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The ULTIMATE Old Fashioned list | 8 Classic & Modern Variations

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Anders Erickson
Anders Erickson
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The Old Fashioned cocktail originated in the early 19th century, evolving from earlier drinks that combined spirits with sugar and bitters. It embodies the spirit of classic American cocktail culture, often associated with the sophistication of the Prohibition era. Today, it remains a favorite in bars worldwide, celebrated for its simplicity and the ability to highlight quality whiskey.

Ingredients

  • bourbon or rye whiskey
  • sugar
  • bitters
  • orange peel
  • cherry
  • ice

Instructions

  1. 1Muddle sugar and bitters in a glass until sugar dissolves.
  2. 2Add a splash of water and stir to combine.
  3. 3Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  4. 4Pour bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice.
  5. 5Stir gently to chill the drink.
  6. 6Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.

Ingredient Alternatives

bourbon

Healthier: rye whiskey

Cheaper: blended whiskey

Rye whiskey offers a spicier flavor, while blended whiskey is often more affordable.

sugar

Healthier: agave syrup

Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup has a lower glycemic index, and honey is often less expensive.

Techniques

muddlingstirring

Equipment

mixing glassbar spoonjiggerstrainerrocks glass
🌶️🌶️🌶️LowContains Alcohol

Also Known As

Old Fashioned CocktailClassic Old Fashioned

The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans in the 19th century, often associated with the city's vibrant cocktail culture. It combines rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and bitters, showcasing the art of cocktail mixing. Traditionally served in a chilled glass, the Sazerac is a symbol of New Orleans' rich history and is enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.

Ingredients

  • rye whiskey
  • absinthe
  • sugar
  • bitters
  • lemon peel
  • ice

Instructions

  1. 1Chill a glass by filling it with ice water and setting aside.
  2. 2In a separate mixing glass, combine sugar and bitters.
  3. 3Add a splash of rye whiskey and stir until sugar dissolves.
  4. 4Fill the mixing glass with ice and add the remaining rye whiskey.
  5. 5Stir until well chilled, about 20-30 seconds.
  6. 6Empty the chilled glass and rinse it with absinthe, coating the inside.
  7. 7Discard the excess absinthe.
  8. 8Strain the chilled whiskey mixture into the prepared glass.
  9. 9Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in as garnish.

Ingredient Alternatives

rye whiskey

Healthier: bourbon

Cheaper: blended whiskey

Bourbon is often smoother and cheaper than rye.

absinthe

Healthier: pastis

Cheaper: anise-flavored liqueur

Pastis offers a similar flavor profile at a lower cost.

sugar

Healthier: agave syrup

Cheaper: simple syrup

Simple syrup is easy to make and often cheaper.

Techniques

stirringrinsing

Equipment

mixing glassbar spoonjiggerstrainerchilled glass
Contains Alcohol

Also Known As

New Orleans SazeracSazerac Cocktail

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • splash of soda water
  • ice cubes

Instructions

  1. 1In a glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. 2Add a splash of soda water to the mixture and stir gently.
  3. 3Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  4. 4Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice.
  5. 5Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
  6. 6Stir gently to combine the flavors.
  7. 7Serve immediately.

Equipment

muddlerglassstirring spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange peel
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • ice cubes

Instructions

  1. 1Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass.
  2. 2Add the Angostura bitters onto the sugar cube.
  3. 3Muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved.
  4. 4Add a large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes to the glass.
  5. 5Pour the bourbon over the ice.
  6. 6Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
  7. 7Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry.

Equipment

old-fashioned glassmuddlerbar spoon

A modern twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, incorporating maple syrup for sweetness and a smoky flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange peel
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • ice cubes
  • smoked wood chips (for smoking)

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare your smoking apparatus with wood chips and ignite them to create smoke.
  2. 2In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
  3. 3Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir the mixture until well chilled.
  4. 4Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. 5Using a smoking gun or a covered container, infuse the drink with smoke for about 30 seconds.
  6. 6Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry.
  7. 7Serve immediately and enjoy your Smoked Maple Old Fashioned.

Equipment

mixing glassbar spoonrocks glasssmoking apparatus

The Gin Old Fashioned is a variation of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, which traditionally uses whiskey. This version highlights the botanical flavors of gin.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange twist
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • ice cubes

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and Angostura bitters together until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. 2Add ice cubes to the mixing glass and pour in the gin.
  3. 3Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute.
  4. 4Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
  5. 5Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.
  6. 6Serve immediately.

Equipment

mixing glassbar spoonjiggerrocks glassstrainer

Ingredients

  • 2 oz mezcal
  • 1/4 oz agave syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • 1 orange twist (for garnish)
  • 1 large ice cube

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing glass, combine the mezcal, agave syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
  2. 2Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
  3. 3Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  4. 4Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it in the glass.
  5. 5Serve immediately.

Equipment

mixing glassbar spoonjiggerrocks glassstrainer

Ingredients

  • 2 oz absinthe
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange twist
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • ice cubes

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Angostura bitters and a splash of water until dissolved.
  2. 2Add the absinthe to the mixing glass.
  3. 3Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir until well chilled.
  4. 4Strain the mixture into a chilled old-fashioned glass.
  5. 5Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.
  6. 6Serve immediately.

Equipment

mixing glassbar spoonjiggerstrainerold-fashioned glass

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