We’ve always loved the Old Fashioned for its timeless appeal as a classic whiskey cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication offering a smooth way to savor your favorite spirit.
Today we’re sharing our twist on this icon by leaving out the bitters. That makes it easier for home mixologists to create without missing a beat ensuring you can enjoy that rich flavor anytime. Let’s dive into what makes this version a must-try.
Ingredients
We crafted this Old Fashioned recipe without bitters to highlight whiskey’s rich, nuanced flavors while keeping preparation straightforward for home bartenders. Below, we list the ingredients in the order we use them, with prep specifics noted for optimal results.
- Whiskey: 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey – select a high-quality option for its smooth, oaky notes that form the cocktail’s foundation.
- Sugar: 1 sugar cube or ½ ounce of simple syrup – if using a sugar cube, we’ll muddle it to dissolve evenly and balance the whiskey’s intensity.
- Water: ¼ ounce of filtered water – this helps integrate the flavors, especially when muddling sugar for a well-rounded sweetness.
- Orange Peel: 1 fresh orange peel (about 2 inches long) – we’ll zest it lightly to release citrus oils, adding a vibrant, aromatic twist without overpowering the drink.
- Cherry: 1 maraschino cherry (optional) – use a high-quality variety for garnish, providing a pop of color and subtle sweetness to enhance visual appeal.
Tools and Equipment
Now that we’ve assembled our ingredients for this bitters-free Old Fashioned, let’s equip ourselves with the right tools to craft a smooth, flavorful cocktail. As home mixologists, we rely on these essentials to ensure precise measurements, proper mixing, and an elegant presentation that highlights the whiskey’s rich nuances.
To prepare our Old Fashioned effectively, gather the following tools. We’ve organized them in the order of use for seamless workflow:
- Mixing Glass: A sturdy, 16-ounce mixing glass is ideal for combining ingredients. We recommend one made of thick glass to withstand stirring without cracking, allowing us to chill and dilute the cocktail perfectly.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: Use a jigger (typically 1-ounce and 2-ounce sides) for accurate pours of whiskey and simple syrup. This ensures consistent results every time, preventing over- or under-dilution that could mute the cocktail’s bold flavors.
- Bar Spoon: Our go-to bar spoon with a long, twisted handle helps stir ingredients gently in the mixing glass. This tool is crucial for achieving the silky texture without over-agitating, preserving the whiskey’s delicate aromas.
- Channel Knife or Vegetable Peeler: For creating the fresh orange peel, a channel knife or peeler works best to extract a 2-inch strip without the pith. We use this to express the oils, adding a vibrant citrus essence that elevates the drink’s sensory appeal.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer filters out any pulp or ice shards when pouring into the serving glass, ensuring a crystal-clear presentation that lets the whiskey’s color shine through.
- Old Fashioned Glass: Serve in a classic rocks glass (about 8-10 ounces) with a thick bottom to hold ice cubes steadily. This not only enhances the cocktail’s visual appeal but also keeps it chilled longer for that refreshing, lingering finish.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move forward and mix our bitters-free Old Fashioned with confidence and precision.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools gathered, let’s craft a smooth, bitters-free Old Fashioned that highlights the whiskey’s rich, nuanced flavors. We’ll walk you through each step with precision for a cocktail that’s simple yet sophisticated.
Prepare the Glass
First, we select our classic Old Fashioned glass and chill it to enhance the drinking experience. Fill the glass with ice cubes or place it in the freezer for 2-3 minutes until it’s frosty—this ensures the cocktail stays refreshingly cold without diluting too quickly, preserving the whiskey’s warm, caramel notes.
Mix the Ingredients
In our sturdy mixing glass, we start by adding the sugar cube or ½ ounce of simple syrup to build a solid base of sweetness. Next, pour in 2 ounces of high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey, followed by ¼ ounce of filtered water to help dissolve the sugar and mellow the spirit’s bold, oaky profile. Using a channel knife or vegetable peeler, we carefully twist a 2-inch piece of fresh orange peel to release its zesty, citrusy oils, then drop it into the glass for an aromatic burst that elevates the mix. Gently muddle the orange peel with the sugar for 10-15 seconds to infuse vibrant flavors without overpowering the whiskey’s smooth essence.
Stir and Serve
With all ingredients in the mixing glass, we use our bar spoon to stir the mixture steadily for 20-30 seconds until fully combined and chilled—this creates a silky texture that brings out the cocktail’s deep, inviting aromas. Strain the contents through a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared glass over fresh ice to achieve a crystal-clear presentation, then garnish with an optional maraschino cherry for a pop of color and subtle sweetness. Savor the balanced flavors as the whiskey’s warmth meets the bright citrus notes, making this bitters-free version a confident home bartending staple.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored this bitters-free Old Fashioned, we’re reminded of whiskey’s timeless charm in its purest form. It’s a simple yet elegant twist that brings out bold flavors we can all appreciate at home. Let’s experiment with our own variations and share the joy of crafting cocktails that feel personal and refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Old Fashioned cocktail?
The Old Fashioned is a classic 19th-century whiskey drink known for its simple yet sophisticated appeal. It highlights the rich flavors of bourbon or rye, traditionally mixed with sugar, bitters, and a twist. This version omits bitters for easier home preparation, focusing on whiskey’s warmth and citrus notes, making it a timeless favorite for savoring spirits.
What makes this Old Fashioned recipe different?
This recipe twists the classic by skipping bitters, making it more accessible for beginners and home bartenders. It emphasizes the whiskey’s natural flavors with simple ingredients like sugar, water, and orange peel, delivering a balanced, citrus-infused taste without the traditional complexity, while keeping preparation straightforward.
What ingredients are needed for a bitters-free Old Fashioned?
You’ll need 2 ounces of high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube or ½ ounce simple syrup, ¼ ounce filtered water, a 2-inch piece of fresh orange peel, and an optional maraschino cherry for garnish. These ingredients highlight the whiskey’s nuances and add bright citrus notes for a smooth, flavorful cocktail.
What tools are required to make this cocktail?
Essential tools include a sturdy mixing glass, a jigger for precise measurements, a bar spoon for stirring, a channel knife or vegetable peeler for the orange peel, a fine-mesh strainer for clarity, and an Old Fashioned glass for serving. These basics ensure a professional result with minimal effort at home.
How do I prepare a bitters-free Old Fashioned?
Start by chilling your Old Fashioned glass. In a mixing glass, combine sugar and whiskey, add water, and muddle the orange peel to release flavors. Stir gently with ice until chilled, then strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for a silky, clear cocktail that showcases the whiskey’s warmth.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap bourbon for rye whiskey based on preference, or use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube for ease. Stick to fresh orange peel for the best citrus flavor, but experiment cautiously—avoid substitutes like artificial sweeteners to maintain the cocktail’s authentic taste and balance. Always use high-quality spirits for the best results.