Perfect Old Fashioned
- PREP 5min
- TOTAL 5min
A classic Old Fashioned cocktail uses bourbon or whiskey, but it’s exceptional with high-quality dark-aged rum or smoky mezcal instead. Watch our video for tips on warming and spritzing the orange peel over the drink.
You Will Need
2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
1 to 2 teaspoons simple syrup
3 dashes orange bitters, such as Angostura
1 strip orange peel (about 2 inches)
1 or 2 Luxardo or maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Directions
1In a rocks glass, combine the simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon. Stir well to incorporate.
2Add 1 or 2 large ice cubes. Using a bar spoon or another long-handled spoon, stir for about 30 seconds until the drink is well chilled.
3Twist the peel over the glass to release its oils, then rub the skin side around the rim of the glass. (For a more aromatic variation, briefly and carefully warm the peel with a flame before twisting, as shown in our video.)
4Drop the peel into the glass and garnish with the cherries, if using.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Rum Old Fashioned: Adam loves using aged dark rum instead of the bourbon. You may need to reduce the simple sugar slightly, as rum tends to taste sweeter.
- Use plain white sugar or brown sugar in this simple syrup recipe. I love brown sugar simple syrup. If you make a batch of simple syrup, you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Some prefer a splash of soda or still water. We recommend tasting the cocktail after stirring it with ice first. Then, go from there.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.