Classic Bittersweet Old Fashioned
A timeless cocktail balancing bourbon's warmth with Angostura bitters and a touch of citrus, for a refined sipping experience. This american-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, sugar cube, dashes Angostura bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange twist
- 2-3 ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 sugar cube in a rocks glass and add 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Muddle the sugar cube and bitters together with a muddler until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz bourbon and 2-3 ice cubes to the glass. Stir gently for 30 seconds until chilled and diluted to the right balance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Bittersweet Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Classic Bittersweet Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover classic bittersweet old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Bittersweet Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Bittersweet Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Bittersweet Old Fashioned?
American cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The best Old Fashioned I've made at home. The bittersweet note is exactly right. My friends were impressed!
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic taste! The recipe is straightforward and the cocktail is perfect for a quiet evening. My husband and I enjoyed it.
- ★★★★★
A great classic! I used the recipe with a twist of orange peel and it turned out amazing. Will definitely make it again.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
