If you want an Old Fashioned using simple syrup, here’s a straightforward method you can follow at home. Direct method (classic, quick)
- Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Orange peel and/or optional maraschino cherry for garnish
- Steps:
- In a rocks glass, combine the simple syrup and Angostura bitters.
- Add the whiskey and fill the glass with large ice cubes.
- Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in as a garnish. Add a cherry if you like.
- Tip: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the simple syrup to 1/8 ounce and adjust to taste.
Variations and tips
- 2:1 simple syrup variation: Some bartenders like a richer sweetness. If you prefer, use a 2:1 ratio (two parts sugar to one part water) for the syrup.
- Flavor twists: Add 1 dash orange bitters or swap in a splash of maple syrup (instead of simple syrup) for a maple Old Fashioned flavor.
- Chilled approach: For a very cold drink, pre-chill the glass and the whiskey, and stir with ice until the drink is properly chilled and diluted.
Simple syrup options
- Standard simple syrup: equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves, then cooled.
- Quick note: You can make a larger batch in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a month.
Enjoy your classic cocktail with the sweetness level and garnish you prefer. If you’d like, I can tailor the recipe to your preferred whiskey type (bourbon vs rye) or sweetness level.
