Inside: Master the Old Fashioned cocktail with this easy recipe that ditches the sugar cube and makes a smoother, more flavorful cocktail.
Y ears ago, before I knew my margarita from my Manhattan, I made a rookie mistake.
(But of course, I didn’t realize it at the time.)
I waltzed into a ~dive bar~ and confidently ordered an Old Fashioned. What I got was something that could only be described as a tropical abomination—a weird mashup of a piña colada and a screwdriver, with the bartender’s “secret ingredient”…
…orange juice. 💀😵
And the kicker? I walked out of there thinking I’d just uncovered some kind of bartending goldmine.
So, if you remember nothing else from this article, let it be this: orange juice and Old Fashioneds do NOT mix.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, ready to find out what actually belongs in an Old Fashioned?
Read on… ↴
pin it to remember
Table of Contents
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, and just so you know, I earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon and some other cool programs. Thanks for the support, party pal!
The Secret to Easy Old Fashioneds
Traditional Old Fashioned recipes make this classic cocktail way harder than it needs to be, all thanks to that pesky sugar cube they insist you dissolve with a dash of bitters.
Ever tried it? Disaster city. Bitters don’t melt sugar—they just turn it into sad little granules that float around in your glass, mocking you. 😅
Here’s what you should do instead.
Use simple syrup! But don’t just grab any old syrup. Give your Old Fashioned a classy glow-up with demerara syrup.
pin it to remember
How to Make Demerara Syrup: This syrup is richer than the usual simple syrup, thanks to its 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio. Just mix 2 parts demerara sugar with 1 part water, heat it up, and stir until the sugar’s dissolved. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 months, and you’re golden.
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for—the recipe…
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Old Fashioned (with Demerara Syrup)
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 tsp demerara syrup
- 3 dashes angostura bitters
- orange twist as a garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a lowball glass with 1 large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Notes
- To make demerara syrup (2:1 ratio), combine 2 parts demerara and 1 part water. Heat it up, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 months.
- If you don't have demerara sugar, try turbinado sugar or white sugar.
Recommended Products
Here's some of my personal recommendations. Oh, and just so you know, I earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon and some other cool programs. Thanks for the support, party pal!
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What type of whiskey is best for an Old Fashioned?
The best whiskey for an Old Fashioned depends on your personal taste. Bourbon offers a sweeter, fuller flavor, while rye whiskey gives a spicier, drier profile. Experiment with both to see which suits your palate!
What’s the purpose of bitters in an Old Fashioned?
Bitters are the secret ingredient that adds depth and complexity to an Old Fashioned. They balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile. Angostura bitters are the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with different types
Why is ice so important in an Old Fashioned?
Ice chills the drink and dilutes it just enough to smooth out the strong flavors. Large ice cubes or a single ice sphere are ideal because they melt slower, preventing the drink from getting too watery.
What’s the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan?
Both are whiskey cocktails, but the Old Fashioned is simpler, with just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. The Manhattan, on the other hand, includes sweet vermouth and is typically made with rye whiskey. The taste is richer and a bit more complex.
pin it to remember
Over to You
So there you have it—a foolproof way to make an Old Fashioned that’s as smooth as it is sophisticated. Armed with demerara syrup and a no-nonsense approach, you’re ready to impress with every pour.
So go ahead, mix up a batch, and toast to mastering the classic cocktail with a little help from your new favorite recipe. Cheers to your cocktail prowess!
Next Up, You You’ll Probably Like…
- Never throw a dull party again with my cocktail & party planning tips on my email list
- Learn how to strategically stock your home bar (and save money)
- Serving a crowd? 5 large batch party cocktails for a summer party
- Get 5 tips to plan better parties (with less stress)
- How to set up a DIY Aperol Spritz bar (plus a free drink sign)
