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READY IN 10 mins

Classic Old Fashioned

Read Reviews (18)

"One of the great classic bourbon cocktails, the Old Fashioned was invented in Louisville, KY. Try bourbon, rye, or a blended whiskey in this cocktail. You can also sub one sugar cube for the simple syrup." — c-biskit

Ingredients Edit and Save

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Original recipe makes 1 cocktail Change Servings

2 teaspoons simple syrup
1 teaspoon water
2 dashes bitters
1 cup ice cubes

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger bourbon whiskey
1 slice orange
1 maraschino cherry

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Directions

Pour the simple syrup, water, and bitters into a whiskey glass. Stir to combine, then place the ice cubes in the glass. Pour bourbon over the ice and garnish with the orange slice and maraschino cherry.

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PREP 10 mins
READY IN 10 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jan 20, 2010

this is the classic recipe. It is missing something though. You will need 2 orange slices & 2 cherries. When you put the sugar cube/simple syrup & bitters in the glass, also add one orange slice and one cherry. This all gets muddled (squished) together, topped with ice and then the whiskey. Garnish as directed. DELICIOUS!

—Desiree

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Mar 04, 2012

I thought this was going to grow hair on my chest! This was so super strong!!! I bought some Jameson whiskey for a dinner recipe and had some leftover and decided to try a classic cocktail. This tasted like straight whiskey on ice. I tried to modify it by doubling and then tripeling the simple syrup, doubling the oranges and squeazing them, and then adding in a couple of splashes of the cherry juice from the jar as others suggested. It made it more palateable then, but it still tasted too strong to drink. I wish I wouldn't have spent the extra money now on the bottle of bitters now. It couldn't be tasted anyway. I don't know what to think? Maybe, I just don't like whiskey? Hmmm

—Blender Woman

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20 Ratings

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May 27, 2010

This was my late father-in-law's drink of choice. Definitely use "the good stuff" when making these and while you don't always need the orange slice just like the Manhattan the cherry is always necessary.

—Jillian

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Jan 15, 2010

To make it more palatable (for those who don't like straight booze) a splash of club soda or 7 up is great!

—briggs

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Jan 15, 2010

This is my favorite drink in the winter except I substitute marachino cherry juice for the simple syrup and brandy for the whiskey. I also squeeze an orange wedge and add sour such as 50/50 or Squirt. Delicious.

—SHADOWMERV

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Jan 25, 2011

delish! i used club soda instead of water, instead for a little bit of fizz and doubled up on the orange slices.

—cecilia932

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Oct 12, 2010

Excellent and classic! It really makes so much difference when it's made from scratch. My only substitution: I used rye whiskey instead of bourbon. I've always preferred my Old Fashioned with rye, not sure why . . . maybe it's the slightly drier taste. Try it sometime!

—nannajoanna

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Jan 15, 2010

A classic cocktail. Good with any of the above mentioned spirits but also enjoyed with brandy as a twist. I prefer the rye old-fashioned.

—Ben K

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