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Simple, bold and timeless, the bourbon old fashioned is the ultimate classic cocktail. Made with just a few ingredients, this drink showcases the richness of bourbon with subtle sweetness, citrus and bitters for balance. Whether you’re mixing it up for guests or savoring one solo, this smooth sipper always delivers. It’s a go-to choice for those who enjoy a no-fuss cocktail with full flavor and a hint of elegance in every glass.

A glass of whiskey with ice, an orange peel, and a cherry on a wooden tray, with a whiskey bottle in the background—showcasing how to make a bourbon old fashioned and master the best old fashioned recipe.

This bourbon old fashioned recipe blends smooth bourbon with sugar, orange and bitters for a classic cocktail that’s easy, elegant and full of bold flavor.

If you love trying new cocktails, also try this boozy hot chocolate, watermelon jalapeno margaritas and these fun jello shots.

Glass of whiskey with orange peel and cherry garnish on a wooden board, showing how to make a bourbon old fashioned—one classic drink you can make with bourbon. Fruit and bottle in the background enhance the timeless appeal.

Why You’ll Love It

Classic flavor: Rich bourbon with balanced citrus and sweetness.
Quick to make: Comes together in just minutes with minimal tools.
Impressive presentation: Garnished simply, but looks refined.
Customizable: You can adjust sweetness or bitters to suit your taste.

Glass of whiskey with a round ice cube, orange peel garnish, and oranges on a wooden tray—perfect for those seeking the best old fashioned recipe.

Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Sugar cube: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the bourbon.
Orange bitters: Infuses the drink with bright citrus and aromatic notes. Orange bitters are made from caraway seed, coriander, Seville orange zest, anise, cardamom, and burnt sugar, in an alcohol base.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and mellow the flavors.
Bourbon: The star of the drink, rich and smooth with deep flavor. Choose from Bulleit, Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek, or your own favorite kind.
Orange peel: Adds a citrusy aroma and a hint of brightness.
Cherry: Offers a sweet and colorful finishing touch.

Overhead view of a glass with a sugar cube and orange peel on a wooden board, surrounded by ingredients for the best old fashioned recipe—a classic drink you can make with bourbon.

How to Make an Old Fashioned with Bourbon

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prep the glass: Rub orange peel around the rim and set aside.
Muddle the base: Add sugar, bitters and water, then muddle until dissolved.
Add bourbon and ice: Pour in bourbon over ice.
Finish with garnish: Twist orange peel to release oils, add to drink and top with a cherry.

A glass of Bourbon old fashioned cocktail with an orange peel garnish, placed on a wooden tray with oranges nearby—a classic bourbon cocktail perfect for any occasion.

Substitutions and Variations

Try other bitters: If you don’t have orange bitters, you can use angostura bitters which are made with herbs, spices and gentian. Chocolate bitters would also work.
Sugar cube substitutions: Swap the sugar cube for ½ teaspoon of simple syrup or 4 grams (just under a teaspoon) of granulated white sugar. Another idea is using brown instead of white sugar. This will give the cocktail a deeper, molasses-like taste.
Change the spirit: Rye whiskey works well for a spicier twist.

A glass of cocktail with ice, orange peel, and cherries on a wooden board hints at the best old fashioned recipe—a timeless drink you can make with bourbon. A bottle cap rests nearby, completing the classic scene.

Serving Suggestions

With savory appetizers: Pair the cocktail with steak and mushroom bruschetta, sloppy joe sliders or air fryer crab cakes.
With something sweet: Serve up homemade lemon filled cupcakes or chocolate caramel tart.

A glass of whiskey with an orange peel garnish sits on a wooden tray, surrounded by fruit and bar items—perfect for those wanting to enjoy a classic bourbon cocktail or learn how to make a bourbon old fashioned at home.

How to Store Bourbon Old Fashioned

Store: You can keep prepared old fashioned for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this cocktail.

A glass of whiskey with an orange peel garnish on a wooden tray, showcasing a classic bourbon cocktail, with another drink and ingredients in the background.

Top Tips

Use quality bourbon: The drink is simple, so quality makes a difference.
Don’t skip the orange peel: It adds essential aroma and citrus oil.
Chill the glass: Keeps your drink cold without extra dilution.
Rotate the glass: Do this after adding the sugar, angostura and water and muddling it, to distribute the bitters and sugar grains all over the glass.

A glass of classic bourbon cocktail with an orange peel and ice on a wooden tray, surrounded by citrus and bitters bottles—perfect for those wanting to learn how to make a Bourbon old fashioned.

Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail FAQs

When was this drink first created?

This recipe dates all the way back to 1806 although it wasn’t known as an ‘old fashioned’ until about 80 years later. Although this drink is more than two centuries old, it is still as popular as ever.

What type of glass should I use?

Choose a lowball glass, rocks glass or old fashioned glass. These are all names for the same glass – a short tumbler that can hold 6 to 8 ounces. This type of glass is also used to serve neat liquor on the rocks. It’s worth investing in a set of these multipurpose glasses if you don’t have them already. (These are a steal!)

A glass of Bourbon Old Fashioned with an orange peel and cherry sits on a wooden tray, surrounded by lemons and bitters bottles—the perfect drink you can make with bourbon.

Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

A classic bourbon cocktail, this drink features an orange peel, cherry, and ice ball in a glass on a wooden tray—a timeless bourbon Old Fashioned you can make at home.
Print
5 from 3 votes

Bourbon Old Fashioned

By: Bella Bucchiotti
The bourbon old fashioned is the kind of cocktail that never goes out of style. Just a few ingredients, one glass and a quick stir is all you need to make a drink worth savoring.
Prep Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 Cube granulated sugar
  • 4 Dashes orange bitters
  • 1 Teaspoon water
  • 2 Ounces bourbon
  • 1 Strip orange peel, 2 Inches

To Garnish

  • maraschino cherry

Instructions 

  • Peel a 2-inch section of orange zest. Trace the orange zest over the rim of the glass and set aside.
  • Add a sugar cube to the glass. Add 3 to 4 dashes of bitters and a teaspoon of water onto the sugar cube. Use a cocktail muddler to break down the sugar cube. If you don't have one, use a wooden spoon or similar to crush it a bit.
  • Add ice to the glass, then pour in the bourbon. Twist the orange peel to express oil, then add it to glass.
  • Serve garnished with a cherry.

Notes

Use quality bourbon: The drink is simple, so quality makes a difference.
Don’t skip the orange peel: It adds essential aroma and citrus oil.
Chill the glass: Keeps your drink cold without extra dilution.
Rotate the glass: Do this after adding the sugar, angostura and water and muddling it, to distribute the bitters and sugar grains all over the glass.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 84mg | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Overhead view of a glass with a sugar cube and orange peel on a wooden board, surrounded by ingredients for the best old fashioned recipe—a classic drink you can make with bourbon.
A hand muddling ingredients in a glass with orange peel, surrounded by cocktail-making items—capturing the timeless process of creating a classic bourbon cocktail.
A hand pours orange bitters into a glass on a wooden tray, surrounded by orange peels and sugar cubes—the essential steps for how to make a bourbon old fashioned, the classic bourbon cocktail.
A hand places an orange peel into a glass on a wooden board, surrounded by cocktail ingredients—a classic bourbon cocktail in the making.
A hand pours whiskey into a glass with a round ice cube, surrounded by citrus and cherries—the perfect way to enjoy a classic bourbon cocktail.
Glass of whiskey with a round ice cube, orange peel garnish, and oranges on a wooden tray—perfect for those seeking the best old fashioned recipe.

A bourbon old fashioned is more than just a cocktail. It’s a statement. This drink’s simplicity is part of its magic, letting each ingredient shine. The bold bourbon, balanced with citrus and just enough sweetness, makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual evenings to formal gatherings. Once you’ve mastered this classic, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to. Raise your glass to timeless flavor and the satisfaction of a well-crafted bourbon old fashioned.

Other Recipes to Try

Glass of classic bourbon cocktail Old Fashioned with ice, orange peel, and a stirrer on a wooden tray—a timeless drink you can make with bourbon.
A Bourbon Old Fashioned, a classic drink you can make with bourbon, is served with an orange twist on a wooden tray and surrounded by fresh oranges.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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