11 Old Fashioned Garnish Ideas to Give Your Whiskey a Twist
The Old Fashioned is the undisputed heavyweight champion of classic whiskey cocktails. A perfect blend of whiskey, brown sugar (or simple syrup), Angostura bitters, and water, this drink is simplicity at its finest. But while the core recipe stays the same, the garnish is where you can get creative and show off your bartending flair.
Whether you’re a cocktail purist or an adventurous mixologist, the right garnish can enhance aroma, flavour, and presentation. This guide will walk you through ten Old Fashioned garnish ideas using ingredients you probably already have at home. So, grab your rocks glass, one large ice cube and let’s get garnishing!
1. Classic Orange Peel Twist
The classic, quintessential choice, an orange peel garnish for Old Fashioned cocktails, ads a bright citrus aroma that beautifully balances the richness of the whiskey. Usually used to express the fruit’s oils over the drink, bartenders will often wipe the rim of your tumbler with an orange peel before giving it a little twist and sticking it in your glass to finish.
How to garnish an Old Fashioned with an orange peel:
• Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to cut a wide strip of orange peel.
• Twist it over the drink to release the essential oils.
• Run the peel along the rim of your rocks glass before dripping it in.
For a more salubrious touch, try a fancy orange peel garnish by cutting a spiral or flaming the peel slightly before adding it to your cocktail.
2. Apple Slice
The fruit of the common man, the humble apple slice, is a fan favourite when it comes to garnishing an old fashioned. An apple slice adds a crisp, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with whiskey’s caramel notes.
How to do it:
• Slice a thin wedge of apple and place it on the rim of the glass or float it on top.
• For extra flavour, lightly dust the slice with cinnamon.
• For extra flair…makr a flair. Overlap some apple slices so that they flair into a fan shape and connect with a cocktail stick.
3. Grapefruit Twist
Grapefruit doesn’t get enough love. Bitter, tangy and beautiful looking, a grapefruit twist or half slice provides a zesty brightness with a bold flavour that cuts through the sweetness of an Old Fashioned compliments the Angostura excellently. It is also a beautiful looking alternative to the classic orange garnish.
How to do it:
• Cut a wide strip of grapefruit peel.
• Twist it over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in.
Pairs well with: IPA Edition Old Fashioned
4. Cherry
A classic addition to many whiskey cocktails, a cherry adds a touch of sweetness and a luxurious look to your Old Fashioned. Skip the neon-red maraschino cherries and opt for high-quality cocktail cherries for the best flavour and presentation.
How to do it:
• Drop a high-quality cherry into the glass.
• For an extra touch, skewer the cherry onto a cocktail pick alongside an orange twist.
Pairs well with: A traditional Old Fashioned.
5. Herbs
Now, we know you’re thinking “This is no Old Fashioned garnish.” But hear us out. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme aren’t just for Sunday roasts. They bring an earthy, aromatic quality to your Old Fashioned. So, whether you’re having a turkey or ham, you know that whiskey is always on the menu.
How to do it:
• Lightly smack the herb between your hands to release its oils.
• Drop it in or use it as a stylish stick.
Pairs well with: Zesty Old Fashioned.
6. Dehydrated Citrus Slices
A very common garnish in any decent cocktail bar, dehydrated citrus is a great way to garnish your cocktail. For a garnish that’s both beautiful and flavourful and adds a bit of modernity to this classic cocktail, try dehydrated citrus slices.
How to do it:
• Slice citrus thinly and dry in an air fryer at 80°C (175°F) for 30-45 minutes.
• Float the slice on top for a sophisticated presentation.
Pairs well with: IPA Edition Old Fashioned.
7. Chocolate Shavings
Chocolate and whiskey are a match made in cocktail heaven. You haven’t lived if you haven’t tried. Find your favourite high-quality chocolate (dark, milk or white) and use a hand grater to shave some chocolate over the top of your Old Fashioned for some extra sweetness and a slightly thicker mouthfeel.
How to do it:
• Use a grater to create fine shavings of dark chocolate.
• Lightly sprinkle over the drink.
Pairs well with: Chocolate Old Fashioned.
8. Bacon Strip
Because everything’s better with bacon. Look, we know it’s a bit out there, a bit wild, but trust us. Have we ever let you down before? Salty, meaty flavours with the sweetness of maple syrup…? Ha ha! You, see? Starting to make sense, isn’t it?
How to do it:
• Cook until crispy, then either rest it on the rim or dip it partially into the drink.
Pairs well with: Maple Old Fashioned.
9. Star Anise
Star anise adds a subtle liquorice aroma that complements whiskey’s caramel and spice notes. Although it’s a great garnish, don’t be afraid to add star anise in the mixing glass before you stir everything together to really incorporate the flavours into the whiskey.
How to do it:
• Float a single pod on top or lightly toast it before use.
Pairs well with: Still Fashioned.
10. Toasted Sesame Seeds
The Far East beckons! Toasted sesame seeds add an unexpected nutty depth to an Old Fashioned, and brings a beautiful, patterned look to what can be a plain-looking cocktail (when a garnish is omitted)
How to do it:
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan on low heat until golden. Be careful not to burn.
• Sprinkle a small pinch over the drink.
Pairs well with: Cheung Fun Old Fashioned.
11. Cinnamon Stick
What do you garnish an Old Fashioned with when you’ve run out of oranges? A cinnamon stick provides warmth and spice to your Old Fashioned recipes and is probably the next most common garnish in an Old Fashioned after an orange peel. You can also use it to stir your drink slowly and look flirty like they do in the movies.
How to do it:
• Stir the drink with the stick or rest it inside the glass.
What is the Secret to a Perfect Old Fashioned?
The magic of an Old Fashioned lies in the balance of aromatic bitters, simple syrup, water, and whiskey. These ingredients create a rich, layered drink that’s both smooth and complex. If you want to switch things up, try using orange bitters or a touch of maple syrup for a unique twist on the classic recipe, or get properly experimental with some of the Old Fashioned recipes above.
Common Garnishing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
• Too thick or too thin citrus peels: Thick peels release bitterness; thin peels lack essential oils. Use a sharp peeler for the perfect balance.
• Overloading garnishes: One or two well-chosen garnishes enhance the drink. Too many will overpower it.
• Using low-quality cherries: If you’re adding an Old Fashioned garnish cherry, go for high-quality cocktail cherries rather than bright red maraschino ones.
Elevate Your Old Fashioned Experience
The right garnish transforms an Old Fashioned from a great drink into an unforgettable experience. Whether you stick with an orange peel twist or get adventurous with bacon or sesame seeds, the best place to start is always Jameson Irish Whiskey or Jameson Black Barrel.
FAQ: Old Fashioned Garnishes
Want more garnish inspiration, discover our article to uncover more creative garnish ideas?
Try these out and discover your new favourite twist on a classic!
Cheers to better cocktails!