Classic Old-Fashioned Recipe

Bourbon or rye whiskey: A rich and flavorful spirit that forms the base of the cocktail.

Sugar cube: Provides sweetness and balances the bitterness.

Angostura bitters: Adds aromatic complexity and depth to the drink.

Orange peel: Offers a citrusy aroma and a hint of zest.

Maraschino cherry: A sweet garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

To enhance the flavor of your old-fashioned, consider expressing the oils from the orange peel over the drink before garnishing. Hold the peel with the outer side facing the drink and gently squeeze to release the aromatic oils. This adds a subtle citrus aroma that complements the whiskey beautifully.

• bourbon or rye whiskey - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a rich and smooth flavor profile that complements the bitters and sugar, providing a slightly sweeter alternative to whiskey.

• bourbon or rye whiskey - Substitute with dark rum: Dark rum brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness and complexity, making it a unique twist on the classic old-fashioned.

• cube sugar - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup dissolves more easily than a sugar cube, ensuring a consistent sweetness throughout the drink.

• cube sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a floral sweetness and a thicker texture, which can enhance the depth of the cocktail.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters provide a citrusy note that complements the orange peel garnish, adding a fresh twist to the drink.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with chocolate bitters: Chocolate bitters introduce a rich, cocoa flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the whiskey.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel offers a brighter, more acidic citrus aroma, which can lighten the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.

• orange peel - Substitute with grapefruit peel: Grapefruit peel provides a slightly bitter and aromatic citrus note, adding complexity to the drink.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with brandied cherry: Brandied cherries have a deeper, more robust flavor that enhances the richness of the cocktail.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with fresh cherry: Fresh cherries offer a natural sweetness and a more subtle fruitiness, providing a fresher garnish option.

• Store your orange peel and maraschino cherry separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and vibrant for garnishing your classic old-fashioned.

• Keep your bourbon or rye whiskey in a cool, dark place. A liquor cabinet or pantry is ideal to maintain its rich flavors and aromas.

• For the sugar cubes, ensure they are stored in a dry, airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture and clumping together.

• If you have leftover angostura bitters, store them in a cool, dark place, similar to your whiskey. They have a long shelf life, so no need to worry about them going bad quickly.

• If you want to prepare the drink in advance, mix the sugar, bitters, and a splash of water, then store this mixture in a small jar in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply add whiskey and ice, then garnish.

• Avoid freezing the entire cocktail as the texture and flavor of the whiskey can be compromised. Instead, freeze the orange peel and maraschino cherry separately if needed, but fresh is always best for garnishing.

• If you must freeze, consider making whiskey ice cubes by freezing whiskey in an ice cube tray. This way, your drink won't get diluted as the ice melts, keeping the flavors intact.

• Gently warm the whiskey in a small saucepan over low heat. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors. Once warmed, pour it back into the glass over fresh ice.

• If you prefer a quicker method, use a microwave-safe glass. Heat the whiskey on a low setting for about 10-15 seconds. Stir well and add fresh ice to maintain the chill.

• For a more aromatic experience, lightly warm the orange peel in a pan to release its oils before garnishing your drink again. This will enhance the citrus notes without reheating the entire drink.

• Consider using a sous-vide method by sealing the whiskey in a heat-safe bag and immersing it in warm water. This gentle technique ensures even warming without altering the drink's profile.

• If you have a milk frother with a warming function, you can use it to gently heat the whiskey. This method is quick and maintains the integrity of the flavors.

• Old-fashioned glass: A short, sturdy glass that is perfect for serving cocktails like the Old-Fashioned, allowing for easy muddling and stirring.

• Muddler: A tool used to crush and mix ingredients, such as the sugar cube and bitters, to release their flavors.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately pour the whiskey, ensuring the correct amount is used in the cocktail.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the cocktail, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed.

• Peeler: A tool used to peel the orange, creating a twist of orange peel for garnish.

• Ice cube tray: Used to make ice cubes that will chill the cocktail without diluting it too quickly.

• Cocktail pick: A small skewer used to hold the maraschino cherry, making it easy to place as a garnish.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure the bourbon, sugar cube, and bitters in advance to streamline the process.

Use simple syrup: Substitute the sugar cube with simple syrup to skip the muddling step.

Batch your drinks: If serving multiple guests, mix a larger batch of whiskey and bitters in a pitcher to save time.

Pre-cut garnishes: Slice the orange peel and prepare the maraschino cherries ahead of time for quick garnishing.

Chill your glass: Keep your old-fashioned glass in the freezer to ensure a cold drink without waiting.