2 glasses of old fashioned recipe with Jameson Black Barrel bottle

Cocktails

Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

5.0

Looking for a timeless cocktail that’s easy to make yet full of flavor? The Old Fashioned drink recipe is your answer. Whether you’re new to whiskey or a seasoned connoisseur, this cocktail delivers balance and smoothness with every sip. Made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters, it’s the drink of choice for those who appreciate simplicity and quality.

Not only is the Old Fashioned a classic, but it’s also highly customizable. You can choose your favourite whiskey — we recommend Jameson Black Barrel for its smoothness — and adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how to make this staple cocktail, shall we?

What do you need

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Jameson Black Barrel
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 2 Ice Cubes
  • 1 Spiral Orange
  • 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
  • 2 Dashes Rich Demerara Syrup
  • 2 Parts Jameson Black Barrel
  • Part Angostura Bitters
  • 2 Ice Cubes
  • 1 Spiral Orange
  • 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
  • 2 Dashes Rich Demerara Syrup
Step-by-step

How to make

  1. Ready to mix your Old Fashioned drink recipe? Here’s how:

  2. Fill a glass or jug with ice.

  3. Add 60ml Jameson Black Barrel.

  4. Add 2 dashes Angostura Bitters.

  5. Add 2 dashes Orange Bitters.

  6. Add 2 Dashes of Simple Syrup.

  7. Stir until ice cold.

  8. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

  9. Garnish with an orange zest and tip in the slice.

  10. And there you have it — your Jameson Old Fashioned cocktail, ready to enjoy.

Pro Tips

Want to take your Old Fashioned cocktail up a notch? Here are a few tricks: Use high-quality whiskey like Jameson for a smoother, richer taste. Experiment with bitters: While Angostura is the classic choice, feel free to try different bitters for a unique twist. Perfect your ice: Large ice cubes melt slower and chill the drink without diluting it too quickly. Garnish like a pro: Don’t just drop the orange peel in — twist it to release the oils for an aromatic touch. Adjust the sweetness: Use more or less sugar to suit your preference. A classic Old Fashioned isn’t too sweet, but you can tweak it. With these simple adjustments, you can create your own Old Fashioned whiskey cocktail recipe that’s sure to impress!

About this Cocktail

This classic concoction marries Irish Whiskey with a whisper of sweetness and bitters, all while sporting a jaunty orange twist all over ice.

Tracing its roots back to the early days of cocktail crafting, the Old Fashioned holds the prestigious title of being one of the first whiskey cocktails ever created (hence the name). Its history, shrouded in some mystery, is often linked to the bartender Martin Cuneo at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, around the year 1884. Despite the uncertainties surrounding its exact origin, the Old Fashioned has stood the test of time, evolving into a beloved classic worldwide.

Almost 150 years later, the Old Fashioned is the #1 Cocktail in the World and a perfect way to drink your Jameson Black Barrel.

Return to cocktail list
Print this cocktail recipe
Head Back

Old Fashioned Nutrition & Calories

Curious about the nutrition? Here’s what you can expect from your Old Fashioned whiskey drink:

Calories:

~150–180 kcal (depending on sugar and whiskey used)

Sugar:

~6g from the sugar cube (if using simple syrup, it may vary)

Alcohol Content:

~14-16% ABV

Gluten-Free:

Yes, most whiskeys (including Jameson) are gluten-free.

Vegan-Friendly:

Yes, unless you use a cherry that contains non-vegan preservatives.

Adjusting the amount of sugar or syrup can lighten the calorie count if you’re looking for a lower-sugar version.

Old Fashioned FAQs

What is the three-ingredient Old Fashioned?

The classic Old Fashioned is made with whiskey, bitters, and sugar. These three ingredients create the foundation of this timeless cocktail.

What is the secret to a good Old Fashioned?

The key to a great Old Fashioned cocktail lies in using high-quality whiskey, muddling the sugar properly, and using the right bitters to balance the drink.

What is the proper way to make an Old Fashioned?

Muddle sugar and bitters first, then add your whiskey and ice, and stir well. Garnish with a twist of orange peel for the perfect finish.

What is a dirty Old Fashioned?

A dirty Old Fashioned is made by adding a splash of maraschino cherry juice to the traditional Old Fashioned recipe, giving it a slightly sweeter, fruity flavour.

How to Make An Old Fashioned?

Combine sugar, bitters, Jameson Black Barrel whiskey, and ice in a glass. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel. That’s how you make the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.

Why does the Old Fashioned Cocktail Work?

The Old Fashioned is balanced because the sweetness from sugar complements the bitterness of the bitters, while the whiskey brings depth and richness.

Sugar Cube or Simple Syrup?

Both work, but a sugar cube creates a more traditional feel and allows for more control over the sweetness. Simple syrup is quicker and dissolves faster.