The Old Fashioned: A Love Story in a Glass 🥃

It Started With a Sip…

I remember the first time I truly got the Old Fashioned.

Not just tasted it—understood it.

I was in a dimly lit bar in Louisville, the kind with creaky wooden floors and a bartender who looked like he’d seen it all. He had a salt-and-pepper beard, wore a vest like he was born in it, and moved behind the bar like a man who didn’t just make drinks—he crafted them.

“What’s your go-to?” I asked.

He didn’t say a word. He just reached for a bottle of bourbon, a sugar cube, and a bottle of bitters. A quick muddle, a slow pour, and a single solid ice cube later, a glass slid in front of me.

“Old Fashioned,” he finally said.

One sip. That’s all it took.

It was smooth yet bold, sweet yet balanced, the perfect blend of whiskey’s warmth and just a touch of citrus. It wasn’t just a drink—it was an experience. Like putting on a perfectly broken-in leather jacket or hearing a blues riff that hits just right.

And just like that, I was hooked.

How to Make a Classic Old Fashioned (The Right Way) 🍊

A proper Old Fashioned is simple, but every ingredient matters. Here’s how to make it at home like a pro:

What You’ll Need:

• 2 oz bourbon (or rye, if you like it spicier)

• 1 sugar cube (or ¼ oz simple syrup)

• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel

• Large ice cube

How to Make It:

1. Place the sugar cube in a glass.

2. Add bitters and a splash of water. Muddle until dissolved.

3. Pour in the bourbon and stir gently.

4. Add a big ice cube. (Big ice melts slower—less dilution, more flavor.)

5. Express an orange peel over the glass, rub the rim, and drop it in.

Sip slowly. Let the flavors unfold. Enjoy.

The Best Bourbons & Rye for an Old Fashioned 🏆

A great Old Fashioned starts with a great whiskey. Here are my go-to picks:

Top 3 Bourbons:

1. Buffalo Trace – Smooth, well-rounded, and just the right amount of sweetness.

2. Four Roses Small Batch – A touch of spice and fruitiness that plays well with bitters.

3. Old Forester 100 – Bold, rich, and built for cocktails.

Best Rye for an Old Fashioned:

🔥 Rittenhouse Rye – Spicy, peppery, and perfect if you like a little extra kick.

Pro tip: Rye whiskey makes a drier, spicier Old Fashioned, while bourbon gives it a rounder, sweeter profile. Try both and see which one speaks to your soul.

Upgrade Your Game: Homemade Simple Syrups 🍯

Want to add a little twist? Swap out the sugar cube for a homemade simple syrup. Here are three easy ones to try:

1. Classic Rich Simple Syrup

• 2 parts sugar, 1 part water

• Heat until sugar dissolves. Cool before using.

• Why? Gives a silkier texture and blends effortlessly.

2. Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 cinnamon stick + 3 cloves

• Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and cool.

• Why? Adds warmth and depth—perfect for winter.

3. Honey-Cinnamon Syrup

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup water

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Heat until combined. Remove cinnamon after cooling.

• Why? A touch of floral sweetness and spice.

Try them out. Find your signature pour.

Final Thought: Why the Old Fashioned Stands the Test of Time

The Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink. It’s a lesson in restraint. A reminder that sometimes, less is more.

In a world of overcomplicated cocktails, this one stays true to its roots—bold, balanced, and timeless. Just like a good whiskey should be.

“Great drinks, like great stories, don’t need extra fluff—just the right ingredients.” 🥃

What’s your go-to Old Fashioned recipe? Have a secret ingredient? Drop it in the comments. Let’s swap stories over a good pour.

Cheers,
Ethan "Neat" Whitmore

P.S. Next week, we’re talking about the best bourbons under $50. Don’t miss it.