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Old Fashioned – Bourbon or Rye Whiskey Recipe

Old Fashioned – Bourbon or Rye Whiskey Recipe

By What’s Baking

A perfectly balanced symphony of whiskey, sugar, and bitters, with subtle caramel and spice notes unfolding around a large, crystal-clear ice cube.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A close-up shot of an Old Fashioned in a weighty rocks glass, capturing the amber-hued whiskey glowing under warm, soft bar lighting. The drink sits atop a hand-cut clear ice cube that refracts light through the spirit. A fresh orange twist rests elegantly on the rim, with a few drops of aromatic oil visibly dancing on the surface. Subtle wood textures from a mahogany bar complement the rich caramel tones of the bourbon, while the careful placement of a branded mixing spoon suggests craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml bourbon or rye whiskey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sugar cube (or 5ml simple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 dashes Angostura bitters</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5ml water (if using sugar cube)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange peel for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Large ice cube or sphere (preferred) or regular ice cubes</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Old Fashioned glass (rocks glass)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler (if using sugar cube)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Y-peeler or sharp knife (for orange peel)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate with 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Add a small splash of water (about 5ml). If using simple syrup instead, skip directly to step 2.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Using your muddler or the back of your bar spoon, muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is nearly dissolved, creating a fragrant paste at the bottom of the glass. This foundation creates the perfect base for your cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add your large ice cube or sphere to the glass. Using one large piece of ice minimizes dilution while maintaining proper chilling - a key component of a properly crafted Old Fashioned.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour 60ml of your chosen whiskey over the ice. Bourbon will provide sweeter caramel and vanilla notes, while rye offers more spice and dryness - both make excellent Old Fashioneds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently stir the cocktail for about 20-30 seconds, allowing the ice to slightly dilute and chill the mixture. The stirring motion should be smooth and controlled to avoid excessive splashing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cut a strip of orange peel about 5cm long using your Y-peeler or knife. Hold the peel with the outer side facing down over the glass, and gently twist to express the essential oils across the surface of the cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Run the peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the aromatic experience, then place it decoratively in the drink. These expressed oils create an aromatic first impression that elevates the entire Old Fashioned experience.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 210 calories
🥑 Fat: 7 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 1 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g
🍭 Sugar: 1 g
🍗 Protein: 6 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the difference between using bourbon or rye whiskey in an Old Fashioned?

Bourbon creates a sweeter Old Fashioned with caramel, vanilla and oak notes, while rye whiskey produces a spicier, drier cocktail with more pronounced peppery characteristics. Both are authentic choices - bourbon offers more roundness, while rye provides more angular complexity and bite.

Should I muddle fruit in my whiskey cocktail, as some bars do?

The traditional recipe doesn't include muddled fruit. While some bars muddle orange slices and cherries, purists consider this a modern variation that can overpower the whiskey. For the classic experience, simply express orange oils over the drink and garnish with the peel.

Why is a large ice cube better than regular ice for this classic cocktail?

A large ice cube or sphere melts more slowly due to its smaller surface-area-to-volume ratio, providing proper chilling with minimal dilution. This maintains the whiskey's character longer while still tempering its strength, creating a more balanced and enjoyable drinking experience that evolves gradually.

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