Old Fashioned: The OG of Cocktails
When it comes to cocktails that never go out of style, the Old Fashioned is top-shelf royalty. It’s the smooth-talking, well-dressed legend that’s been making bar menus better since before your great grandpa had his first pour. But where did this whiskey-soaked icon come from and why does it still slap over 200 years later?
A Boozy Blast from the Past
The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s, a time when the word cocktail was just catching on. The original recipe? Simple and strong, just spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. No fluff, no frills just the basics done right. It was served as a “whiskey cocktail” long before flavored syrups and fire-lit garnishes entered the scene.
Fast forward to the 1860s, and bartenders started to get a little too creative. Enter citrus peels, absinthe rinses, and muddled fruit madness. Not everyone was on board. So what did the traditionalists do? They ordered their drink “the old-fashioned way.” Boom! A legend was (re)born.
The Classic Recipe
Want to stir one up yourself? Here's how to craft this timeless sipper at home:
What You’ll Need (shop our favorites in the Boozy Merch barware section):
A solid mixing glass
A reliable bar spoon
A quality jigger
A durable rocks glass
Optional: Large-format ice mold for that slow-melt, chill-factor
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube or ½ tsp simple syrup
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel (for garnish)
How To:
Muddle the sugar and bitters with a splash of water in a mixing glass.
Add whiskey and ice. Stir until chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in.
Sip like a legend.
What Makes It Timeless?
The Old Fashioned has staying power because it’s unapologetically classic. It doesn’t chase trends, it defines them. It’s about flavor first, flash second, and that’s what Boozy Merch is all about too. We’re here for the purists, the flavor chasers, and anyone who respects a cocktail that’s stood the test of time.
Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned whiskey enthusiast, the Old Fashioned is your gateway to the golden age of cocktails.
Mix It, Sip It, Own It
Level up your home bar with our handpicked bar tools, bitters, and glassware all linked and ready to help you shake (or stir) like a pro!
Because at Boozy Merch, cocktails are culture, and the Old Fashioned is the blueprint.