The Definitive Bourbon Old Fashioned

Q: What's the best bourbon to use when I drink old fashioned bourbon?

That's like asking what your favorite biscuit is – it's down to personal taste, innit? But generally, a higher-proof bourbon (100 proof or Bottled-in-Bond) with some spice and complexity, like a rye bourbon, works brilliantly. Avoid anything too smooth or blended, as the Old Fashioned is all about letting the bourbon shine.

Drink Old Fashioned Bourbon My Perfect Classic Cocktail

By OliviaJuly 17, 2025

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4.49 (71 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper grown-up drink? The drink old fashioned bourbon is your answer. It's the ultimate simple classic cocktails, and dead easy to make at home.

Honestly, even I nailed it on my first try, and you know I'm no Tom Cruise behind a bar.

Brief Overview

The Old Fashioned is a proper, old-school drink. Originating in the late 1800s, it’s all about highlighting the quality of the bourbon.

It's surprisingly simple and takes about 5 minutes max to whip up one perfect old fashioned. This recipe makes one seriously good drink.

Main Benefits

The beauty of a Bulleit Bourbon Old Fashioned is its simplicity. It's basically just booze, sugar, and bitters what's not to love? Make it when you fancy a treat after a long day or for impressing your mates.

This Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe is so simple that anyone can make it.

What You'll Need for the Perfect Old Fashioned

Here's what you'll need to make this Easy Old Fashioned Drink . You'll want 2 oz of bourbon , and don't skimp, get something decent.

A sugar cube (or a teaspoon of sugar), 2 or 3 dashes of Angostura bitters , an orange, and some ice.

Don’t forget a Luxardo cherry, if you're feeling fancy. If you don't have bourbon, you can use any classic bourbon cocktails

How to Nail the Perfect Old Fashioned

First, the sugar! Pop it in your glass, add the bitters, and a splash of water. Gently mash it all together with a muddler.

Add half your bourbon and a large ice cube. Stir gently. Add the rest of your bourbon and stir again.

This avoids over dilution!

The grand finale: take that orange peel and twist it over your glass. Give the rim a rub, then drop it in.

The citrus oils are key! Add a cherry and there you have it, your very own The Perfect Old Fashioned .

Now go and enjoy one of the best homemade cocktails! For another Whiskey Cocktail Recipes you can try a Manhattan.

Right then, let’s get this Bourbon Old Fashioned sorted! Honestly, it's one of the best simple classic cocktails going. It’s easier than you think.

Even if you reckon bitters sound like something from Lord of the Rings. We're going to show you exactly how to make an old fashioned

Ingredients & Equipment to nail that Perfect Old Fashioned

Let’s break down what you need. We'll make sure you're set to craft this absolute winner of a cocktail.

Main Ingredients for an Easy Old Fashioned Drink

2 oz (60 ml) Bulleit Bourbon Old Fashioned . Aim for a higher proof bourbon like 100 proof. This gives it a good kick.
1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp/5 ml granulated sugar). A dash of simple syrup also works.
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters. Trust me, these are essential.
Orange peel, for garnish. Don’t skip this bit.
Luxardo cherry (optional). But why wouldn’t you?
Ice (large format preferred). Big cubes melt slower.
Splash of soda water or water (optional).

For the bourbon, avoid anything too smooth. You want something with character. A decent bourbon makes all the difference. Think about the Perfect Old Fashioned . You want depth!

Seasoning Notes for Top-Notch Classic Bourbon Cocktails

Angostura bitters are the backbone. Don’t even try to skimp on them. They add that essential bitter edge. For a little extra oomph, experiment! Add a tiny dash of orange bitters too.

If you ain't got these, try orange zest.

Maple syrup can replace the sugar for a twist. Brown sugar adds a richer, molasses like flavour. It's all about playing around and finding what tickles your fancy!

Equipment Needed to start making Whiskey Cocktail Recipes

Old Fashioned glass (rocks glass). Obvious, innit?
Muddler. For gently squashing the sugar.
Jigger or measuring spoons. Accuracy is key.
Bar spoon or regular spoon. To stir, obviously.

Don't have a muddler? The end of a wooden spoon works! A pint glass works as a mixing glass. You know? Just get creative! We wanna make the best homemade cocktails and if you wanna drink old fashioned bourbon , you got to do what you gotta do!

Right then, let’s dive into making the perfect Old Fashioned . Honestly, this is one of my go-to simple classic cocktails .

It's easier than you think, I promise. Don't let the name fool you, it's dead easy!

The Art of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

The Definitive Bourbon Old Fashioned presentation

The Old Fashioned is a boss, right? A proper classic, a bit of Bulleit Bourbon Old Fashioned is just the ticket.

Forget complicated drinks. This is where it all started. Did you know the Old Fashioned dates back to the late 1800s? Mad, isn't it? It's all about quality ingredients.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. Get everything ready. Measure out your bourbon. Have your sugar, bitters, and orange peel at the ready.

It makes life so much easier. I always chill my glass beforehand. Little things, eh?

Stirring Up Magic: The Old Fashioned Method

Muddle the Sugar: In your Old Fashioned glass, drop in a sugar cube (or a teaspoon of sugar and a dash of simple syrup if you’re feeling fancy). Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters . Just a splash of water, then gently muddle. Don’t go mental just dissolve the sugar.
Add Bourbon and Ice: Pour in half of your 2 oz (60 ml) Bourbon . Chuck in a big ice cube (or a few smaller ones). Stir gently for 10-15 seconds .
Stir and Dilute: Add the remaining bourbon. Stir again for another 10-15 seconds .
Garnish Like a Pro: Cut a piece of orange peel. Twist it over the glass to express the oils. Rub it around the rim, then drop it in. A cherry? Optional, but posh.
Serve: Enjoy this easy old fashioned drink , obviously responsibly!

Pro Tips for a Proper Drink

Don't be a cheapskate with the bourbon. A good quality bourbon like a Bulleit makes a world of difference. This will certainly level up your Classic Bourbon Cocktails or your Whiskey Cocktail Recipes .
Expressing the orange peel is key. It adds such a lovely aroma. Seriously, don't skip this.
Avoid over dilution. Big ice is your friend. Nobody wants a watery perfect old fashioned .
Want to make-ahead? You can pre-mix the sugar, bitters, and a splash of water, then store it. Just add the bourbon and ice when you're ready. But, I find it's just as easy to make fresh.

Honestly, making the best homemade cocktails is easy. It's about practice, really. So, next time you fancy a drink old fashioned bourbon , give it a go! You'll be chuffed with yourself.

Want to learn how to make an old fashioned , then give it a try, it's easy peasy. Give it a bash!

Right, let's talk Recipe Notes for the Perfect Old Fashioned that's the important bit, right? It’s the little things that make all the difference.

Honestly, I've messed up my fair share of these, so listen up.

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, first, presentation. Plating and presentation ideas? Ditch the plastic straws. Please. A classy Old Fashioned deserves a classy presentation.

Think a nice heavy rocks glass (that Old Fashioned glass I mentioned), a single large ice cube, and that beautifully expressed orange peel.

Serve it with a small charcuterie board. Complementary sides or beverages? Something savoury is great. It contrasts the sweetness nicely.

A handful of nuts works wonders. You can even drink old fashioned bourbon alongside a glass of crisp sparkling water.

Storing (If You Can't Finish It!)

Storage Tips? Honestly, who doesn't finish an Old Fashioned? But, if you must , don't refrigerate it. The ice will melt, and it will ruin the drink.

Best to just make a fresh one. Reheating instructions? Er...don't. Refrigeration guidelines? It's not going to work. Freezing options Forget it!

**Making it Your Own: Variations**

Fancy mixing it up? Experiment with Simple Classic Cocktails . Try a Maple Old Fashioned . Instead of sugar, use a teaspoon of good quality maple syrup.

Ooh, and maybe a cinnamon stick garnish! 1-2 dietary adaptations? You could try using a sugar substitute, but honestly, a little sugar isn't going to hurt.

Seasonal ingredient swaps aren’t easy here, but maybe a blood orange peel in winter? Classic Bourbon Cocktails often use a similar base.

Little Bit of "Good For You" (Kind Of)

Let's be real, it's booze. But a Bulleit Bourbon Old Fashioned is a treat , not a health food. Simplified nutrition information? Roughly 150 calories.

Key health benefits? Well, it can relieve stress. And it makes you look sophisticated. See it as a very small part of a balanced life.

Don't try this if you are avoiding alcohol!

So, there you have it. The Definitive Bourbon Old Fashioned. Don’t be scared to give it a go. Making an Easy Old Fashioned Drink is simpler than you think.

With this Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe , you can master How to Make an Old Fashioned easily. Experiment, enjoy, and don’t forget to savor every sip.

Cheers to making some of the Best Homemade Cocktails and finding your new favourite from Whiskey Cocktail Recipes .

Perfect Old Fashioned Classic Bourbon Cocktails Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bourbon to use when I drink old fashioned bourbon?

That's like asking what your favorite biscuit is it's down to personal taste, innit? But generally, a higher proof bourbon (100 proof or Bottled-in-Bond) with some spice and complexity, like a rye bourbon, works brilliantly.

Avoid anything too smooth or blended, as the Old Fashioned is all about letting the bourbon shine.

I don't have a sugar cube. Can I still make an Old Fashioned?

Absolutely! If you're out of sugar cubes, use 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of granulated sugar mixed with a dash of simple syrup. The simple syrup helps the sugar dissolve properly. Just remember, muddle gently no need to go full-on Jamie Oliver with it!

How do I get the most flavor out of the orange peel when making an Old Fashioned?

It's all about expressing those oils, love! Twist the orange peel over the glass so the oils spray onto the drink. Then, rub the peel around the rim of the glass to add even more aroma. Finally, drop the peel into the drink. Think of it as the final flourish, like adding a signature to your masterpiece.

My Old Fashioned tastes watery. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded watery cocktail! The main culprit is likely too much dilution. Use one large ice cube instead of several smaller ones, which melt faster. Also, don't over stir! 20-30 seconds of gentle stirring is enough to chill the drink without watering it down.

Remember, less is more, just like a perfectly brewed cuppa.

What are some interesting variations I can try on the classic Old Fashioned bourbon drink?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Try a Maple Old Fashioned by swapping the sugar cube for maple syrup. Or, add a dash of Peychaud's bitters alongside the Angostura for a Spiced Old Fashioned. If you're feeling adventurous, use rye whiskey instead of bourbon for a spicier profile.

You can also experiment with substituting brown sugar for the sugar cube to achieve a rich molasses flavor.