An Adaptable Old-Fashioned Cocktail

By Rebekah Peppler

An Adaptable Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Julia Gartland for The New York Times (Photography and Styling)
Rating
4(238)
Notes
Read community notes

The old-fashioned is infinitely forgiving. Originally named “whiskey cocktail,” it’s a stirred, spirit-forward drink classically based on bourbon or rye. But out of want or necessity, you can venture outside tradition. This version uses 2-to-1 “rich” simple syrup, which is sweeter and thicker than the standard 1-to-1 ratio of sugar and water, but allows you to use less without sacrificing texture. This cocktail offers many a substitution; the only nonnegotiable is to use a spirit you like, as it serves as leading lady in this cocktail hour.

Featured in: You Don’t Need Whiskey for an Old-Fashioned, or Vodka for a Cosmo

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink

    For the 2-to-1 Simple Syrup

    • ½cup granulated or turbinado sugar

    For the Cocktail

    • Ice, as needed
    • 2ounces whiskey (such as bourbon or rye), brandy, rum or gin (or even 1½ ounces tequila plus ½ ounce mezcal)
    • ½ounce 2-to-1 simple syrup (or to taste), or 1 sugar cube
    • 3 to 4dashes Angostura or orange bitters
    • Citrus twist (orange or lemon or whatever you have), or a maraschino cherry and a dash of its juice (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar with ¼ cup water. Heat over low, stirring frequently, just until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Refrigerate if not using immediately. (Remaining syrup will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.)

  2. Step 2

    Prepare the cocktail: In an ice-filled mixing glass, combine the whiskey, prepared syrup and bitters. Stir until well chilled, about 15 seconds. (If using a sugar cube, muddle it with a dash of water and the 3 to 4 dashes bitters before stirring it with the whiskey over ice.) Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into an ice-filled rocks glass and finish with the citrus twist.

Ratings

4 out of 5
238 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

D.J. Long

No. No. No. An Old Fashioned should only be made with whiskey or rye. Period. The same holds true with the sacred Martini or Gibson, which should only be made with gin. Anything else is an abomination.

Evan

Aw man, I recently realized the cognac Old Fashioned is my favorite drink, and I think this liquor suits it even better than whiskey. This recipe is classic, but I did find it too sweet. I say just barely cover the bottom of the Mixing glass with the simple syrup. Also, a tip from Brian Miller (one of NYC’s great bartenders and the captain of the roving Tiki Monday parties): two dashes Angostura, one dash Peychaud’s when using cognac. Orange, lemon or grapefruit twist all work for me.

DJ

The rich simple syrup is 67% sweeter than regular simple syrup, so be aware before using it (you can always add a little more). Rich simple syrup keeps longer as well and can be put into the freezer where it will not freeze solid. Also, if you make a large batch and want to refrigerate it rather than taking freezer space, use a little vodka in place of some water, which will preserve it longer.

David J. Fox, DMD

Luxardo Cherries rather than crude maraschino cherries. Liquid from the Luxardo Cherries jar extends richer flavor to the cocktail, substituting for sugar syrups higher concentration of sugar in solution. One teaspoon often sufficient for most palates. The juice of one fresh orange section, or a wedge of 1/8 whole orange, adds freshness with a bit of acidity to balance sugars. Definitely two dashes of bitters. Twisted 1x2" orange rind releases orange oil essence and a garnish.

Bryan

In Wisconsin if you order an Old Fashioned they’ll assume you mean you want it with brandy, typically made with Korbel. Two things you can find at any bar in WI no matter where you are: Spotted Cow and a great brandy Old Fashioned

ZuQu

For an interesting boost of flavor, make an “infused” simple syrup by adding lemongrass, orange peels, mint, basil, or whatever you have to the simple syrup. Let it sit til cool, then strain.

Perry B

Trying it with a reposado tequila. The bitters work surprisingly well with the tequila.

Lynne Jones

Instead of simple sugar, try maple syrup. Definitely add Luxardo cherry and add two pineapple chunks. Then it's called (my) Uncle Bob's Old Fashioned. It gets raves!

Maria

Yep, a little maple syrup does the trick, very easy to adapt to any palate. Orange bitters, upgraded cherry and the orange peel all create a lovely foundation for dark spirits! Have not tried with light spirits - yet!

Jim Demers

Maple syrup instead of simple syrup makes for a delicious variation.

Jessica

This recipe is delightful. Melissa Clark's bourbon and black pepper caramels are a favorite at my house, so I channeled them: made a honey simple syrup infused with black pepper. It was a delight. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12896-black-pepper-and-bourbon-caramel-chews?action=click&module=Global%20Search%20Recipe%20Card&pgType=search&rank=1

JW

Rather than make simple syrup, I muddled a strip of orange peel with a tbsp of sugar. Topped with 2 oz bourbon and 3-4 dashes of orange bitters. Nice!

James

Wow, this is way too sweet. A good way to ruin whiskey.

Anne

A Brandy Old Fashioned is the state cocktail of Wisconsin.

ZuQu

For an interesting boost of flavor, make an “infused” simple syrup by adding lemongrass, orange peels, mint, basil, or whatever you have to the simple syrup. Let it sit til cool, then strain.

Bryan

In Wisconsin if you order an Old Fashioned they’ll assume you mean you want it with brandy, typically made with Korbel. Two things you can find at any bar in WI no matter where you are: Spotted Cow and a great brandy Old Fashioned

David J. Fox, DMD

Luxardo Cherries rather than crude maraschino cherries. Liquid from the Luxardo Cherries jar extends richer flavor to the cocktail, substituting for sugar syrups higher concentration of sugar in solution. One teaspoon often sufficient for most palates. The juice of one fresh orange section, or a wedge of 1/8 whole orange, adds freshness with a bit of acidity to balance sugars. Definitely two dashes of bitters. Twisted 1x2" orange rind releases orange oil essence and a garnish.

Perry B

Trying it with a reposado tequila. The bitters work surprisingly well with the tequila.

DJ

The rich simple syrup is 67% sweeter than regular simple syrup, so be aware before using it (you can always add a little more). Rich simple syrup keeps longer as well and can be put into the freezer where it will not freeze solid. Also, if you make a large batch and want to refrigerate it rather than taking freezer space, use a little vodka in place of some water, which will preserve it longer.

D.J. Long

No. No. No. An Old Fashioned should only be made with whiskey or rye. Period. The same holds true with the sacred Martini or Gibson, which should only be made with gin. Anything else is an abomination.

DJ

Yep. Otherwise it something else.

Evan

Aw man, I recently realized the cognac Old Fashioned is my favorite drink, and I think this liquor suits it even better than whiskey. This recipe is classic, but I did find it too sweet. I say just barely cover the bottom of the Mixing glass with the simple syrup. Also, a tip from Brian Miller (one of NYC’s great bartenders and the captain of the roving Tiki Monday parties): two dashes Angostura, one dash Peychaud’s when using cognac. Orange, lemon or grapefruit twist all work for me.

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