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If you love a good Old Fashioned, you are going to adore this from scratch Old Fashioned Mix! This mixer makes stirring up an old fashioned co*cktail easy anytime, plus it makes a great gift for a co*cktail lover.
Old Fashioned Mix
We love making and drinking Old Fashioneds, but it can be time consuming to make one drink at a time stirring sugar and bitters, water and ice, a little bit of cherry juice and just the right essence of orange...you get the point. It's a simple co*cktail but this pre-mixed base makes it even easier to enjoy or serve to guests.
Old fashioneds are great paired with something savory like baked brie, bacon wrapped little smokies, or even hot blue cheese dip. We love mixing them up for holidays, a weekend in the mountains or just a random date night!
Old Fashioned Mix Ingredients
A traditional Old Fashioned calls for sugar, water, bitters, bourbon and orange. I took a few liberties with our mixer to make it more custom to the flavors I enjoy in my Old Fashioned.
- Sugar -I use the combination of brown sugar and white granulated sugar but you can use all white if you want to be a bit more traditional.
- Water -This is needed to create the simple syrup.
- Oranges -I love the flavor of orange in this mixer!
- Cherries -I only recommend using Luxardo Maraschino cherries or Amarena Cherries! Do not use classic red maraschinos. You will be missing out on the deep cherry flavor.
- Cinnamon -Adding one or two cinnamon sticks to your mix is such a delicious way to add even more flavor!
- Bitters - Angostura bitters are traditional in an Old Fashioned and you can use their classic aromatic bitters or orange bitters for this.
How to Make Old Fashioned Mix
- Make the Syrup - Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook just until sugar is dissolved and remove from heat.
- Muddle - Add in cherries and gently muddle to release any juices. (note: I've tried this recipe multiple times and prefer not to muddle the oranges. This dilutes the syrup.)
- Steep - Add in oranges, and cinnamon stick. Cover and cool to room temperature.
4. Strain - Strain the syrup to remove all of the fruit and cinnamon sticks.
5. Bitters - Stir in the bitters and chill.
How to Store Old Fashioned Mix
Old Fashioned Mix can be stored in a glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. It would probably be fine at room temperature for a shorter amount of time but I alway air on the side of caution and refrigerate, so that is my recommendation for storage.
Possible Substitutions
- Sugar - you can use all white sugar instead of a mix of brown and white if you want a more traditional flavor. I personally love the subtle molasses flavor brown sugar brings to this mix.
- Spices - Agostura bitters has clove and cinnamon in it so adding more cinnamon sticks or even whole cloves boosts those spice notes. You can also add star anise which would make this blend very delicious as well.
- Vanilla - I love the combination of vanilla and bourbon. Try adding a split, whole vanilla bean for a delicious vanilla spice mix.
- Bitters - use whatever flavor of bitters you like! Aromatic, orange, even chocolate bitters are all delicious.
Gifting Old Fashioned Mix.
Homemade old fashioned mix is the perfect gift for a co*cktail lover! This recipe makes 3 cups of mix, which is about 24 oz. so you have enough to gift and to keep a little for yourself. I like to use these Ball Jars for gifting and I think they perfect tied simply with a piece of velvet ribbon.
I recently created a gift basket with a jar of this mix, a small bottle of bourbon, oranges, a jar of cherries, ice cube molds and a couple of holiday co*cktail glasses. It really is the ultimate gift for anyone who enjoys making craft co*cktails!
Old Fashioned Drink Recipe
Once the mix is made and chilled, you are all ready to mix an old fashioned! Add one ounce of mixer to a rocks glass, a large ice cube, 2 ounces of your favorite Bourbon, and give it all good stir. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry. Cheers!
More Recipes for Bourbon Lovers
- Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls
- Bourbon Brown Sugar Cakes
- Bourbon Cranberry Jello
- Spiced Pear Bourbon co*cktail
- Bourbon Maple Cider
- Halloween Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 oranges, quartered
- 5 Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 Tablespoons Angostura Bitters, either aromatic bitters or orange bitters
Instructions
- In a sauce pan combine the brown sugar, white sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, then reduce the heat and cook just until the sugar is dissolved completely.
- Remove from heat. Add the cherries and muddle slightly with a wooden spoon or co*cktail muddler.
- Add the oranges, and cinnamon sticks and cover, allowing the fruit and cinnamon sticks to steep until the mixture is completely cooled. I usually leave mine to sit on the stove-top for about 2 hours to bring it to room temperature. Note: You can steep longer if you have time. I've even steeped overnight and the flavor was even better.
- Strain the mixture to remove all fruit and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir in the bitters and pour into glass jars. Cover tightly and refrigerate until read to use.
Notes
I only recommend using Luxardo Maraschino cherries or Amarena Cherries! Do not use classic red maraschinos. You will be missing out on the deep cherry flavor. Angostura bitters are traditional in an Old Fashioned and you can use their classic aromatic bitters or orange bitters for this.Cinnamon is not classic in an Old Fashioned so you can leave it out if you like. I enjoy the added flavor and will add 1-2 sticks depending on my mood. During the holidays, I add two.Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 82Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 0g
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FAQs
Use Rich Simple Syrup
The sugar cube is one Old Fashioned tradition that can definitely be skipped. While many recipes call for it, it offers no advantage over using a rich simple syrup and has several disadvantages. Most obviously, you have to find and buy sugar cubes and a muddler.
What was in the original Old Fashioned? ›
The first whiskey old fashioned recipe was printed in 1895 in Modern American Drinks by George Kappeler. His recipe instructs the reader to dissolve a lump of sugar in water, add two dashes of bitters, a piece of ice, lemon-peel and one jigger whiskey.
What does an Old Fashioned contain? ›
The old fashioned is a co*cktail made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey (typically rye or bourbon) or sometimes brandy, and garnishing with an orange slice or zest and a co*cktail cherry. It is traditionally served with ice in an old fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass).
What is a substitute for simple syrup in an Old Fashioned? ›
If you're looking for a simple syrup substitute, there are three favorites you probably have right in your home: honey, maple syrup and agave. For honey or agave, add warm water to them, to help turn the mix to syrup.
What sugar cubes are best for Old Fashioned? ›
1 cube of Angostura soaked sugar cube: Brown Demerara sugar cubes work well in an Old Fashioned co*cktail. The classic recipe, according to most mixologists, calls for Brown Demerara sugar cubes. Sugar cubes are previously measured, allowing for consistent whiskey to bitters ratios.
Is orange peel necessary for Old Fashioned? ›
Of all the additions to the Old Fashioned over the years, the orange peel has become the most welcome. However, it's also best not to add an entire orange slide and muddle it in the glass. Instead, use only a portion of the peel, shaved off the fruit with as little pith as possible, as your garnish.
Can you use honey instead of simple syrup in an Old Fashioned? ›
How to Make an Old Fashioned with Honey. Add the bitters, your choice of whiskey, and honey into a co*cktail shaker with ice. Stir well. No shaking needed!
What is the secret to a good Old Fashioned? ›
The three-part template of the Old Fashioned is one that's found in countless spirit-forward and aromatic co*cktails today: spirit, sugar, and bitters. The key lies in finding the right balance between this trinity of elements, as there aren't any other ingredients to help mask flavors or create wiggle room.
What makes an Old Fashioned so good? ›
The best old fashioned recipes call for sugar to balance the alcohol. I use simple syrup, which quickly dissolves and is simple to make. It also allows us to play around and use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the syrup, giving our co*cktail a caramel-like flavor that works well with whiskey or rum.
What alcohol is best for an Old Fashioned? ›
The old fashioned is a classic co*cktail that was invented in Louisville, KY. You can make it with bourbon, rye, or a blended whiskey. You can also substitute one sugar cube for the simple syrup.
It does need to be refrigerated. Lasts well. Q: does the old fashion mix have to be refrigerated after opening and how long does it last?
Can I use Splenda instead of simple syrup? ›
Yes, Splenda Brand Sweeteners can be used to make or replace simple syrups. For easy replacement, use Splenda Liquid Sweetener products in place of simple syrup in drink recipes.
Is store bought simple syrup the same as homemade? ›
Not only is making simple syrup ridiculously easy - you just combine equal parts white sugar and hot water and stir until dissolved - but store-bought simple syrup can't be used in most co*cktail recipes because the sugar/water ratios are off. All co*cktail recipes are written assuming scratch-made syrup is being used.
Can I use simple syrup or a sugar cube for an Old Fashioned? ›
There's nothing wrong with muddling a sugar cube with a small splash of water (not soda water)– which really is the old-school way of doing it. I just prefer making a simple syrup beforehand because it more easily incorporates into the rest of your drink.
What type of bitters go in an Old Fashioned? ›
I recommend a high-proof bourbon with bold flavor notes, so that its flavor will not be overpowered by the orange and bitters. Bitters: Angostura bitters are most commonly used in this co*cktail. I generally add about 3 to 4 shakes, but feel free to add as many as you prefer.
What makes an Old Fashioned sweet vs sour? ›
“ 'Sweet' is with 7-Up, 'sour' is with Squirt soda or pre-packaged sour mix, and 'press' is half 7-Up, half club soda,” says Brian Bartels, author of The United States of co*cktails, and owner of Settle Down Tavern in Madison. “Most people opt for 'sweet' or 'press. ' ”
What kind of ice cube for Old Fashioned? ›
The right style of ice depends on the co*cktail. For spirit-forward drinks served in a rocks glass, like the Negroni or Old Fashioned, a single large block or sphere is ideal.
Why use simple syrup instead of sugar? ›
Some older co*cktails recipes you'll see will call for a couple teaspoons or so of raw sugar as the sweetener. But today the majority of bartenders use simple syrup as a basic sweetener because it is be easier to measure and will integrate into the co*cktail much more consistently.
What can you use instead of sugar cubes in Old Fashioned? ›
Sugar cube – If you don't have sugar cubes, you can use 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and muddle it with the bitters and water. You can also use 1 teaspoon of simple syrup in place of both the sugar cube/granulated sugar and water.
Why add sugar to an Old Fashioned? ›
The best old fashioned recipes call for sugar to balance the alcohol. I use simple syrup, which quickly dissolves and is simple to make. It also allows us to play around and use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the syrup, giving our co*cktail a caramel-like flavor that works well with whiskey or rum.
