The Old Fashioned is my go-to cocktail—simple, elegant, and endlessly satisfying. This list includes everything I use to make the perfect one, from the right bourbon and bitters to the best ice molds, bar tools, and garnish tricks. If you’re building...
A little history and how-to on the old fashioned. Not hard to make at all, but easy to screw up. Don't screw it up.
How to Make a Good Old Fashioned — High-Proof Preacher
The best cherries for an old-fashioned. This would be my first choice in cherries.
Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries Jar 14.1 oz. (400 g)
My second choice for cherries. Also fantastic on plain cheesecake.
Fabbri Amarena Cherries in Syrup 8 oz. (230 g)
If I couldn't get Luxardo, I'd buy this brand. I kind of think of them as a Luxardo dupe.
Hotel Starlino Italian Maraschino Cherries
These are very popular for an old fashioned, but honestly not my favorite. Too boozy for my taste.
Woodford Reserve 13.5 oz. Bourbon Cherries
This is the classic bitters used in an old fashioned. Not bad at all, I just prefer spiced cherry or orange bitters.
ANGOSTURA Aromatic Bitters, Liquid Cocktail Bitters for Professional & Home Mixologists, 4 fl oz
Orange bitters are a safe choice for your old fashioneds. Can't go wrong with this flavor of bitter.
Woodford Reserve Orange Bitters 2 Fluid Ounces
I like my old fashioneds cherry heavy, so I'm a fan of the spiced cherry bitters.
If you want to try something a little different, I would suggest chocolate bitters.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Bitters
Do you need crystal glasses for your old fashioneds? No. But are they cool as hell. Yes.
Schott Zwiesel Banquet Double Old Fashioned Glasses
A decent bourbon for an old fashioned. It's not a complex bourbon so it's ideal for this drink.
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
A good, affordable bourbon for an old fashioned.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
My personal choice for old fashioneds. I like Old Forester and I don't care if that makes me an old man.
Old Forester Rye 100 Pf
I large ice cube is mandatory. I like the individual cubes or spheres so I can just grab one and go.
Viski Ice Mold, Sphere Shaped Ice Cupe Maker, Large Ice Cube for Cocktails, DIY, Bath Bombs, and Chocolates, 2 Inch, Black
If you don't want to make your own old fashioned, this mix is a good shortcut. I'm not a fan of most OF mixes, but this one is decent. This one and the Woodford Reserve are the only two I would recommend.
