Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply want a very sippable evening cocktail, this recipe walks you through how to make a bourbon old fashioned cocktail the classic way.

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Why You Should Make This Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail the Classic Way

You may have seen old fashioned cocktails muddled right in the rocks glass and then served. This recipe requires a little more finesse, but the extra steps are worth it.

Old Fashioned is the Ultimate Winter Cocktail

A good friend introduced me to the concept of drinking seasonally. Which meant not only swapping Coronas and Summer Ales to Guinesses and Pumpkin IPAs.

And switching to darker liquor, and moving on from rum and vodka to bourbons and scotches, for the winter months.

So now, since it’s officially winter, I can’t help but to think of cold-weather cocktails.

Old fashioned is an oldie, but goodie.

And while speakeasies and mixologists love to make classic cocktails like these seem complicated, they’re not and you can make it at home at fraction of the cost.

Here is how to make a classic old fashioned cocktail with bourbon.

Ingredients

bourbon or rye whiskey
sugar cubes or finely grained sugar
Aromatic bitters
orange
orange peel
cherry juice
Bourbon cherries
ice (I prefer using these spheres, they melt slow retaining the integrity of the drink and also look cool )

Shop Old Fashioned Cocktail Essentials

Old Fashioned Mix

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Sphere Ice Mold

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Whiskey Glasses

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Additional Notes & Tips About This Cocktail

What is the best bourbon or whiskey to make an old fashioned cocktail?

The one you have at home! This classic old fashioned cocktail works great with any whiskey, rye whiskey or bourbon you have on hand. Lately, we’ve been loving Bulleit Bourbon. It’s delicious and not that expensive.

How do you peel an orange in an old fashioned?

Instead of a knife, I prefer to use a vegetable peeler. It allows you to perfectly cut a wide and thick enough peel for the cocktail. But you could also use a paring knife, and carefully cut a coin wide strip of the fruit skin.

Next add your ice. I prefer using a silicone tray that makes a jumbo square or a round sphere. First, the large ice melts longer so it doesn’t interfere with the integrity of the drink and second it looks more professional.

Finally, add your bourbon cherry and enjoy!

Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

Alina Orozco

Here is how to make a bourbon old fashioned recipe the classic way at home.

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Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 150 kcal