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7 Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes That’ll Make You Feel Like a Pro Mixologist

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The Old Fashioned is the grandfather of cocktails—simple, sophisticated, and endlessly customizable. While the classic version is timeless, experimenting with different spirits, sweeteners, and garnishes can elevate your home bartending game.

Here are 7 Old Fashioned variations that’ll impress your guests and make you feel like a true mixologist.

1. The Classic Old Fashioned

 

The blueprint for all whiskey cocktails.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp granulated sugar)
  • 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 tsp water (or soda water)
  • Orange twist + Luxardo cherry (garnish)
  • Large ice cube

Method:

  1. Muddle sugar, bitters, and water in a glass.
  2. Add whiskey and stir with ice.
  3. Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.

Pro Tip: Use demerara sugar for a richer, molasses-like sweetness.

 

2. Smoked Old Fashioned

 

A dramatic, aromatic twist with a smoky finish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • ¼ oz maple syrup (or ½ tsp)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • Smoked glass (or a spritz of peated Scotch)
  • Burnt orange peel (garnish)

Method:

  1. Smoke the glass with a torch and wood chips (or use a smoke infuser).
  2. Stir bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice.
  3. Strain into the smoked glass, express an orange peel, and garnish

Why It Works: The smokiness enhances the whiskey’s depth.

 

3. Oaxaca Old Fashioned

 

A mezcal-tequila fusion with a spicy-sweet kick.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz reposado tequila
  • 0.5 oz mezcal
  • ¼ oz agave syrup
  • 2 dashes chocolate bitters
  • Orange twist (garnish)

Method:

  1. Stir all ingredients with ice.
  2. Strain over a large cube.
  3. Garnish with an orange twist.

Perfect For: Fans of smoky, complex flavors.

 

4. Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned

 

A Midwest favorite with a fruity twist.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz brandy
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Muddled orange slice & cherry
  • Splash of soda (optional)

Method:

  1. Muddle orange, cherry, syrup, and bitters.
  2. Add brandy and ice, then top with soda (if using).

Regional Twist: Wisconsinites swear by this sweeter, fruitier version.

 

5. Rum Old Fashioned

 

A tropical take with dark rum.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz aged rum (e.g., Appleton Estate)
  • ¼ oz demerara syrup
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Lime twist (garnish)

Method:

  1. Stir rum, syrup, and bitters with ice.
  2. Strain over a large cube and garnish with lime.

Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, and spice from the rum shine.

 

6. Maple Bacon Old Fashioned

 

A brunch-worthy, savory-sweet indulgence.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • ½ oz maple syrup
  • 2 dashes bacon bitters (or real bacon fat-washed bourbon)
  • Candied bacon strip (garnish)

Method:

  1. Stir bourbon, maple, and bitters with ice.
  2. Strain and garnish with bacon.

Next-Level Hack: Infuse bourbon with bacon fat for extra richness.

 

7. Coffee Old Fashioned

 

For whiskey-loving coffee enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz coffee-infused bourbon (steep 1 tbsp ground coffee in bourbon for 1 hour, then strain)
  • ¼ oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes chocolate bitters
  • Coffee bean (garnish)

Method:

  1. Stir all ingredients with ice.
  2. Strain and garnish with a coffee bean.

Ideal For: An after-dinner nightcap.

 

Conclusion:

The Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a canvas. With just a few simple tweaks, you can craft drinks that fit any mood or moment. So grab your mixing glass and start experimenting — you might just become your friends’ favorite bartender.


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