Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a cocktail traditionally composed of a base spirit (usually rye or bourbon whiskey), sugar, water, and bitters. It is prepared by muddling a sugar cube with bitters and a small amount of water in an old-fashioned glass, adding ice, then pouring the whiskey and stirring gently. The drink is often garnished with an orange peel or a cocktail cherry, though purists may omit the fruit. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) specifies 4.5 cl rye or bourbon, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 1 sugar cube, and a dash of water, served on a large ice cube.¹

The Old Fashioned is considered one of the first cocktails, with the term 'cocktail' defined in 1806 as a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. As cocktails evolved with the addition of liqueurs and vermouths in the late 19th century, drinkers who preferred the original simple formula began ordering 'old-fashioned cocktails.' The first known reference to the name appears in 1880 in the Chicago Tribune, and by the 1890s it was a staple in bars. The cocktail's popularity waned during the mid-20th century but saw a revival in the 2000s, partly due to the television show Mad Men, which featured the drink prominently.²

While the classic Old Fashioned uses rye or bourbon, variations exist with other base spirits. The brandy Old Fashioned is popular in Wisconsin, where it is made with brandy, muddled fruit, and often topped with soda. Other versions use rum, tequila, or mezcal, and some incorporate flavored syrups or different bitters. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned, created by Phil Ward in 2007, uses mezcal and chocolate mole bitters. In Japan, a 'Japanese Old Fashioned' may use whisky and yuzu bitters. These variations highlight the cocktail's adaptability while maintaining the core structure of spirit, sweetener, and bitters.³

The Old Fashioned has been a cultural touchstone, appearing in literature, film, and television. It is the preferred drink of Don Draper in Mad Men, which contributed to its resurgence in the 2010s. The cocktail is also the official drink of Louisville, Kentucky, and is celebrated annually on National Old Fashioned Day on October 16. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and balance, making it a benchmark for bartenders and a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. The revival of craft cocktails has elevated the Old Fashioned to iconic status, with many bars offering their own twists.⁴

One lesser-known fact is that the Old Fashioned was originally made with any spirit, not just whiskey; early recipes used gin, brandy, or rum. The use of a muddled orange and cherry became common in the 20th century, but some historians argue that fruit was not part of the original recipe. Another obscure detail is that the cocktail's name is derived from the phrase 'old-fashioned cocktail,' meaning a cocktail made the old-fashioned way. Additionally, the first published recipe for the Old Fashioned appeared in 1895 in George Kappeler's Modern American Drinks, which called for a small piece of ice, a lump of sugar, and a dash of bitters. The drink's association with the Pendennis Club in Louisville is often cited, but its exact origin remains debated.

Muddle

To gently mash ingredients, such as sugar and bitters, in the bottom of a glass to release their flavors.

Rye whiskey

A type of American whiskey made from at least 51% rye grain, known for its spicy and dry character.

Bourbon

An American whiskey made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, with a sweeter, fuller flavor.

Angostura bitters

A concentrated aromatic bitters made from gentian and other botanicals, commonly used in cocktails.