Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic38.4% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatemuddled drink
Why: 4 ingredients, muddled drink, requires muddler
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, After Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseSweetenerMixerBitters
- 4.5 cLBourbonBase
- 2 dashesAngostura BittersBitters
- 1 cubeSugarSweetener
- dashWaterMixer
Tools:muddler
How to Make It
MuddleGarnish
- Place sugar cube in old fashioned glass and saturate with bitters, add a dash of plain water. Muddle until dissolved.MuddleMuddling releases oils, juice or aroma without needing a blender.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey.
- Garnish with orange twist, and a cocktail cherry.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BittersAngostura bitters add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters swap in cleanly if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward result. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral — it works well in spirit-forward drinks where you want less spice weight.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Old Fashioned?
- The Old Fashioned is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 38.4%. A standard serving contains approximately 133 calories.
- What does a Old Fashioned taste like?
- Old Fashioned has a flavour profile featuring Spice, Sugar, Sweet, Bitter. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Old Fashioned?
- Old Fashioned pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Old Fashioned?
- The Old Fashioned has an ABV of approximately 38.4%. That's approximately 1.14 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 133 calories, 4.3g sugar, 4.3g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Old Fashioned typically served?
- Old Fashioned is a popular choice for After Dinner, BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Old Fashioned?
- If you enjoy Old Fashioned, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Old Fashioned at home?
- Yes. The Old Fashioned uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Old Fashioned with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.