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–+ servings

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

This classic Old Fashioned cocktail recipe is a timeless choice that perfectly balances sweetness and bitterness, making it a favorite for cocktail enthusiasts.
With easy variations like Pumpkin Spice, Peach Tea, and Chocolate Old Fashioned, it offers plenty of options to suit your taste.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1

Equipment

  • Short cocktail glass
  • Stirring spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 splashes aromatic bitters
  • 1 tsp water
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • Garnish: Orange slice or twist

Variations:

Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned:

  • Replace aromatic bitters with orange bitters
  • Add ½ ounce pumpkin syrup
  • Top with a splash of soda water

Peach Tea Old Fashioned:

  • Replace aromatic bitters with peach bitters
  • Substitute water with 1 ounce concentrated peach iced tea
  • Garnish with peach slices

Espresso Old Fashioned:

  • Add 1 ounce chilled espresso
  • Garnish with orange twist

Strawberry Old Fashioned:

  • Add ½ ounce strawberry syrup or liqueur
  • Garnish with strawberries and an orange twist

Blackberry Old Fashioned:

  • Add ¾ ounce blackberry liqueur
  • Garnish with blackberries

Zapatero:

  • Use 1 ounce bourbon
  • Add 1 ounce mezcal, chocolate bitters, and a dash of cinnamon

Brown Sugar Old Fashioned:

  • Replace sugar with 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange twist

Chocolate Old Fashioned:

  • Add ½ ounce chocolate syrup
  • Add 2–3 dashes chocolate bitters

Instructions
 

  • Combine sugar, bitters, and water in a short cocktail glass. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  • Fill the glass with ice, pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey, and stir until well chilled.
  • Garnish with an orange slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Variation Instructions:

  • For any variation, substitute the specified ingredients and follow the same preparation steps, ensuring the flavors are well combined.

Notes

  • Experiment with different bitters for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.
  • For a more aromatic garnish, flame the orange twist over the drink before serving.
Keyword bourbon cocktail recipe, classic cocktail recipe, cocktail recipes, easy cocktail recipes, Old Fashioned variations, whiskey cocktail ideas
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