Perfect Old Fashioned

The old fashioned is one of the first cocktails, dating back to the late 19th century. It is traditionally made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey (typically rye or bourbon), and garnishing with an orange slice or zest and a cocktail cherry. It is served with ice in an old fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass) with a splash of water.

This "perfect" version of an old fashioned eliminates the fruit and, instead, uses a combination of Angostura, Peychaud's, and orange bitters with simple syrup to provide the sweet, sour, and bitter flavors without having gritty sugar or bits of fruit in the bottom of the glass.

Drinks

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 min

Yield: 1 servings

A glass containing a perfect bourbon old-fashioned.

Ingredients

  • Simple syrup
  • Angustora bitters
  • Peychaud's bitters
  • Orange bitters
  • Bourbon or rye whiskey

Instructions

  1. 1.
    Make simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small pan and heating. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and the syrup is clear.
  2. 2.
    In an old fashioned glass, add a dash of simple syrup to taste. Covering the bottom of the glass with a thin layer is usually enough.
  3. 3.
    Add 4 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  4. 4.
    Add 2 dashes of Peychaud's bitters
  5. 5.
    Add 3 dashes of orange bitters.
  6. 6.
    Add 2 ounces of whiskey (bourbon or rye).
  7. 7.
    Add enough ice to share the glass with the whiskey.
  8. 8.
    Top off with a splash of water.