Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is America's original cocktail and the blueprint for all modern mixed drinks. Dating to the 1880s, this whiskey-forward classic emerged when bartenders returned to "old fashioned" drink-making—simply spirit, sugar, water, and bitters—in response to elaborate Victorian-era concoctions. The standard recipe muddles sugar with Angostura bitters, adds whiskey (bourbon or rye), and garnishes with orange peel and a cherry. Served over a large ice cube in a rocks glass, the Old Fashioned showcases quality whiskey while adding just enough sweetness and bitterness to highlight its character. The cocktail represents American drinking heritage, whiskey appreciation, and classic cocktail craft. Its simplicity demands quality ingredients and proper technique—there's nowhere to hide mistakes. The Old Fashioned experienced a massive revival during the 2000s craft cocktail renaissance, becoming the calling card of serious cocktail bars. The drink's association with Mad Men-era masculinity, Don Draper's signature order, and timeless sophistication cemented its cultural status. Variations include using different whiskeys, sweeteners (maple syrup, demerara), or bitters, but purists maintain the classic bourbon-sugar-Angostura formula. The Old Fashioned embodies slow drinking, contemplation, and appreciation for fine spirits. Whether enjoyed in a Wisconsin supper club or a Manhattan speakeasy, it remains the ultimate whiskey cocktail.