5 Best Old Fashioned Bourbon Recipes

classic bourbon cocktail recipes

When it comes to Old Fashioned bourbon recipes, you've got options that'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're sticking to the classic mix of bourbon, sugar, and bitters or trying something wild like a Maple Old Fashioned, there's a twist for everyone. Think smoky flavors or a dash of chocolate—who knew cocktails could be so fun? So, grab your shaker and let's delve into these five delicious recipes that'll impress your friends and make your evenings unforgettable!

Classic Old Fashioned

The Classic Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that perfectly showcases the rich flavors of bourbon. With its simple yet refined combination of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, this drink has been a favorite for generations.

Whether you're unwinding after a long day or impressing guests at a gathering, mastering the Old Fashioned will enhance your cocktail skills and bring a touch of sophistication to your home bar.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • A few dashes of plain water
  • Orange peel (for garnish)
  • Maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

To prepare a Classic Old Fashioned, begin by placing the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass. Add the bitters and a few dashes of water to the glass, then muddle the mixture together until the sugar dissolves.

Fill the glass with a large ice cube or several smaller ones, pour the bourbon over the ice, and gently stir to combine the flavors. Finally, twist the orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in as a garnish. If desired, you can also add a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of sweetness.

When crafting your Classic Old Fashioned, it's important to use a high-quality bourbon, as its flavor will be front and center in the drink.

Experiment with different types of bitters to find the combination that you prefer, and don't be afraid to adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of sugar.

For the best experience, serve your Old Fashioned in a chilled glass and make sure to use large ice cubes to minimize dilution as you sip.

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Maple Old Fashioned

maple infused classic cocktail

The Maple Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, incorporating the rich sweetness of maple syrup to complement the deep flavors of bourbon.

This simple yet elegant drink is perfect for sipping on a cozy evening or impressing guests at your next gathering. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a sophisticated cocktail that balances sweetness and warmth, making it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Maraschino cherry (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.

Add ice cubes and stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled. Strain the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.

Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a good twist, then drop it into the cocktail. If desired, garnish with a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of sweetness.

Extra Tips:

When selecting your bourbon, opt for one with a flavor profile that you enjoy, as this will greatly influence the overall taste of your Maple Old Fashioned.

Experimenting with different types of maple syrup can also yield interesting results, as the depth of flavor can vary considerably.

For an even richer experience, consider adding a dash of smoked bitters or a splash of club soda for a rejuvenating twist.

Finally, serving this drink in a chilled glass can improve the overall experience, so feel free to chill your glassware beforehand.

Smoked Old Fashioned

The Smoked Old Fashioned is a sophisticated twist on the classic cocktail, infusing rich flavors and aromas that enhance the drinking experience. This drink combines the traditional elements of an Old Fashioned—bourbon, sugar, and bitters—with the unique touch of smoke from wood chips, creating a delightful blend of taste and presentation.

Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this cocktail is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Cherry (for garnish)
  • Wood chips (such as hickory or cherry) for smoking
  • Ice

Instructions:

Begin by muddling the sugar cube and bitters in the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass until the sugar is dissolved.

Next, add a large ice cube to the glass and pour the bourbon over it. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

To infuse the cocktail with smoke, place your wood chips in a smoking gun or a small container, ignite them, and capture the smoke over the glass. Cover the glass with a cloche or another container to trap the smoke for about 30 seconds.

Finally, express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and garnish with both the peel and a cherry.

Extra Tips:

For an even more intense smoky flavor, consider using different types of wood chips, as each variety will impart a unique taste to your cocktail.

Additionally, if you don't have a smoking gun, you can smoke the drink by placing a small amount of wood chips in a heat-proof dish and carefully lighting them, then covering the dish with your Old Fashioned glass to capture the smoke.

Always remember to taste as you go, adjusting the sweetness or smokiness to suit your personal preferences.

Chocolate Old Fashioned

chocolate infused classic cocktail

The Chocolate Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, combining the rich flavors of bourbon, bitters, and chocolate to create a luxurious and indulgent drink.

Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this cocktail is sure to impress with its sophisticated taste and elegant presentation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can boost your cocktail game and enjoy a new favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/4 oz chocolate syrup
  • 2 dashes chocolate bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • Orange twist (for garnish)
  • Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
  • Ice

Instructions:

In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, chocolate syrup, chocolate bitters, and orange bitters with ice.

Stir the mixture gently until well chilled and properly diluted. Strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the drink sits.

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Ultimately, garnish with an orange twist and sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality bourbon that you enjoy sipping on its own.

The choice of chocolate syrup can greatly influence the final taste, so consider using a rich, dark chocolate syrup for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with the bitters; a few extra dashes of chocolate bitters can improve the chocolate profile, while aromatic bitters could add a lovely complexity to the drink.

Finally, serve the Chocolate Old Fashioned in a chilled glass for a prime sipping experience.

Spiced Old Fashioned

The Spiced Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, infusing warming spices that boost its traditional flavors.

This sophisticated drink is perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends, combining the rich notes of bourbon with aromatic spices to create a warming and inviting experience.

Whether you're unwinding after a long day or impressing guests at a dinner party, the Spiced Old Fashioned will surely become a favorite in your cocktail repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash cinnamon syrup
  • 1 dash allspice dram
  • Orange peel
  • Star anise (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

Begin by placing the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate it with the Angostura bitters and cinnamon syrup.

Muddle the sugar until it begins to dissolve, then add the bourbon and allspice dram.

Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir gently to combine the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finally, express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist, then drop it in as a garnish along with a star anise for an extra aromatic touch.

Extra Tips:

For an even more complex flavor, consider experimenting with different spices or flavored syrups to customize your Spiced Old Fashioned.

You can also try using a high-proof bourbon to improve the drink's boldness.

When muddling the sugar, be gentle to avoid breaking the glass.

For a fun presentation, serve in a chilled glass or add a large ice cube to slow down dilution and keep your drink colder longer.

Enjoy responsibly!


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