The Best Bourbon Old Fashioned: A Step-by-Step Guide

Simple ingredients and precise technique unlock a richer, nuanced drinking experience.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 8, 2025

Simple ingredients and precise technique unlock a richer, nuanced drinking experience.

The Best Bourbon Old Fashioned: Your Complete Guide

The Bourbon Old Fashioned stands as the quintessential classic cocktail, beloved by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike for its elegance, balance, and timeless appeal. Meticulously simple yet infinitely customizable, this cocktail delivers a rich blend of flavors, making it the perfect drink for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating at home or hosting an intimate gathering. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to craft a bar-quality Old Fashioned, including expert ingredient choices, the optimal mixing method, and creative garnishes.

Why Make an Old Fashioned at Home?

There’s a special satisfaction in mastering the Old Fashioned yourself. This cocktail:

Uses just 6 accessible ingredients.
Takes under five minutes to build and serve.
Showcases bourbon’s complexity, complemented by subtle sweet and citrus notes.
Is adaptable—and always impressive for guests.

Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

The Old Fashioned is reassuringly straightforward but relies on quality ingredients for its signature taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 tsp simple syrup (ideally made with turbinado sugar; see how-to below)
3 dashes Angostura bitters
3 dashes orange bitters
1 large ice cube (for slow dilution)
2 oz bourbon (recommended: Angel’s Envy, Four Roses Small Batch, or Heaven’s Door)
1 piece orange peel
1 cocktail cherry (suggestions: Woodford Reserve or Jack Rudy)

Ingredient Notes:

Simple Syrup: Homemade, using turbinado sugar, adds complexity and ensures control over sweetness (see method below).
Bourbon: Use a mid- to high-quality bourbon for the best flavor; budget options suffices but premium bourbon shines in such a spirit-forward drink.
Bitters: The combination of aromatic bitters (Angostura) and orange bitters is key for depth.
Garnishes: Orange peel and cherry are classic, lending both aroma and a hint of natural sweetness.

How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned

Achieving a smooth, balanced Old Fashioned is about honoring the process as much as the components. Here’s a step-by-step method to craft yours like a pro:

Add Simple Syrup: Start by pouring 2 teaspoons (2 bar spoons) of simple syrup into your cocktail glass.
Add Bitters: Dash in 3 dashes of Angostura bitters followed by 3 dashes of orange bitters.
Ice: Drop in a large ice cube (the bigger, the better for slow dilution and perfect chilling).
Bourbon: Pour in 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon.
Stir: Gently stir for at least 20 seconds (ideally 1 minute) to properly chill and dilute, blending flavors seamlessly.
Garnish: Express (spritz) the oils from an orange peel over the glass, twist, and drop into the drink. Top with a cocktail cherry.
Enjoy! Raise your glass and savor. Repeat as desired.

Watch and Learn

For a visual guide, refer to the recipe video demonstration (as available in the original source). Watching the process can clarify technique and inspire confidence in your cocktail craft.

Homemade Simple Syrup: The Key to Smooth Sweetness

Making your own simple syrup ensures freshness and allows you to control the flavor base. Here’s a concise method:

Combine 1 part turbinado sugar and 1 part water in a saucepan.
Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves completely.
Cool the mixture, then transfer to a clean jar or squeeze bottle.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to one month.

Tip: Use organic turbinado sugar for a vegan-friendly option. Turbinado sugar adds a subtle molasses note, making the syrup more complex than traditional white sugar.

Tips for the Ultimate Old Fashioned Experience

Bourbon Selection: The flavor of your cocktail is only as good as the bourbon you use. Look for bourbons with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Bitters Balance: Using both Angostura and orange bitters creates a well-rounded bitters profile; adjust amounts to taste for more or less intensity.
Ice Matters: A large single cube chills without over-diluting, maintaining the cocktail’s strong, smooth character.
Stir Time: The longer you stir (within reason), the more chilled and integrated the flavors become. Don’t rush this step.
Garnish Freshness: Always use fresh orange peel for vibrant citrus aroma.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

The classic Old Fashioned is highly versatile. Consider experimenting with:

Rye whiskey for a spicier, drier profile.
Flavored bitters—such as chocolate, cherry, or pecan—for extra depth.
Herbal garnishes like rosemary or thyme for aromatic nuance.
Smoked orange peel for a modern twist.
Maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a seasonal variation.

Serving Suggestions

An Old Fashioned is ideal for:

Holiday gatherings: Its cozy, warming profile is festive and welcoming.
Casual evenings: Easy to prepare for one or a crowd.
Cocktail parties: Offers a classic option alongside inventive drinks.
Pairing with appetizers: Complements nuts, charcuterie, and rich, savory snacks.

Bourbon Recommendations

Bourbon Brand	Tasting Notes	Why It Works
Angel’s Envy	Vanilla, ripe fruit, maple, subtle spice	Balanced sweetness, smooth finish
Four Roses Small Batch	Caramel, oak, baking spice, hints of floral	Complexity, gentle warmth
Heaven’s Door	Toffee, honey, toasted oak	Rich texture, distinctive character

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I substitute rye for bourbon?

A: Yes. Rye whiskey makes a spicier, slightly less sweet Old Fashioned. Adjust bitters and simple syrup to balance the flavor.

Q: What’s the best sugar for simple syrup?

A: Turbinado sugar is recommended for its mild molasses undertones, but white or demerara sugars also work well.

Q: Can I make an Old Fashioned vegan?

A: Absolutely. Use organic turbinado sugar in the syrup and ensure garnishes and bitters are vegan-certified if needed.

Q: How should I serve an Old Fashioned for a crowd?

A: Pre-mix the syrup and bitters, then build drinks to order with bourbon, fresh ice, and garnishes. This ensures freshness and balance.

Q: How do I store leftover simple syrup?

A: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a month; discard if discoloration or cloudiness appears.

Pro-Tips for Home Bartenders

Glassware: Serve in a heavy-bottomed rocks glass for tradition and style.
Ice Trays: Invest in a silicone tray for large, spherical or cubed ice to slow down melting.
Peeler: Use a channel knife or vegetable peeler for clean, beautiful orange twists.
Chill the Glass: For a colder drink, chill your glassware before building the cocktail.

Nutrition Information (Estimate per serving)

Calories: 180-200 (varies with bourbon brand and syrup amount)
Sugars: ~5g (largely from simple syrup and garnish)
Alcohol: ~2 oz bourbon (about 28g alcohol)

Summary

This Bourbon Old Fashioned recipe is your reliable path to classic cocktail perfection. With minimal, quality ingredients and a clear approach, you’ll enjoy a drink that never goes out of style—smooth, balanced, and always crowd-pleasing. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your own taste, explore related recipes, and share your results. Here’s to elevating your home bar!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb