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Cocktails

Classic Old-Fashioned

Served in a Old-Fashioned Glass

Cocktailalcoholic6 ingredients

Nutrition information is not yet available for this drink.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Advancedmuddled drink

Why: 6 ingredients, muddled drink, requires muddler

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  1. In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the bitters and water into the sugar cube, using the back of a teaspoon.Muddled
  2. Almost fill the glass with ice cubes and add the bourbon.Fill
  3. Garnish with the orange slice and the cherry.Garnish
  4. Serve with a swizzle stick.Serve

How to Serve

Glass
Old-Fashioned Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Cubed ice
Method
Muddled
Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Supporting notes

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

SweetnessDrySweet
AcidityFlatCrisp
FruitinessEarthyFruity
BoldnessDelicateBold

What do these dimensions mean?

Food pairings

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Bitters3 dashes

Angostura BittersKnown variation
How much to use
Start with the recipe’s dash count and taste before adding more.
What changes
When a recipe says only “bitters,” Angostura is a common aromatic default, except in drinks built around another named bitters style.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sugar1

Simple SyrupWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Use about 1/4 oz simple syrup per teaspoon of sugar as a starting point.
What changes
Simple syrup can replace sugar, but it also adds water and dissolves more easily.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Bourbon3 oz

Rye WhiskeyWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Use the same amount; adjust sweetener if the drink becomes too dry.
What changes
Rye whiskey can replace bourbon when a spicier, drier version is acceptable.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Classic Old-Fashioned?
The Classic Old-Fashioned is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It is a non-alcoholic drink.
What does a Classic Old-Fashioned taste like?
Classic Old-Fashioned has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Caramel, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Classic Old-Fashioned?
Classic Old-Fashioned pairs well with BBQ, Steak, Grilled Meat. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Classic Old-Fashioned?
The strength of Classic Old-Fashioned depends on the exact measures and spirits used. Check the individual ingredient quantities in the recipe above for a precise estimate.
What drinks are similar to a Classic Old-Fashioned?
If you enjoy Classic Old-Fashioned, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a Classic Old-Fashioned at home?
Yes. The Classic Old-Fashioned uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Classic Old-Fashioned with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.