Few cocktails have the effortless sophistication of an Old Fashioned. It’s one of the oldest mixed drinks in history—simple, bold, and built on the idea that great things don’t need embellishment. But thanks to Mad Men and the ever-dapper Don Draper, the Old Fashioned experienced a serious revival, bringing mid-century cool back into modern cocktail culture.

I remember watching Mad Men for the first time and being totally mesmerized by Don’s brooding stare over a perfectly cut glass of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and orange. Naturally, I had to try it myself. That first sip was eye-opening: rich, spirit-forward, but with just enough sweetness and aromatics to make it incredibly smooth. From that moment on, the Old Fashioned wasn’t just a drink—it was a ritual.

The Old Fashioned’s beauty lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients, it relies on precision and quality. No flashy moves, no heavy mixers—just pure, distilled elegance. Whether you’re sipping it on a quiet night in or making it the centerpiece of a celebration, the Old Fashioned feels timeless every single time.

Quick Facts: Old Fashioned Cocktail

Method: stirred
Flavor profile: strong, slightly sweet, aromatic
How to serve it: over a large ice cube
Glassware: Old Fashioned glass (rocks glass)
Alcohol content: ~ 32% ABV, 26–30 grams of alcohol per serving

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey (classic choices include Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, or Rittenhouse Rye)
1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Splash of water or club soda (optional, for dissolving sugar)
Ice (large cube preferred)
Garnish: orange peel, optional cherry

Choosing the right whiskey is essential. Bourbon gives a smoother, slightly sweeter profile, while rye adds spicier, sharper edges—the kind Don Draper might appreciate after a rough day. The sugar should be simple white granulated sugar or rich simple syrup if you prefer a quicker dissolve. Bitters are the heart of the Old Fashioned, adding depth and subtle spice.

For a more classic, 1800s feel, stick to a sugar cube and muddle it properly. For a quicker, cleaner version, simple syrup is perfectly acceptable.

Equipment Needed

Old Fashioned glass (heavy-bottomed preferred)
Bar spoon
Muddler (if using a sugar cube)
Jigger
Peeler for the orange garnish

Optional extras include a bitters bottle with a dasher top for perfect control and a mixing glass if you prefer building the drink separately before pouring.

A big, clear ice cube isn’t just aesthetic—it melts slower, keeping your drink colder without over-diluting it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Traditional Method:

Prepare the sugar: Place the sugar cube in the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass. Add 2–3 dashes of bitters and a splash of water or club soda.
Muddle gently: Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush and dissolve the sugar into the bitters.
Add whiskey: Pour 2 oz of your chosen bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass.
Add ice: Drop in one large ice cube (or a few smaller ones if needed).
Stir: Stir gently but thoroughly to chill the drink and blend flavors.
Garnish: Express an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it into the glass. Optionally, add a Luxardo cherry for a nod to mid-century flair.

This whole process should take about 3–4 minutes. The key is patience—stirring properly chills the drink without over-diluting it, letting the whiskey shine.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Old Fashioned is a celebration of whiskey. Bold and warming, with a touch of sweetness from the sugar and a slight aromatic bitterness from the bitters, it’s perfectly balanced between spirituous strength and gentle sophistication.

The first sip hits you with rich, oaky flavors, deep vanilla, caramel, and spice, followed by a citrusy aroma from the orange twist. As the ice melts slightly, the drink opens up, revealing even more nuanced layers.

For an even more aromatic version, you can add a small dash of orange bitters along with Angostura. If you like a nuttier, richer flavor, try swapping the sugar cube for demerara syrup.

Garnishing and Presentation

An Old Fashioned’s presentation should reflect its no-nonsense character. Garnishing should be minimalist, classic, and intentional.

Orange peel: Express the oils over the drink by twisting the peel, then rim the glass before dropping it in.
Cherry (optional): A high-quality cocktail cherry, like a Luxardo, adds a luxurious touch without overpowering the drink.
Ice: One large, clear cube that fills the glass halfway is best—it looks stunning and melts slowly.

Keep the glass simple and heavy. The tactile weight of a solid rocks glass feels satisfying in hand—an unspoken signature of a proper Old Fashioned.

Pairing Suggestions

Since the Old Fashioned is spirit-forward and rich, it pairs beautifully with savory, hearty foods:

Charcuterie boards: Rich meats and strong cheeses balance the drink’s boldness.
Grilled steaks or burgers: The smokiness complements the whiskey’s depth.
Chocolate desserts: Think dark chocolate truffles or flourless chocolate cake.
Roasted nuts: Their earthy, salty crunch highlights the sweetness of the cocktail.

This is a drink built for serious flavor experiences—not something you’d casually sip with a garden salad.

Cocktail History and Trivia

The Old Fashioned’s origin goes all the way back to the early 1800s, when the very definition of a “cocktail” was spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. It was, literally, the original cocktail.

It became known as an “Old Fashioned” when bartenders started riffing on the formula in the late 19th century, and drinkers who wanted it done the original way would request it “the old-fashioned way.”

Fast forward to the 2000s, and Mad Men introduced it to a new generation. Don Draper’s preference for the drink symbolized not just a taste for tradition, but a certain rugged masculinity wrapped in tailored suits and complicated emotions. After Mad Men, Old Fashioned sales skyrocketed around the world.

Today, it’s recognized not just as a drink, but as a timeless statement.

Serving Suggestions

The Old Fashioned is perfect for slow, deliberate sipping. Serve it:

At cocktail parties
During formal dinners
For nightcaps
At home while rewatching Mad Men reruns

It’s a drink that commands attention—best enjoyed in quiet moments or classy company. If batching for a group, pre-mix the whiskey, sugar, and bitters, and stir individual servings with fresh ice cubes.

Serve slightly chilled with no straw, just a solid glass and a confident garnish.

Alcohol Content and Alternatives

With around 32% ABV, the Old Fashioned is one of the stronger standard cocktails. It’s meant to be sipped slowly, respecting both the drink and yourself.

Low-ABV alternative:
Swap the whiskey for a lower-proof spirit like sherry or a quality vermouth, keeping the bitters and sugar the same. It’ll be lighter but still complex.

Mocktail version:
Mix a rich black tea concentrate (like lapsang souchong), a splash of demerara syrup, and a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters. Stir with a big ice cube and garnish with an orange twist for an alcohol-free nod to the classic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it better with bourbon or rye?
Both are authentic choices. Bourbon gives a sweeter, richer drink; rye offers a spicier, drier edge.

Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?
Absolutely. It’s faster and ensures no gritty sugar at the bottom. Just use a 2:1 rich syrup for best texture.

Should the Old Fashioned be muddled with fruit?
Traditionally, no. Some older Midwest bar styles muddle orange slices and cherries, but purists stick to bitters, sugar, and spirit only.

What’s the best type of bitters?
Angostura is classic, but orange bitters, chocolate bitters, or even cardamom bitters can add interesting variations.

How long should I stir it?
About 15–20 seconds—just enough to chill and dilute slightly without watering it down too much.