How to Make the Best Old Fashioned

One of the most iconic drinks in cocktail history, the Old Fashioned is a classic drink revered by bourbon enthusiasts everywhere. Rich, smooth, and intense in flavor, an Old Fashioned is characterized by notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla with hints of sugar, spice, and citrus.

On the surface, the Old Fashioned may seem like a simple drink, served elegantly over an ice cube in a rocks glass. But it's the quality of ingredients that makes it a memorable experience. The formula is classic but allows for many variations:

A quality bourbon or rye whiskey forms the base of the drink.
Sugar or syrup adds a hint of sweetness to enhance the flavors of the bourbon.
A dash of two of bitters adds complexity and layers of subtle flavor.
A final twist of citrus complements each element of the recipe, bringing it all together.

The brand of whiskey you choose will impact the experience. A rye whiskey brings in a dry, bold experience, while bourbon will provide a base of sweet richness.

What's the Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned?

The best whiskey for an Old Fashioned depends on whether you are going for a rye or a bourbon.

For bourbon fans, our founder Joe's personal favorite is the Elijah Craig Small Batch. Maker's Mark and Buffalo Trace are also popular choices.

For fans of rye whiskey, Joe recommends Bulleit Rye or Pendleton 1910. His preference is the Pendleton 1910.

What Syrup Complements an Old Fashioned?

The sugar component you choose is key to drawing out the flavors of the whiskey.

Sweetwater Syrups knows a thing or two about crafting the perfect Old Fashioned. What began as a simple quest to create the perfect flavors to complement classic bourbons has grown into the cocktail and coffee syrup brand you know today.

Our journey began here, and we're pleased to share Sweetwater Syrups' Best Old Fashioned recipe with you today. This recipe has been tested by many cocktail fans over Joe's 20 years in the restaurant and bar industry, and it continues to get rave reviews.

While most of our syrup flavors can be interchanged with this recipe, we highly recommend trying our Vanilla Cardamom, Orange Cardamom, and Maple Brown Sugar syrups first. These flavors were crafted especially to complement the perfect Old Fashioned, and they have proven to be our best sellers for nearly four years. (We recommend them for coffee too!)

Which Bitters Are the Best for an Old Fashioned?

The right bitters add herbaceous notes of citrus and spice to an Old Fashioned. Our recommendation is any brand of orange bitters that you prefer. Angostura bitters are another great option.

Why do I Need an Orange Peel for an Old Fashioned?

A final burst of citrus peel brings a brightness to the drink that can't be skipped. The two keys to fully utilizing the potential of the citrus peel are to flame the peel briefly to release the oils and then to pass the peel around the rim of the glass to add a subtle layer of flavor to the surface. We recommend using an orange peel, but you can also use a lemon peel if you prefer.

So What's the Best Old Fashioned Recipe?

We've got you! Below you'll find the official Sweetwater Syrups Best Old Fashioned Recipe. Remember to save this post so you can come back to it anytime you're planning to make your favorite cocktail. And be sure to stay stocked up on your favorite Sweetwater Syrups from our SHOPfor the perfect experience every time.