How to Make the Perfect Old-Fashioned From Scratch

The perfect Old-Fashioned is all about balance. It should be strong, smooth, and slightly sweet. No bells or whistles, just quality and precision. Here’s a simple, refined recipe that will ensure the perfect Old-Fashioned.

Start with a rocks glass. Place one sugar cube in the bottom (or ¼–½ oz of simple syrup). Any sugar cube will do, but we recommend Demerara. Not only is it minimally processed, but it has a richer, more complex flavor.

Next, add two to three dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water. Muddle until the sugar dissolves. By using warm water, the sugar will dissolve more easily (which is a common problem with dry sugar). If it sits undissolved in the bottom of your glass, it’s not serving its purpose – balancing the drink. 

Now for the fun part. Add two ounces of good bourbon or rye whiskey. We recommend Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10 Year, Angel’s Envy, or Rittenhouse Rye. These quality whiskeys are reasonably priced and ideal for cocktails. 

Drop in a large ice cube or sphere. It chills the drink without watering it down too fast. Stir with a mixing spoon for 20–30 seconds, until the drink is chilled and slightly diluted.

For the garnish, twist an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, rub it around the rim, and place it in the drink. A cherry is optional. if you use one, skip the bright red and go for a real maraschino. Luxardo is the gold standard for maraschino cherries.

The Old-Fashioned is a quiet classic, and the recipe above will add a new level of craftsmanship to your bartending. It will take time to master mixology and money to acquire the tools, but remember, it’s about the journey.

The Cost of DIY Old-Fashioneds

As you start your mixology journey, here’s the bartender’s list of everything you need to make the perfect Old-Fashioned, as well as the cost:

Ingredients

A good bottle of whiskey (for an Old-Fashioned) will cost anywhere from $30–$60 and make about 12 cocktails. For example, Elijah Craig costs $30 at Total Wine. Eagle Rare is $55.

A 4oz bottle of Angostura Bitters costs $13 and lasts for 100+ cocktails. It’s a good deal, but bitters last so long, they often end up collecting dust on a shelf.

Whether as simple syrup or cubes, sugar is cheap. The average 12oz bottle of simple syrup will go for $6 and make 12 Old-Fashioneds, depending on your sweet tooth of course.

Oranges are affordable enough but Luxardos are another story. A bottle of these top-shelf cherries goes for $25 at Total Wine.

Equipment

A mixing spoon will cost anywhere from $4–$14 and you have to learn how to properly stir the cocktail for dilution, without making a mess. 

A large ice cube tray will cost $8–$10. Get one with a lid and fill it with purified water. This will minimize cloudiness and create a clearer ice cube.

Finally, a cocktail muddler will cost around $8, and a jigger will go for $6–$12, depending on the brand and quality. We recommend getting a jigger with measurements for ¼ oz, ⅓ oz, ½ oz, ¾ oz, 1 oz, and 1.5 oz. Oxo makes a good one, which can be purchased on Amazon.

Cost

Combined, these ingredients and equipment will cost around $125 on average, and you’ll still need to learn how to use everything properly. Learning how to craft cocktails is a fun journey, but if the time and money investment feels too steep, consider adventuring with Soldier City Spirits.

Save with a Ready-to-Drink Old-Fashioned

At Soldier City Spirits, we know a thing or two about Old-Fashioneds. That’s why we created Truitt’s, the best ready-to-drink Old-Fashioned in the US of A. 

It’s also a smart choice for your wallet. These days, cocktail bars sell Old-Fashioneds for $14–$18. For the price of one bottle of Truitt’s ($49.99), you can pour 8–10 Old Fashioneds, which would cost $150–$190 at a bar (including a 15% tip).

You don’t have to tip Soldier City Spirits. And with a bottle of Truitt’s, you don’t have to invest in ingredients or equipment either. Instead, you can enjoy the perfect Old-Fashioned every time. Truitt’s is pre-made with quality, all-natural ingredients and ready to drink at your convenience. Order a bottle today to enjoy a speak-easy experience from the comfort of your own home.