The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that requires only a handful of ingredients, many of which you may have in your home bar already. It doesn't even involve shaking or much stirring!
It gets no better than an Old Fashioned, and Ron Swanson agrees
In my humble opinion, when it comes to cocktails, it doesn't get much better than an Old Fashioned.
This is a drink of which Ron Swanson would approve. After all, he did utter these wise words:
What ingredients go into this cocktail?
- Bitters: Angostura bitters would be preferred here. But if you have orange bitters, you can definitely sub those!
- Sugar: Using a sugar cube is very helpful when it comes to portioning things out. You could also use 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, though. Or use 1 teaspoon of Demerara Syrup!
- Water: Just a little high quality H2O.
- Bourbon: Go with something good to very good here. Since it's one of few ingredients, and the bourbon flavor will be very prominent, you want to make sure that you're using a high quality bourbon.
- Garnishes! See below =)
How should I garnish this drink?
When it comes to garnishes, you'll definitely want to use an orange peel for that fresh orange flavor and aroma. Just take a vegetable peeler and peel a bit off (avoiding the bitter white pith as much as possible).
And though a regular old maraschino cherry from a jar is fine (or no cherry at all, depending on your tastes) you can definitely kick up the fanciness a notch by garnishing your Old Fashioned with a homemade Luxardo Cherry. They couldn't be easier to make and really add something to this drink.
You can use rye whiskey instead of bourbon, too.
And, yes. That is a bottle of rye in the picture. I had just finished off the last of my bourbon when making the pictured cocktail and I wanted to include a relatively full bottle of brown liquor in the photo. While we're on the subject, it is worth noting that you can change things up and make an Old Fashioned with rye, too, if you're so inclined.
Looking for more bourbon cocktails?
In need of more bourbon-based cocktails? Girl, I've got you. Check out my Bourbon Moscow Mules, Blood Orange Bourbon Sours, Mint Juleps, and Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub Cocktails (Fall is around the corner, after all!). My Gold Rush cocktails are pretty fab, too!
Also! Don't forget about these Maple Old Fashioneds. They're a maple-y twist on a classic.
✨ Recipe
Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters see notes
- small splash water
- ice
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 orange peel or wedge for garnish
- 1 Maraschino or Luxardo cherry for garnish (see notes)
Instructions
- Add the sugar cube to the bottom of a rocks glass. Douse with bitters and a a small splash of water. Use a bar spoon to stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add ice to the glass.
- Pour bourbon over ice and stir.
- Add orange peel and cherry for garnish.
Notes
- Angostura bitters are preferred, but orange-flavored bitters would work well, too.
- The recipe for Homemade Luxardo Cherries can be found here!
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
Kelly Anthony
Hahahaha! Oh my, I sure do love how you started out this post! That is one of my favorite shows ever! And yes, Ron would totally approve of this cocktail 😉
laurenpacek
Ron Swanson is a wise man 😉
Kelly Anthony
Hahahaha! Oh my, I sure do love how you started out this post! That is one of my favorite shows ever! And yes, Ron would totally approve of this cocktail 😉
Dana
Haha. I love the Parks and Rec reference. My husband and I are currently binging the series for the first time (I'd only caught episodes here and here before, and enjoyed it! But I'm an Office girl through and through). Anyway, Ron Swanson is pure gold.
This drink though! It's so perfect in all of its simplicity. Love love love it with cherries <3
Dana
Haha. I love the Parks and Rec reference. My husband and I are currently binging the series for the first time (I'd only caught episodes here and here before, and enjoyed it! But I'm an Office girl through and through). Anyway, Ron Swanson is pure gold.
This drink though! It's so perfect in all of its simplicity. Love love love it with cherries <3
rebecca
yay for a good parks & rec quote! this is a gorgeous drink
rebecca
yay for a good parks & rec quote! this is a gorgeous drink
Elaine Benoit
I've never seen Parks and Recs but I can appreciate the text on the photo! 🙂 I love old fashioned cocktails and yours looks fabulous! And for the cherry, Luxardo all the way!
Elaine Benoit
I've never seen Parks and Recs but I can appreciate the text on the photo! 🙂 I love old fashioned cocktails and yours looks fabulous! And for the cherry, Luxardo all the way!
Tawnie Kroll
The perfect holiday drink!!
Tawnie Kroll
The perfect holiday drink!!
Shanika
There's nothing better than an old fashioned version! This looks good!
Shanika
There's nothing better than an old fashioned version! This looks good!
Beth Neels
I love that you make your own cherries too! What a great way to make a special cocktail!
Beth Neels
I love that you make your own cherries too! What a great way to make a special cocktail!