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Old Fashioned 101: A Beginner's Guide to Making Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes at Home

Posted on 1/11/2023

in Food & Drink

This image shows an old fashioned cocktail with a twist of orange and a cherry sitting in a short heavy based glass cocktail glass that sits on a black slate coaster all sitting on a wooden table

History of The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for over a century. It is believed to have originated in the late 1800s at the Pendennis Club, a gentlemen's club in Louisville, Kentucky. The drink was originally made with rye or bourbon whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel.

Over the years, the Old Fashioned has undergone some variations and adaptations. Some people prefer to use sugar cubes instead of granulated sugar, while others like to add a splash of water or club soda to the mix. Some variations also include using different types of bitters, such as orange or cherry, or adding fruit slices, like orange or cherry, to the mix.

Despite the variations, the Old Fashioned remains popular at bars and pubs worldwide. It is a simple yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for sipping on its own or as a pre-dinner cocktail.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes

Here are a few recipes to try if you'd like to make an Old Fashioned at home or for your next party:

Basic Old Fashioned Recipe

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

  • 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp granulated sugar)

  • 3 dashes of bitters

  • Orange peel or cherry, for garnish

In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar, bitters, and a splash of water until the sugar is dissolved. Add the whiskey and ice, and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or cup filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel or cherry, if desired.

Orange Old Fashioned Recipe

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

  • 1/2 oz orange liqueur

  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

  • 3 dashes of orange bitters

  • Orange peel, for garnish

Mix the orange liqueur, sugar, and orange bitters in a mixing glass. Add the whiskey and ice, and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or cup filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.

Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

  • 1/2 oz cherry liqueur

  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

  • 3 dashes of cherry bitters

  • Cherry, for garnish

Mix the cherry liqueur, sugar, and bitters in a glass. Add the whiskey and ice, and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or cup filled with ice, grab a cocktail napkin and garnish with a cherry, if desired.

Do you have any favorite Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipies that you like? Share your recipes with us here or on one of our social media accounts.

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