# Old Fashioned

> Old Fashioned, the IBA official recipe: bourbon, simple syrup, Angostura bitters and water. Built in the glass and served on the rocks.

Whiskey, sugar, bitters and water: the original definition of a cocktail.

- IBA category: [IBA: The Unforgettables](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/unforgettables/index.md)
- Main spirit: [Whiskey cocktails](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/whiskey-cocktails/index.md)
- Method: Built (built straight in the glass)
- Glass: Old fashioned glass
- Served: On the rocks
- Strength: about 33% ABV once diluted by ice, about 1.2 standard drinks (14 g of alcohol each)
- Volume: 53 ml (1¾ oz) before ice, about 65 ml in the glass
- Taste: Spirit-forward

## Ingredients

Amounts are for one drink. Ounces use 30 ml to the ounce.

- 45 ml (1½ oz) [Bourbon or rye whiskey](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/bourbon/index.md)
- 1 [Sugar cube](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/simple-syrup/index.md) (or 7.5 ml (¼ oz) simple syrup)
- Few dashes [Angostura bitters](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/angostura/index.md)
- Few dashes Water

## Method

1. Place sugar cube in old fashioned glass and saturate with bitter, add few dashes of plain water.
2. Muddle until dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey.
4. Stir gently.

## Garnish

Orange slice or zest, and a cocktail cherry.

## One ingredient away

Drinks on the list that differ from the Old Fashioned by a single ingredient.

- [Manhattan](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/manhattan/index.md): sweet vermouth instead of simple syrup
- [Whiskey Sour](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/whiskey-sour/index.md): lemon juice instead of Angostura bitters
- [Mint Julep](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/mint-julep/index.md): mint instead of Angostura bitters

## If you like the Old Fashioned

- [Champagne Cocktail](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/champagne-cocktail/index.md): Sparkling wine, cognac, Angostura bitters and simple syrup
- [New York Sour](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/new-york-sour/index.md): Bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, egg and red wine
- [Trinidad Sour](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/trinidad-sour/index.md): Angostura bitters, orgeat, lemon juice and rye whiskey
- [Brandy Crusta](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/brandy-crusta/index.md): Brandy, maraschino liqueur, orange curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup and Angostura bitters

## Source

- Recipe as specified by the International Bartenders Association: https://iba-world.com/iba-cocktail/old-fashioned/
- IBA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVb0H2jd-8M
- Strength is an estimate that allows for dilution from ice; brands vary.

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- Canonical page: https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/old-fashioned/
- Language: en
- Recipe data: International Bartenders Association specifications on iba-world.com, checked 22 October 2026
- Maintained by Jigger, an independent index not affiliated with or endorsed by the IBA. All pages: https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/sitemap.md