15 Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Ideas

I love a good Old Fashioned cocktail. It’s a classic drink that never goes out of style. But sometimes mixing things up and trying new twists on this timeless favorite is fun.

There are many tasty ways to put a fresh spin on the Old Fashioned. I’ll share some great ideas for updating this iconic cocktail. From new flavor combos to creative garnishes, these recipes offer fun takes on the traditional whiskey, sugar, and bitters mix.

Whether you prefer bourbon, rye, or even another spirit as the base, there’s an Old Fashioned variation here for every taste.

1. Classic Old Fashioned

I love a well-made Classic Old Fashioned. It’s a timeless cocktail that never goes out of style.

To make one, I start with 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey. I add a sugar cube and a few dashes of Angostura bitters to a glass.

I muddle these ingredients together, then add ice and the whiskey. I stir gently to combine and chill the drink.

For the finishing touch, I garnish it with an orange peel and a cherry cocktail. The citrus oils from the peel add a nice aroma.

This simple yet sophisticated drink lets the whiskey shine. It’s perfect for sipping slowly and savoring each flavor.

2. Smoky Maple Old Fashioned

I love this twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of maple syrup.

Here’s how I make it:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/4 oz maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

I start by smoking the glass using a kitchen torch and orange peel. Then I mix the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in the glass. I add a large ice cube and stir gently.

For the finishing touch, I express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and use it as a garnish. The result is a rich, smoky cocktail with hints of maple and citrus.

3. Blackberry Sage Old Fashioned

I love this twist on the classic Old Fashioned. It adds a fruity and herbal twist that’s perfect for summer sipping.

To make it, I muddle 2-3 fresh blackberries and a sage leaf in a glass. Then I add 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

I stir it all together with ice, then strain it into a rock glass over a large ice cube. For garnish, I add a fresh blackberry and sage leaf.

The blackberry adds a tart sweetness while the sage brings an earthy note. It’s a delicious update to the traditional recipe.

4. Spiced Apple Old Fashioned

I love this fall twist on the classic Old Fashioned. Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz spiced apple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, spiced apple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rock glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel and cinnamon stick.

The spiced apple syrup adds a nice autumn flavor that pairs perfectly with the bourbon. It’s a great drink for cool evenings.

5. Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned

I love this festive twist on a classic cocktail. The Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned combines rich chocolate flavors with bright citrus notes.

To make it, I muddle an orange peel with a sugar cube and a few dashes of chocolate bitters in a mixing glass. Then add 2 oz of bourbon whiskey and stir with ice until chilled.

I strain the mixture into a rock glass over a large ice cube. I add a fresh orange twist and sometimes a chocolate truffle on the side for garnish as an extra treat.

The result is a decadent yet balanced cocktail. The chocolate and orange flavors complement the bourbon beautifully. It’s perfect for sipping on a cozy winter evening.

6. Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned

I love adding a touch of vanilla to classic cocktails. The Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned brings warmth and depth to the traditional recipe.

To make it, I combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz vanilla bean syrup, and 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters in a mixing glass with ice. I stir until chilled, then strain into a rock glass over a large ice cube.

For garnish, I express an orange peel over the drink and add it to the glass. The vanilla and citrus aromas blend beautifully with the bourbon.

This cocktail is perfect for sipping on cool autumn evenings. The vanilla adds a cozy sweetness without overpowering the whiskey.

7. Fig and Rosemary Old Fashioned

I love this twist on the classic Old Fashioned. It combines the rich sweetness of figs with the earthy aroma of rosemary.

To make it, I muddle a fresh fig and a small sprig of rosemary in a mixing glass. Then I add 2 oz bourbon, 1/4 oz fig syrup, and 2 dashes of aromatic bitters.

I stir the mixture with ice for about 20 seconds. Then I strain it into a rock glass over a large ice cube.

For the finishing touch, I garnish with a fresh fig slice and a small rosemary sprig. The result is a smooth, sophisticated cocktail perfect for cool autumn evenings.

8. Cherry Bourbon Old Fashioned

The Cherry Bourbon Old Fashioned is a tasty twist on the classic cocktail. I love how it combines the rich flavors of bourbon with sweet cherries.

To make it, I muddle a Luxardo maraschino cherry with a dash of Angostura bitters in an old-fashioned glass. Then I add 2 ounces of bourbon and a small splash of cherry syrup from the jar.

I stir it gently with ice, then garnish it with an orange peel and another cherry. The result is a perfectly balanced drink with notes of oak, caramel, and fruit.

9. Pineapple Jalapeño Old Fashioned

I love this spicy twist on the classic Old Fashioned. It combines sweet pineapple with a kick of jalapeño heat.

To make it, I muddle a slice of jalapeño in the bottom of a glass. Then I add 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz pineapple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters.

I stir it all together with ice, then strain it into a rock glass over fresh ice. For garnish, I use a pineapple leaf and thin jalapeño slice.

The pineapple adds tropical sweetness while the jalapeño gives it a spicy bite. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that wakes up your taste buds.

10. Lavender Honey Old Fashioned

I love this floral twist on a classic Old Fashioned. It combines bourbon, lavender-infused honey syrup, and aromatic bitters for a sophisticated sip.

To make it, I muddle a sugar cube with a few drops of water and 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters in a rock glass. Then I add 2 oz bourbon and 1/2 oz lavender honey syrup.

I stir gently with ice to chill and dilute slightly. For the finishing touch, I garnish with a lavender sprig and expressed orange peel.

The lavender adds a subtle floral note that pairs nicely with the whiskey’s warmth. The honey brings a smooth sweetness to balance the flavors.

11. Grapefruit and Thyme Old Fashioned

I love this fresh twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The bright citrus and herbal notes liven up the bourbon.

Here’s how I make it:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme

I muddle the thyme in the simple syrup, then add the other ingredients and stir with ice. I strain it into a rock glass over a large ice cube and garnish it with a grapefruit twist and thyme sprig.

The grapefruit adds a nice tartness while the thyme brings an earthy, aromatic quality. It’s a perfect sipper for fall or winter evenings.

12. Cranberry Cinnamon Old Fashioned

I love this festive twist on a classic Old Fashioned. The cranberry and cinnamon flavors make it perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

Here’s how I make it:

2 oz bourbon 1/2 oz cranberry juice 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters Orange peel and fresh cranberries for garnish

I muddle a sugar cube with the bitters in a rock glass. Then I add ice, bourbon, cranberry juice, and cinnamon syrup. I stir until chilled and garnish with an orange peel and cranberries.

The tart cranberry balances the sweet cinnamon, while the bourbon provides warmth. It’s a cozy, seasonal cocktail that’s sure to impress guests.

13. Peach Basil Old Fashioned

I love this fruity twist on the classic Old Fashioned. It’s perfect for summer sipping.

To make it, I muddle a slice of fresh peach with a few basil leaves in a glass. Then I add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, a dash of black walnut bitters, and 1/2 oz peach liqueur.

I stir everything with ice, then strain it over a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass. For garnish, I add a basil sprig and peach slice.

The sweet peach and aromatic basil complement the whiskey beautifully. It’s a refreshing take on a timeless cocktail.

14. Raspberry Vanilla Old Fashioned

I love this fruity twist on a classic Old Fashioned. The raspberry and vanilla flavors add a sweet, aromatic touch to the traditional whiskey base.

Here’s how I make it:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz raspberry syrup
• 2 dashes of vanilla bitters
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

I muddle a few fresh raspberries in the glass, then add ice and the other ingredients. I stir gently to combine and chill. To finish, I express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail with notes of fruit, vanilla, and oak from the bourbon.

15. Mint Julep Old Fashioned

I love combining two classic cocktails into one delicious drink. The Mint Julep Old Fashioned brings together the best of both worlds.

To make it, I muddle a few fresh mint leaves with a sugar cube and a splash of water in an old-fashioned glass. Then I add 2 oz bourbon, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and ice.

I stir gently to combine and chill the drink. For garnish, I add a sprig of fresh mint and an orange peel twist.

This cocktail has the sweetness and mint flavor of a julep with the depth and complexity of an old-fashioned. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm evening.