DrinkMasters Collection
$6.50
cost
179
cal
23.4%
ABV
2/5
NA score
1.41
std drinks
12.2g
sugar
Old Fashioned
The original cocktail, timeless and uncompromising
The Recipe
- Bourbon or Rye Whiskey60 ml
- Sugar cube1
- Angostura bitters2 dashes
- Orange bitters1 dash
- Watersplash
Glass
Rocks glass
Garnish
Orange peel and optional Luxardo cherry
Difficulty
Easy
Origin
Louisville, United States (1881)
Flavor Profile
The Story
While the concept of the "cocktail" dates to the early 1800s, the Old Fashioned as we know it was born at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, around 1881. As bartenders began adding liqueurs and other embellishments to cocktails, purists demanded their drinks made "the old-fashioned way" — giving the drink its name.
Bartender Notes
"Don't over-muddle — the sugar should dissolve cleanly, not create a slurry. A single large ice cube is essential for slow dilution. The quality of your whiskey matters enormously here."
Preparation
- 1Place sugar cube in a rocks glass. Add bitters and a splash of water.
- 2Muddle gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- 3Add a large ice cube and pour the whiskey over.
- 4Stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and integrate.
- 5Express an orange peel over the glass and place it in the drink.
Notable Variations
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned (split base with mezcal)
- Rum Old Fashioned
- Maple Old Fashioned
Cost
Cost Breakdown
Pour cost
$6.50
Bar price
$13–$16
You save
$6.50
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| bourbon | 2 oz | $2.05 |
| simple syrup | 0.25 oz | $0.02 |
| angostura bitters | 3 oz | $4.44 |
| Total pour cost | $6.50 | |
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Calories
179
Sugar
12.2g
ABV
23.4%
Std drinks
1.41
| Ingredient | Calories | % Total |
|---|---|---|
| bourbon | 129.8 | 72.6% |
| sugar cube | 45 | 25.2% |
| angostura bitters | 2.7 | 1.5% |
| orange bitters | 1.3 | 0.7% |
| water | 0 | 0% |
Carbs: 12.2g
Alcohol: 19.7g
Volume: 3.6 oz
Zero-Proof
Non-Alcoholic Version
Original cost
$2.49
Zero-proof cost
$2.95
Not recommended for conversion. This recipe leans too heavily on the original spirit structure.
| Original | Replacement | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| bourbon | Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative(Ritual) | $2.56 |
| sugar cube | Kept | $0.05 |
| angostura bitters | Kept | $0.07 |
| orange bitters | Kept | $0.07 |
| water | Kept | $0.20 |
Flavor notes
Bitters stay at a trace level for aroma and structure rather than full proof impact.
Pairs Well With
Common Questions
- What ingredients do I need for a Old Fashioned?
- 2.028843390197305 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, 1 oz Sugar cube, 0.06 oz Angostura bitters, 0.03 oz Orange bitters, 0.5 oz Water.
- How much does a Old Fashioned cost to make at home?
- The estimated pour cost for a Old Fashioned is $6.50 using standard US retail bottle prices.
- How many calories are in a Old Fashioned?
- A Old Fashioned has approximately 179 calories, with 23.4% ABV and 12.2g of sugar.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned?
- Yes — the Old Fashioned has a convertibility score of 2/5. The zero-proof version costs approximately $2.95.
- Where was the Old Fashioned invented?
- The Old Fashioned originated in Louisville, United States around 1881.