The Old Fashioned represents far more than a simple drink: it is the very foundation of modern mixology. Born in the nineteenth century at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, this cocktail has survived fads, trends and complete transformations of the bar industry. Its elegance lies in its simplicity: bourbon, sugar, bitters and a touch of citrus. At Stillroom, our gastro cocktail bar on Moreto 9, Los Jerónimos, Madrid, we prepare our own signature version that honours tradition while introducing unique nuances that reflect our philosophy of respectful innovation.
For lovers of mixology, mastering the Old Fashioned is essential. This Old Fashioned recipe will guide you step by step to prepare this iconic drink at home, with the professional knowledge that sets a good bartender apart from an exceptional one.
History and Significance of the Old Fashioned
The history of the Old Fashioned goes back to the early nineteenth century, when drinkers asked for cocktails “the old-fashioned way”, simply mixing whiskey with sugar, water and bitters. The term evolved to describe specifically this perfect combination of flavours. In 1882, the first printed recipe appeared in Jerry Thomas’s bartender’s manual, establishing the format we know today.
This cocktail was the favourite of many historical figures, including the famous writer Ernest Hemingway and the actor Clark Gable. Its relevance transcends the decades: in 2015, the Old Fashioned enjoyed a spectacular resurgence thanks to series such as Mad Men, cementing its place as the cocktail of choice for those seeking sophistication without artifice.
Ingredients for the Perfect Old Fashioned Recipe
The quality of the ingredients completely determines the final result. To prepare an exceptional Old Fashioned recipe, you will need:
- Quality bourbon: 60 ml
- Sugar: 1 cube (approximately 5 grams)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Orange twist: 1 large piece
- Ice: large pieces, preferably cube-shaped
Choosing the bourbon
The choice of bourbon defines the character of your Old Fashioned. We recommend varieties with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, with a profile that can support the sugar without being overwhelmed. Brands such as Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve or Four Roses offer an excellent balance. The alcohol percentage should be around 40-45% to maintain the cocktail’s structure without burning the palate.
The importance of the sugar
Sugar doesn’t just add sweetness: it’s the element that balances the bitterness of the Angostura and the strength of the bourbon. The sugar cube must dissolve completely before the bourbon is added, creating a harmonious base. Some bartenders prefer to use homemade sugar syrup for greater precision in dissolving it, but the traditional cube keeps the historical authenticity of the Old Fashioned recipe.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the glass
Use a rocks glass or an Old Fashioned glass. Choose quality ice: large cubes melt more slowly, diluting the cocktail evenly. Place the sugar cube in the glass and add the two dashes of Angostura directly onto the sugar.
Step 2: Muddle and dissolve
Add approximately 20 ml of cold water over the sugar. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, press the sugar against the walls of the glass, turning continuously. This process, known as muddling, should take 15-20 seconds until you get a homogeneous paste and the sugar is completely dissolved. The final texture should be slightly syrupy, with no lumps.
Step 3: Add the bourbon
Pour the 60 ml of bourbon over the sugar and bitters mixture. The bourbon shouldn’t be too cold: at room temperature it blends better with the rest of the flavours. Stir gently for 10 seconds to combine all the elements.
Step 4: The final ice
Add two or three large ice cubes to the glass. Stir briefly, just 3-4 turns, to chill the drink without over-diluting it. The balance between chilling and dilution is crucial: around 15-20% added water is ideal for softening the alcohol without losing structure.
Step 5: The orange twist
Express the orange twist over the surface of the cocktail to release its essential oils, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass to transfer its fragrance. Finally, drop it into the glass as a garnish. The orange oils complement the notes of the bourbon, creating a complex aromatic experience.
Professional Tips to Perfect Your Old Fashioned
Controlling dilution
The most common mistake when making an Old Fashioned is over-dilution. The ice should be solid and slow-melting. If you prepare the drink with too much ice or stir excessively, you’ll lose the complexity of the bourbon. A good Old Fashioned should feel silky on the palate, not watery.
Serving temperature
Serve immediately after preparing. The optimum temperature is slightly above freezing point, keeping the character of the bourbon intact. If you use bourbon kept in the fridge, let it rest for 15 minutes before using it so the flavours can open up.
The art of the twist
The technique of expressing the twist is essential. Hold the orange peel about 10 centimetres from the glass, express it firmly but in a controlled way, letting the essential oils fall in a fine spray over the drink. Avoid expressing it directly over the ice, as the oils need to be incorporated into the liquid.
The Stillroom Signature Version
At Stillroom, our signature version of the Old Fashioned respects the classic essence while introducing elements that reflect the identity of our gastro cocktail bar on Moreto 9. We use an artisan-produced bourbon aged for 7 years in American oak barrels, chosen specifically for its balanced profile.
Our variation includes a sugar infused with orange peel and clove for 24 hours before preparation, creating a more aromatic and complex base. In addition, we add an extra dash of Angostura with bitter cacao, respecting the traditional proportion while adding depth to the finish.
The garnish at Stillroom consists of a more elaborate spiral of orange peel, which not only adds aroma but also serves as a visual element reflecting our commitment to presentation. We serve it in a glass pre-chilled with a Hemingway stone, which keeps the temperature down without diluting the drink excessively.
This version has turned the Old Fashioned into one of our most requested cocktails, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously at the bar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-quality whiskey: the Old Fashioned doesn’t hide flaws, it amplifies them
- Over-diluting with too much ice or stirring for too long
- Skipping the step of dissolving the sugar completely
- Using ordinary oranges instead of fresh, thin-skinned oranges
- Pouring the bourbon over the ice before mixing it with the sugar
Recommended Pairing
The Old Fashioned pairs exceptionally well with salty, rich foods that balance its subtle sweetness and alcoholic strength. At Stillroom, we recommend pairing it with our artisan cheese boards, acorn-fed Iberian ham, or our herb-marinated olive snacks.
For a complete experience, visit our gastro cocktail bar on Moreto 9, Los Jerónimos, where our team of bartenders prepares the perfect Old Fashioned for you, explaining every step and adapting the intensity to your preferences.
Conclusion
The Old Fashioned stands as a testament to the fact that greatness doesn’t require complexity. With just four ingredients, this drink has withstood more than a century of culinary evolution, remaining relevant and appreciated in the best bars in the world. Mastering this Old Fashioned recipe opens the door to a deeper understanding of mixology, laying the foundations for exploring variations and more complex cocktails.
To deepen your knowledge of cocktail terms and techniques, we invite you to check out our cocktail and mixology glossary.
We look forward to seeing you at Moreto 9, where every cocktail tells a story and every visit becomes a memorable experience. Visit us to discover more recipes, techniques and secrets of contemporary mixology in the heart of Los Jerónimos, Madrid.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make an Old Fashioned step by step?
In a rocks glass, place a sugar cube and moisten it with two dashes of Angostura and a splash of cold water; muddle unhurriedly against the wall of the glass until no crystals remain and the texture turns silky. Add 60 ml of bourbon at room temperature and stir gently for about ten seconds. Add two or three large ice cubes and give just three or four more turns, enough to chill without over-diluting. Finish with an orange twist expressed about ten centimetres from the glass to release its oils. Patience with the sugar and slow-melting ice make all the difference.
What is the Old Fashioned cocktail?
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most revered cocktails in mixology, and at STILLROOM we consider it the origin of everything. It is a minimal combination: bourbon or whiskey, sugar, bitters and a touch of citrus. It was born in the nineteenth century as a response from drinkers who asked for their cocktail “the old-fashioned way”, without the elaborate mixes that were starting to become popular. Its historical importance is enormous: it appears in Jerry Thomas’s manuals and remains the cornerstone of contemporary mixology. Its greatness lies in its transparency: every ingredient can be perceived, and the quality of the spirit makes all the difference.
Which bourbon should you use for an Old Fashioned?
Look for a bourbon of around 40-45% ABV, with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, with enough structure to carry the sugar and the bitters without becoming aggressive. Bottles such as Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve or Four Roses work very well. Avoid overly spiced or high-proof spirits, as they would dominate the whole. If you choose the right bourbon, the cocktail will stay balanced; if you choose a mediocre one, its flaws will be exposed. The choice of spirit is, together with dilution, the factor that most defines the final result.
What should you pair with an Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned is a gastronomically minded cocktail that calls for salty, rich accompaniments to balance its sweetness and alcoholic strength. It works very well with cured cheeses, Iberian cold cuts, pickles or toasted nuts, and also with good dark chocolate, which brings out its oak and vanilla notes. Look for bites with body and character that won’t compete with the whiskey, and alternate sips with bites to cleanse the palate. If you’d rather we take care of it, you’ll find what to pair it with on our small plates menu.