Choosing the Ingredients for an Old Fashioned

Bourbon

The bourbon is the foundation of an Old Fashioned. Since the cocktail contains only a few ingredients, the quality and character of the whiskey directly defines the drink.

A classic Kentucky straight bourbon works best.

Brands I would opt for includes;

Evan Williams (obviously)

Buffalo Trace

Four Roses

Elijah Craig

Makers Mark

Evan Williams is an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned and we will use it for this particular recipe.

It offers a balanced profile with caramel sweetness, subtle char, and enough structure to hold up against dilution. Its approachable proof makes it smooth while still delivering depth.

If you prefer a richer, higher-proof expression, you can experiment with bottled-in-bond or small-batch bourbons (higher proof/ABV) for a more intense flavor.

Whatever bottle you choose, avoid overly sweet or heavily flavored whiskeys.

We want to taste this fella.

Sugar

Traditionally, an Old Fashioned is made with a sugar cube.

This allows you to control dilution as you dissolve it with bitters and a few drops of water. 

You can also use simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) for convenience.

We prefer rich simple syrup though (2 parts sugar: 1 part water) as this syrup boasts a shelf life 3-5x longer than regular simple syrup.

This creates a slightly smoother, more consistent result.

For variation, demerara syrup adds a deeper molasses and almost a hint of liqorice kindda note that pairs beautifully with bourbon.

Avoid pre produced syrups at all cost! In my 12 years bartending at numerous bars, I have never used consumer syrups made outside of the bar. An Old Fashioned should never contain e-numbers og flavour enhancers.

Bitters

Bitters provide the aromatic backbone of the drink.

Angostura bitters is the classic and most widely used option. It adds spice, clove, and herbal complexity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the bourbon’s oak character.

For variation, orange bitters can be complimented (1 dash) to lift the citrus aroma.

Bitters are not optional. They transform bourbon and sugar into a cocktail and opens up the whole palate of flavours and notes from the whiskey.

Ice

Ice controls dilution, and dilution controls balance – not to mention temperature.

If you have it available, use one large, solid ice cube. Large ice melts more slowly, keeping the drink cold without over-watering it.

If not, you can always rely on the good old Hoshizaki cubes or cubes bought from the local supermarket.

Never use crushed or small cubes, as they dilute too quickly and flatten the flavor.

Clear ice is preferred for both aesthetics and purity.

Garnish

An Old Fashioned is traditionally garnished with an orange peel.

When cutting the peel, avoid including too much of the white pith (albedo). The pith contains bitterness that can overpower the drink.

Express the oils over the glass before placing the peel inside. The aroma from the citrus oils is essential to the experience.

A cherry is optional, but in the classic version, the orange peel alone is sufficient.