This classic Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless holiday drink—simple, smooth, and sophisticated. Made with just a few quality ingredients—your favorite whiskey or bourbon, a touch of sweetener, aromatic bitters, and a bright twist of citrus—this cocktail is ideal for festive gatherings, holiday dinners, or quiet winter evenings by the fire. It’s easy to mix, elegant to serve, and consistently a crowd favorite.
Holiday Whiskey Cocktail — A Classic Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is the go-to cocktail for whiskey lovers and an excellent choice when serving guests who appreciate a well-made spirit-forward drink during the holidays. The recipe is rooted in cocktail history and remains one of the original mixed drinks, valued for its uncomplicated composition and balanced flavor profile.
When you serve an Old Fashioned at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, you’re offering an elegant beverage that highlights the character of the whiskey. The sugar or syrup softens the spirit’s edge, bitters add depth, and a twist of orange provides an aromatic finish that complements the warm, oaky notes of bourbon or rye.
Ingredients
- Bourbon or whiskey – choose a quality bottle you enjoy. 1 1/2 to 2 ounces is typical depending on preference.
- Sweetener (simple syrup) – plain simple syrup is easiest, but honey or maple syrup can be used for variation.
- Aromatic bitters – Angostura bitters are classic; 2 to 4 dashes based on taste.
- Ice cubes – a large single ice cube or a few regular cubes to chill without over-diluting.
- Orange peel – a 1-inch strip of peel yields the oils that give the Old Fashioned its signature citrus aroma. Rub the peel around the rim and express the oils over the drink.
- Garnish (optional) – a Luxardo or maraschino cherry adds sweetness and visual appeal for those who enjoy it.
Substitutions
If you prefer rye whiskey, you can substitute it for bourbon to create a spicier Old Fashioned. Bourbon tends to be sweeter and softer, while rye adds peppery, dry notes. Both work well; choose the spirit that best suits your palate and the occasion.
Best bourbon for an Old Fashioned
Higher-proof bourbons often hold up well in the Old Fashioned because they maintain flavor when slightly chilled and stirred with ice. A 90-proof bourbon is a solid choice that balances intensity and smoothness. Ultimately, use a bourbon you enjoy sipping straight—its character will be central to the finished cocktail.
Sugar cube or simple syrup?
Traditional Old Fashioneds were made with a sugar cube muddled with bitters and a bit of water to create a syrup. You can still make it this way: use 1–2 sugar cubes or about 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, add 1 teaspoon water and the bitters, then muddle until dissolved. For convenience and consistent results, many bartenders prefer 1–2 teaspoons of simple syrup instead. Both methods are valid—choose what fits your tempo and equipment.
Best glass to use
A lowball glass, also called a rocks or Old Fashioned glass, is the classic choice. Any sturdy, heavy-bottomed glass that can withstand gentle muddling will work. The wide mouth allows you to express citrus oils and add garnish with ease.
How to Make a Classic Old Fashioned
Step 1 – Add 1–2 teaspoons simple syrup (or a muddled sugar cube with a splash of water) and 2–4 dashes aromatic bitters to a lowball glass. Stir to combine.
Step 2 – Add ice and pour in the bourbon or whiskey. Stir gently for about 10 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the spirit.
Step 3 – Express an orange peel over the glass, shiny side down, to release oils, then drop the peel into the drink as garnish.
Step 4 – Optionally, add a cherry or extra orange peel on a skewer for visual appeal. Serve and enjoy.
Simple Syrup Recipe
To make quick simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. For a slightly thicker syrup, let it simmer a minute longer. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For cocktail use, a 1:1 ratio is standard; for richer sweetness, try 2:1 (sugar to water).
Variations
There are many fun Old Fashioned variations to explore. Substitute honey (about 2 teaspoons) or maple syrup for a warm, autumnal twist. Try a honey Old Fashioned with a citrus garnish or a maple Old Fashioned topped with a flamed orange peel for added aroma. You can also experiment with bitters—chocolate, orange, or walnut bitters each bring a unique dimension.
Sandra’s Tips
- If you prefer no ice in the serving glass, mix the cocktail in a separate stirring glass with ice, then strain into the serving glass. This chills the drink without extra dilution from melting ice in the presentation glass.
- A larger ice cube melts more slowly and minimizes dilution while keeping the drink cold longer.
- Muddling sugar cubes can be an entertaining ritual if you’re hosting—guests enjoy participating and it adds showmanship to the experience.
- You can make flavored sugar cubes by using small molds and freezing simple syrup or flavored syrups; these can be a fun homemade garnish for parties.
Notes
Simple syrup alternatives: if using sugar cubes, add 1–2 cubes or about 1 teaspoon granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon water and the bitters, then muddle until integrated. Adjust bitters and sweetener to taste—some prefer a drier Old Fashioned with less syrup, while others like a slightly sweeter profile.