Something about drinking an Old Fashioned makes you feel refined, classy, and like a real whiskey-lover. While this classic cocktail consists of just a few simple ingredients, making a proper Old Fashioned is an art form that requires a little know-how. Don’t worry. We’re here to teach you how to make an Old Fashioned that tastes just as good (if not better) than what you’d find at your favorite cocktail bar, plus some unique variations for when you want to switch things up.
An Old Fashioned Lesson
First thing first: What exactly is an Old Fashioned? An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail consisting of bourbon, a sweetener, and bitters and is garnished with either an orange twist, orange slice, or a cherry. It’s served over ice in a rocks (or old-fashioned) glass.
Like most classic cocktails, the history behind this beverage is a little fuzzy. While cocktails made from the same template (spirit, sweetener, and bitters) have been around for centuries, many people credit a bartender at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, for inventing the Old Fashioned as we know it back in 1862.
A Proper Old Fashioned
There are many ways to make an Old Fashioned-none of them are necessarily right or wrong. However, if you want an Old Fashioned that you know will be a delicious hit, this recipe knocks it out of the park every time. As they say, the devil is in the details, so be sure to take your time and be precise.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 half-dollar-size slice of orange peel (including pith)
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
In a rocks glass, add the simple syrup and bitters. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then stir for about 10 seconds. Fill the rest of the glass with ice, then squeeze the orange peel to release the oils over the top of the ice. Drop the peel into the glass. Add the whiskey and stir for an additional 10-15 seconds. Garnish with a cherry.
Daviess County’s Fancy-Free Old Fashioned
A Fancy-Free is an Old Fashioned variation incorporating maraschino liqueur for an added layer of complexity. Our version uses Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon and cherry bitters for a drink that perfectly combines fruitiness, earthiness, and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon
- ½ ounce maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes of cherry bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
In a rocks glass, combine the maraschino liqueur and cherry bitters. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then stir for about 10 seconds. Fill the rest of the glass with ice, then add the Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon and stir for 10-15 seconds. Garnish with the cherry.
Oak and Maple Old Fashioned
This version uses Daviess County French Oak Barrel Finished Bourbon as the base, which makes it perfect for people who love notes of oak, honey, and vanilla in their drink. Since maple syrup is used instead of the traditional simple syrup, this variation is perfect for the autumn days ahead.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Daviess County French Oak Barrel Finished Bourbon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 dashes maple syrup
- 1 half-dollar-size slice of orange peel (including pith)
Instructions
In a rocks glass, add the maple syrup and bitters. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then stir for about 10 seconds. Fill the rest of the glass with ice, squeeze the orange peel to release the oils over the top of the ice, then drop the peel into the glass. Add the whiskey and stir for an additional 10-15 seconds.
It’s Time to Be the Bartender with Daviess County Bourbon
Whether you’re a purist who wants to stick to the traditional recipe or you love a good Old Fashioned experiment, when you use Daviess County Bourbon as the base of your beverage, you’re already on your way to crafting the perfect drink.
Pick up any of the bottles in the Daviess County collection and put your newfound Old Fashioned knowledge to use! Or, book a Lux Row Distillery tour and let us make you a great drink at the bar.