Whereas there are some whisky purists out there who would shudder at the thought of using whisky/whiskey to make a cocktail, there are also plenty who can appreciate a whisky-based cocktail. Myself included. 

Now, when you talk about whisky and cocktails, you have to talk about the Old Fashioned. One of the most iconic cocktails ever created, the Old Fashioned is a cocktail that is synonymous with whisky/whiskey. 

If you’re a fan of an Old Fashioned but feel it may be lacking a certain something, this is the perfect guide for you as I’ll be sharing a few tips, or hacks as they insist on calling them nowadays, on achieving the perfect Old Fashioned and taking it to a whole other level. 

What is an Old Fashioned?

An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that, in its most basic form, consists of just three ingredients: whisky/whiskey, angostura bitters, and sugar. The cocktail is made by muddling sugar with bitters, a touch of waters, and combining it with whiskey, usually a rye or bourbon. It is often garnished with a slice of orange, or sometimes orange zest, and a cocktail cherry. It’s then served on ice. It’s so iconic in fact, that it even has its own kind of glass named after it.

Its history is questionable at best, though many believe it really took off during Prohibition, when the only whisky available would have been much poorer in quality, so the addition of sugar and other ingredients would have helped improve it no end. People began referring to the cocktail as an ‘Old Fashioned’ because older cocktails in the 1800s were often made with the addition of sugars and fruits. Other spirits as well as whiskey would also have been used, though eventually these fell out of favour. 

Once Prohibition was lifted, booze quality obviously improved yet the Old Fashioned remained. Rather than being all about taking a poor-quality whiskey drinkable, it instead became all about showcasing a premium quality whiskey. The ingredients combined with the whiskey were now designed to help highlight the fantastic flavour, notes, aromas, and characteristics of the whiskey, instead of hiding it. 

‘Old Fashioned’ Hacks to Take Your Cocktail to The Next Level

If you’re an Old Fashioned drinker but are perhaps looking for ways of elevating your cocktail without completely transforming it, here are a few simple hacks that will take your cocktail to a whole other level. 

Switch Up Your Sugar Syrup 

One simple, yet highly effective way of really altering the flavour profile of your Old Fashioned is by using a different sugar syrup. 

The base of the cocktail is typically a white sugar cube muddled with a little water, to make a simple syrup. Some will make the syrup in advance by dissolving sugar in water and adding it as needed. 

Instead of using white sugar, why not use demerara sugar, honey, or maple syrup to make a different sugar syrup? This simple hack is easy to do and will completely transform your Old Fashioned. 

Smoked Orange Slices 

The traditional garnish for an Old Fashioned is a slice of orange, or a twist of orange peel/zest. The orange notes and the oils in the peel really help to elevate the whiskey. 

If you’re a fan of an orange garnish with your Old Fashioned, why not use smoked orange slices instead? If you’ve a smoker, you can smoke the orange yourself, or alternatively you can order smoked orange slices online or use a simple smoking kit. The sweet orange smoky notes compliment the whiskey wonderfully and really help lift the entire drink. 

Different Fruity Garnishes 

Again, it might not be authentic, but instead of orange, why not use a different citrus peel like lemon or lime. 

Some Old Fashioned cocktails are also garnished with a cocktail cherry so why not go for that, especially if cherry is your thing?

Different Bitters 

Whereas angostura bitters are most commonly used in this cocktail, another simple trick you can try to elevate your drink is to use different bitters. Chocolate bitters work very well here, as do herbal bitters, citrus bitters, and aromatic bitters. 

Use Your Favourite Whiskey 

Whether you prefer rye, bourbon, or even Scotch, as long as you enjoy it you can use it to make an Old Fashioned. 

If you’re getting a little tired of the same whiskey over and over again, why not try a different one? Who knows, you might even find a new fav.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at what we have to offer. 

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.