A Labor of Love: Crafting the Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail

Name: A Labor of Love: Crafting the Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey; 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 oz simple syrup as a variation); 2 dashes Angostura bitters; 1 splash water; Ice (large cubes preferred); Orange peel or slice, for garnish; Maraschino cherry, for garnish

A precise, timeless Old Fashioned built on bourbon, sugar, bitters, and citrus oils. This recipe highlights the character of good whiskey while delivering balance, aroma, and a smooth, spirit-forward finish.

Nov 25, 2025 - 13:58

Nov 27, 2025 - 16:39

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A Labor of Love: Crafting the Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail

Prep Time 5 min

Cook Time min

Serving 1

Difficulty Easy

The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and remains one of the most iconic cocktails ever created. It’s minimalist by design: spirit, bitters, sugar, and citrus. Its strength lies in restraint—letting the bourbon speak while small elements like orange oils and a touch of sweetness round out the drink.

Ingredients

2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
1 sugar cube (or 1/2 oz simple syrup as a variation)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 splash water
Ice (large cubes preferred)
Orange peel or slice, for garnish
Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180 kcal

Carbohydrates: 6 g

Sugars: 6 g

Alcohol: 25 g

Fat: 0 g

Sodium: 1 mg

Protein: 0 g

Directions

1. Set Up Your Workspace

Gather bourbon, sugar cube, bitters, water, peeler, and a rocks glass.
Prepare garnishes: peel a fresh strip of orange zest and set aside a maraschino cherry.

2. Prepare the Glass

Place one sugar cube in the bottom of a clean rocks glass.
Ensure the cube sits flat so it dissolves evenly.

3. Add Bitters to the Sugar

Add exactly 2 dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the cube.
Let the sugar absorb the bitters for a moment; this makes muddling easier.

4. Muddle to Create the Flavor Base

Use a muddler to press the sugar cube gently but firmly.
Continue until it breaks down into a grainy paste with the bitters.
Avoid over-muddling; you want a paste, not a slurry.

5. Add a Splash of Water

Add a small splash (about 1 teaspoon) of water.
Stir with the muddler or a spoon to help dissolve any remaining sugar granules.

6. Add the Bourbon

Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of bourbon directly into the glass.
Stir slowly for 10–15 seconds to combine the spirit with the sugar mixture.

7. Add Ice to Chill and Dilute Properly

Add large ice cubes or one large cube for slower dilution.
Stir again for 10–20 seconds until the drink is chilled and slightly diluted—this step determines the smoothness.

8. Express and Add the Garnish

Hold a strip of orange peel over the glass and gently squeeze to release the oils onto the surface.
Rub the peel around the rim, then drop it into the drink.
Add a maraschino cherry for a touch of sweetness and aroma.