Originally called the Whiskey Cocktail, this cocktail is one of the oldest around—and it never goes out of style. A great old-fashioned recipe is all about simplicity, ingredients, and technique. Start with the sugar and bitters (orange, if you please), and use warm water and plenty of stirring to help dissolve the sugar before adding ice. Opt for large ice cubes so they won’t melt quickly and dilute the drink. Though we prefer rye whiskey here thanks to its peppery, spicy bite, if you like a slightly sweeter, caramel flavor, use bourbon. Whichever spirit moves you, make sure to stir the drink for 20 seconds to fully incorporate the ingredients and chill it thoroughly.
Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published December 8, 2016.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 1
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Stir sugar, bitters, and 2 tsp. warm water in a rocks glass until most of the sugar is dissolved.
Step 2
Add 3 ice cubes and pour rye over. Stir 20 seconds to chill cocktail and dilute whiskey. Garnish with orange wedge and cherry, if using.
