Classic Smooth Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail
A timeless, smooth bourbon cocktail balanced with bitters, sugar, and a hint of orange peel, perfect for any occasion and easy to make in under 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (or maple syrup/honey as alternatives)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel (fresh, unwaxed)
- Ice cubes (preferably large and clear)
- Optional: Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Place a large ice cube or two in your Old Fashioned glass to chill it while you prepare the cocktail.
- In a mixing glass or directly in your serving glass, add 1 large strip of orange peel, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Use a muddler to gently press and twist the peel with the syrup and bitters to release oils without shredding the peel.
- Pour 2 oz of bourbon into the glass.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds to chill and blend flavors without over-diluting.
- Remove excess orange peel if desired or leave it in for aroma.
- Fill the glass with fresh large ice cubes or a single large cube.
- Twist a fresh strip of orange peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.
- Optionally, add a maraschino cherry for color and sweetness.
Notes
Use gentle muddling to avoid bitterness from the orange peel. Large ice cubes slow dilution and keep the drink colder longer. Adjust sweetness by varying simple syrup or bitters. Stir rather than shake to maintain clarity and smoothness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approx.
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4
- Carbohydrates: 5
Keywords: Old Fashioned, bourbon cocktail, classic cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, smooth bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, orange peel garnish