How to Make the Best Old Fashioned Cocktail

When you're in the mood for a bonafide classic that never stops being cool.

Step 1:

Start by dropping a sugar cube into an Old Fashioned glass.

Step 2:

Sprinkle some Angostura bitters and a dash of club soda over the sugar cube.

Step 3:

Use a wooden muddler to crush the sugar, swirling the glass to coat it with the sugar and bitters mixture.

Step 4:

Next, add a big ice cube to the glass, followed by the whiskey.

Step 5:

Finish off by garnishing with an orange twist and optionally serve with a stirring rod.

The classic Old Fashioned stands as a timeless icon in the world of cocktails. With just four simple ingredients—whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water—it marks the genesis of cocktail culture, dating back to its first recorded appearance in 1806. Even in the 1880s, it was deemed an old-school favorite. Over the years, it has experienced resurgences, captivating new generations with its elegant simplicity.

There's an enduring allure to the Old Fashioned. Its sweetness imparts a smoothness that sets it apart from other whiskey-based drinks, yet it retains a bold, robust character. Despite its rich history, mastering this cocktail is straightforward due to its minimal ingredients. For our rendition, we opt for rye whiskey over bourbon, adding a distinctive twist to this beloved classic.

A Little Background

Two notable cultural references shed light on the contemporary perception of Old Fashioneds. First, there's Mad Men, where Don Draper, the epitome of '60s-era charisma, indulged in Old Fashioneds made with rye, club soda, and cherry—a deviation from the classic recipe, but still captivating. His portrayal embodied the traditional image of Old Fashioned aficionados: sophisticated, successful, and predominantly male. Similarly, Ryan Gosling's character in Crazy, Stupid, Love exuded a modern take on this timeless cocktail, mixing it up at his home bar before showcasing his suave moves.

However, pigeonholing the Old Fashioned as a drink solely for men is an outdated perspective. In today's cocktail culture, gender stereotypes are fading, and the Old Fashioned is enjoyed by a diverse range of enthusiasts.

"We see more women ordering traditional Old Fashioneds, reflecting a shift towards greater diversity," explains Annie Beebe-Tron, bar manager at the Ladies’ Room in Chicago. "It's not about assuming that the Old Fashioned is a man's drink and a shaken cocktail is for women—because that's often not the case."

As cocktail culture evolves, classic whiskey concoctions like the Old Fashioned transcend outdated gender norms, welcoming all enthusiasts to savor its timeless appeal.

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The Old Fashioned holds a revered status as one of the six fundamental cocktails that serve as the foundation of mixology, as outlined in the Cocktail Codex by the esteemed Death & Co bar team. Despite its traditional roots, the Old Fashioned offers ample room for experimentation and innovation.

According to the Death & Co team, the versatility of the Old Fashioned lies in its adaptability to various spirits. While bourbon and rye are classic choices, adventurous mixologists can explore alternative options such as rum or mezcal—or even a combination of both, as featured in this recipe. Gin presents another intriguing alternative. For those seeking a milder deviation, an Irish whiskey Old Fashioned may hit the spot.

In essence, the Old Fashioned serves as a canvas for creativity, allowing mixologists to craft unique interpretations while preserving the essence of this timeless cocktail.