How to Make A Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail

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(Last Updated On: April 8, 2021)

The Old Fashioned is a classic, very simple to make cocktail. But, how exactly do you Make A Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail? I have the steps for you! Cheers!

Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

How to Make An Old Fashioned

This is a simple to follow recipe for making a bourbon-based Old Fashioned cocktail, one of the original mixed drinks and a classic. An Old Fashioned requires no more equipment than a glass and a spoon and can be whipped up in just a minute.

History of the Old Fashioned Cocktail

The Old Fashioned dates back to the mid- 19th Century. The first use of the name and recipe was in a private members club in Louisville, Kentucky. A member of this club, Colonel James Pepper, brought the drink to the bar of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York from where its fame was secured.

My husband has recently taking a liking to bourbon, I think it was hype around the holidays about getting our hands on Blanton’s.  Which we finally did, but man was that complicated! 

Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, distilled from a mash made primarily of corn. Bourbon, by law, can have no flavorings or color additives added to it.

What does Bourbon taste like?

Bourbon’s general flavor can be characterized as having vanilla, oak, and caramel notes.

Where is Bourbon made?

Kentucky is world’s bourbon capital, 95% off all bourbon is made in Kentucky. In 1964, Congress declared bourbon “America’s Native Spirit,” meaning to be called bourbon, it must be made in the U.S.

Ingredients for an Old Fashioned Cocktail

Bourbon
Simple Syrup
A dash of Angostura bitters
Ice

Best Bourbon Old Fashioned

Many people like to add a maraschino cherry or slice of orange when serving. Others like theirs straight up.

Easy Old Fashioned Cocktail

As you can see, I actually added some maraschino cherries to my whiskey ice cubes.  This way the ice cubes are infused with a bit of flavor, so when they melt, you get a hint of flavor as well. 

Old Fashioned Cocktail

You can grab my simple…simple syrup recipe, I also give some great ideas on how to infuse the simple syrup with flavors, such as oranges.  So, if you would like to garnish your Old Fashioned with orange, the orange infused simple syrup may be good to try once.  Sugar syrup will keep for months if stored properly in a screw-top bottle or mason jar. It can be used in any number of other cocktails, particularly other whiskeys/bourbon cocktails such as a whiskey sour or mint julep.

Too much sugar syrup can mask the bourbon, and too little bitters can make it taste a little one dimensional. The perfect Old Fashioned should taste greater than the sum of its parts. It may be worth experimenting slightly with amounts, particularly if using a different type of whiskey or bourbon.

Best Old Fashioned Cocktail

An alternative way of making an Old Fashioned if you don’t have any simple syrup is to dissolve a sugar cube in a small amount of water before adding ice, bourbon, and bitters.

Now, here is the classic Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make them again and again.

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned has been around since 1880, it is a classic cocktail that is easy to make and easy to enjoy. Cheers!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Keyword: alcohol, bourbon, cocktails, drinks, old fashioned
Prep Time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 207kcal
Author: Tracy

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon any bourbon will do. Jim Beam works well, but Buffalo Trace has smoother texture
  • 1 oz simple syrup recipe linked below
  • A dash of Angostura bitters
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Fill an old fashioned glass (a basic tumbler) with ice.
  • Add 2 oz of bourbon
  • Add 1 oz of simple syrup
  • Stir for 30 seconds
  • Add a dash of Angostura bitters
  • Stir for 30 seconds
  • Serve
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 19mg | Sugar: 21g | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
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How To Make An Old Fashioned Cocktail

Cheers to the classic Old Fashioned!

How To Make An Old Fashioned

In some places, particularly the mid-west, it’s served with brandy instead of bourbon and is more properly called a Brandy Old Fashioned.

Have you had an Old Fashioned Bourbon cocktail before?

How To Make A Bourbon Old Fashioned

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