True to its name, this recipe for a classic Old Fashioned cocktail never goes out style. If we have whiskey or bourbon in our liquor cabinet, my husband will definitely ask for an Old Fashioned when 5 o’clock rolls around. This easy drink is a delicious start (or end) to your weekend.
What do I need to make an Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Rocks glass or lowball glass
- Whiskey or Bourbon Whiskey
- Simple Syrup
- Water
- Bitters
- Orange Peel
- Premium Cocktail Cherries
- Ice
How to make your own simple syrup
Basic simple syrup is equal parts water to equal parts sugar (½ cup of each). My go-to simple syrup is a little less sweet. My go-to is ¼ cup granulated or turbinado sugar and ¾ cup water, 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. I find it’s easier to mix in most drinks because it isn’t as “syrup-y” in consistency. This is also an easy way to make your cocktail with less calories. Combine in a sauce pan and heat on the stovetop until boiling and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week with best results. Using turbinado sugar gives an extra layer of flavor, so I prefer this method. Both sugars will give you great results.
Easy way to make an Old Fashioned Cocktail
Combine simple syrup, syrup from the cherry jar, water, and bitters to a rocks glass and stir. Add ice, stir again. We use a chopstick to stir our drinks because it’s usually always on hand in our silverware drawer.
Add the whiskey or bourbon and stir again for about 10-15 seconds. Slide the orange peel into the glass and garnish with a cocktail cherry or two. I use a vegetable peeler to quickly get a good, thin orange peel, but you can use a knife as well.
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As always, you drink to enjoy yourself a little. If your cocktail is not to your liking, try these ideas: For a more sour cocktail, double the cherry syrup. For a sweeter cocktail, increase the simple syrup. For a stronger cocktail, use less water or omit the water altogether. Cheers!
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Old Fashioned Cocktail
Timeless, whiskey cocktail with sour cherry syrup for added flavor. Thank me later!
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) Whiskey or Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz (2 Tbsp) Simple Syrup (See notes below)
- ½ teaspoon Cocktail cherry syrup
- .5 oz (1 Tbsp) Water
- 3 dashes Bitters
- Orange Peel (garnish)
- Premium Cocktail Cherry (garnish)
Instructions
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Combine simple syrup, syrup from the cherry jar, water, and bitters to a rocks glass and stir. Add ice, stir again.
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Add the whiskey or bourbon and stir again for about 10-15 seconds. Slide the orange peel into the glass and garnish with a cocktail cherry or two. I use a vegetable peeler to quickly get a good, thin orange peel, but you can use a knife as well.
Recipe Notes
For a sweeter cocktail, add more simple syrup.
For a stronger cocktail, add less (or no) water.
For a more pronounced cherry flavor, add a full teaspoon of cherry syrup from the jar.
How to make your own simple syrup
Basic simple syrup is 1 part sugar to 1 part water. For a less-sweet, less syrup-y version, my go-to is ¼ cup granulated or turbinado sugar and ¾ cup water (1 part sugar to 3 parts water). Combine in a sauce pan and heat on the stovetop until boiling and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week with best results. Using turbinado sugar gives an extra layer of flavor, so I prefer this method. Both sugars will give you great results.
Santos says
Excellent, my new favorite cocktail! Thanks
Stephanie @ Pretty.Simple.Sweet. says
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!