be added during stirring with ice in the traditional method. The amount of water for this batch has been calculated using a Whisk(e)y at 90 proof / 45% ABV. If you use a stronger Whisk(e)y, your will need to add a little more water to the batch, and vice versa. How do you know when you have the right amount? As always, taste, taste, taste and TRUST YOUR PALATE to guide you.

Why we chose this recipe for you

As always, don’t forget to show us what you made by tagging us!
@Candra_Drinks #MakeBetterDrinks #CandraDrinks

Liked this? You’ll love these.

How much juice can you squeeze from a lemon?!

Download Our FREE Cocktail Ingredients Guide

Get Nerdy With Our Latest & Greatest Recipes, Stories & Tips