Why the Old Fashioned Is My Go-To Bourbon Cocktail

It’s no big secret that my favorite bourbon cocktail is the Old Fashioned. I can’t remember exactly when I first discovered it, but after that first sip, there was no turning back. Maybe it’s the taste, maybe it’s the simplicity—but this classic four-ingredient cocktail has become my forever favorite.

A Short History of the Old Fashioned

The history of the Old Fashioned cocktail differs depending on who you ask, but most agree it’s one of the earliest true bourbon cocktails. As far back as the early 1800s, drinks resembling the Old Fashioned appeared in print described as “a potent concoction of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar.”

Some credit Louisville’s Pendennis Club with inventing the Old Fashioned in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a well-known bourbon distiller. Others argue that a Chicago newspaper printed a recipe before the club opened. Wherever the truth lies, one thing is certain: the Old Fashioned is here to stay—and it will always belong to bourbon country.

Bourbon Is the Star of the Show

Over the years, people have experimented with making Old Fashioneds using brandy or even scotch. But let me be clear: in Kentucky, that’s close to a cardinal sin! The true Old Fashioned is a bourbon cocktail, balanced with sugar, bitters, and the perfect garnish of cocktail cherries.

Pro tip: I recommend our Boozy Cherries® and Cherry or Orange Bitters to give your Old Fashioned extra depth and Southern flair.

Modern Twists on a Classic

While I’ll always love the original, I also believe in having fun with flavor. Over the years, I’ve tried (and loved) these unique Old Fashioned variations:

The Best Winter Old Fashioned

Perfect for cozy nights, this version uses spiced brown sugar simple syrup, cranberries instead of cherries, and a sprig of smoked rosemary. It’s festive, aromatic, and ideal for holiday gatherings.

Apple Butter Old Fashioned

One of my In the Curious Kitchen favorites. A spoonful of Bourbon Apple Butter, a splash of ginger beer or club soda, plus an apple slice and cinnamon stick create a fall-ready twist you’ll want to sip year-round.

Smoked Old Fashioned

Made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and our Boozy Cherries®, this recipe takes on a whole new flavor profile when you use a cocktail smoker. It’s dramatic, aromatic, and unforgettable.

Espresso Old Fashioned

Why settle for an espresso martini when you can have one made with bourbon? Combine espresso, bourbon, brown sugar simple syrup, and Chocolate Bitters for a rich and energizing cocktail.

And don’t stop there! Maple Bacon, Blackberry, Toasted Pecan, Cinnamon—the list of Old Fashioned variations is endless. Just promise me one thing: never switch out the bourbon. It’s the heart of this cocktail.

The Old Fashioned: A Cocktail That Lasts

From its 19th-century origins to today’s craft cocktail menus, the Old Fashioned has proven it’s more than just a drink—it’s a legacy. Whether you enjoy it in its classic form or experiment with seasonal twists, this bourbon cocktail belongs in every host’s recipe box.

Cheers! 

MK