What does an old fashioned taste like?
An old fashioned tastes like whiskey turned smooth and a little sweet: caramel and oak from the bourbon or rye, a touch of sugar, warm spice from bitters and bright orange peel.
Old fashioned
whiskey, sugar, orange peel
An old fashioned is whiskey, a little sugar, a few dashes of bitters and an orange peel, stirred over a big ice cube. It's basically whiskey with the edges sanded off. The sugar softens the burn, the bitters add a clove and cinnamon warmth, and the orange oil from the peel makes the first sniff smell bright. Bourbon makes it rounder and more caramel, rye makes it spicier and drier. It's strong and meant for sipping, and it gets mellower as the ice melts.
Where you’ll see it
On every bar menu, usually with your pick of bourbon or rye. Bars love to riff on it with maple, smoked glasses, mezcal or rum. In Wisconsin you'll meet a brandy old fashioned with muddled fruit and a splash of soda.
Order it if you like whiskey and want something strong, smooth and only a little sweet.
Quick questions
- Is an old fashioned sweet?
- Only slightly. There's a small amount of sugar to round off the whiskey, but it's much drier than most cocktails.
- What's the difference between an old fashioned and a Manhattan?
- An old fashioned uses sugar and bitters, so it tastes like whiskey with the edges smoothed. A Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, so it tastes richer, more herbal and a little winey.
- Bourbon or rye in an old fashioned?
- Either works. Bourbon gives you caramel and vanilla, rye gives you a drier, peppery edge. Ask the bartender which they use if the menu doesn't say.