Some drinks become legends because they’re smooth, flavorful, and not complicated. The Classic Old Fashioned is all of this and more.
The Classic Old Fashioned is a smooth, iconic drink with the perfect balance of sweet and bitter for a crisp drink that goes down easy. Three simple ingredients, bourbon, sugar, and Angostura Bitters, mix together easily for a drink ideal for small get-togethers and poker nights.
Classic Poker Night
The classic Old Fashioned was the first official drink ever created in America, and it’s been a classic since 1806. A simple drink with a recipe that hasn’t changed in over 200 years, the Old Fashioned is as timeless as it is delicious. Bourbon, a strong drink with sweet notes of vanilla, is well balanced by aromatic bitters and a touch of sugar for a cocktail that seems to have been made just for sipping at the poker table.
Other Recipes to Serve with an Old Fashioned
- Looking for a classier appetizer to serve with this drink? Check out Pepperoni Pizza Puffs, an upscale take on everyone’s favorite food!
- When it’s poker night and you’re looking for a good luck food charm, mix up some Million Dollar Dip and maybe all those winnings will come your way!
Ingredients
Bourbon: As the main body of this drink, select a bourbon that you prefer or stick with a classic bottle of Jim Beam.
Bitters: Angostura brand of bitters is top-notch and easy to find at most liquor stores but you can pick up what you like or can find in your location.
Sugar: Raw sugar is perfect in this recipe and all you need is a pinch!
Garnish: Each glass should be topped with a large ice cube or a few ice cubes, a slice of orange, and a maraschino cherry.
How to Make a Classic Old Fashioned
STEP ONE: In an old-fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or low ball glass, add the bourbon, bitters, and pinch of sugar.
STEP TWO: Stir to mix the drink and dissolve the sugar. Add a few cubes of ice.
STEP THREE: Garnish the glass with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.
Tips for Success
- Ice makes a difference. Don’t fill your glass with a scoop of small ice cubes, which will melt quickly and seriously water down your drink. If you can purchase a large ice cube tray, think toy building block cube size, then that’s the way to go. This will keep your drink chilled longer and prevent a sad, watered-down beverage.
- Want to get even more traditional with the Old Fashioned? Use orange peels in your drinks! Squeezing the orange peels into the drink releases more citrus oils for a bigger orange punch and looks beautiful.
- Remember to use dashes of the bitters and not drops. Think quick splashes, not baby drips! Some people really like the way bitters enhance the drink, and they add more, so don’t be afraid to try out your drink with more than a few dashes.
What are bitters?
When aromatic, which means having a lot of scents, bitter herbs, and spices, are soaked in a mixture of water and alcohol, the liquid becomes infused with the scent and flavors. Typically called a tincture, this mix is strained, and the resulting liquid infusion is a concentrated blend meant to be used in small amounts. Bitters can be added to drinks like the Old Fashioned, or a Manhattan, or a few dashes can be added to sparkling water or seltzers for a great way to add vibrant herbal or floral notes.
What’s the secret to a good Old Fashioned?
The key to a good Old Fashioned is to stir the drink and not shake it. Stirring the drink dissolves the sugar evenly and mixes the flavors without the drink getting too much air and watering down. While shaking citrus or drinks with cream in them is the way to go, always stir drinks like the Old Fashioned, so the drink stays chilled and not watered down.
More classic drinks to explore
*This post was originally posted on 05/17/2015.
Ingredients
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1/8 teaspoon raw sugar
- 3 ounces good bourbon
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the sugar, bitters, and bourbon into a rock glass.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add ice and garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Seth says
A cigar and an old fashioned are a winning combination even if It’s not poker night. I like mine made with Wild Turkey, but any good bourbon will do. Keep up the great work Rachel!