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Theodore Hawthorne IV bartender portrait

Classic Mixologist · Theodore Hawthorne IV

Old Fashioned

A citrusy and bitter spirit-forward built around whiskey, with the classic proportions and service that make the Old Fashioned endure.

“Old Fashioned is a standard, not a suggestion. Measure it properly and we shall have no trouble.”
Old Fashioned cocktail served in a rocks glass with expressed orange twist

WHY THIS DRINK WORKS

The Old Fashioned works because bourbon or rye, sugar cube or 1/4 oz simple syrup, Angostura bitters meet in deliberate proportion. Keep the method muddled, use fresh ice, and give the final garnish enough attention to finish the aroma without distracting from the drink.

Makes1 cocktail
Time5 minutes
GlassRocks glass
FinishExpressed orange twist

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye
  • 1 sugar cube or 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange twist

Make it

  1. Add sugar and bitters to a rocks glass.
  2. Muddle or stir with a splash of water.
  3. Add whiskey and ice.
  4. Stir until chilled.
  5. Express orange peel over the top.

Behind the bar

  • Chill the serving glass while you prepare the drink.
  • Taste balance depends on fresh citrus and accurate measurements.

KEEP THE BAR OPEN

Try another round

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