Few cocktails have endured like the Old Fashioned. Recognized by many as the first bourbon cocktail, it’s the blueprint for American mixology, just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. Elegant in its simplicity and timeless in its appeal, it’s a drink that lets the spirit shine.
There’s even debate about what qualifies as a “true” Old Fashioned. Some opt for muddled cherries and oranges, what many now call an “old smash‑ioned.” At Bardstown Bourbon Company, we prefer the classic: stirred, not mashed. Just great whiskey, thoughtfully balanced.
And if you’ve heard it was invented at Louisville’s Pendennis Club, you’re not alone. The legend goes that a bartender there created the drink for Colonel James E. Pepper, who later popularized it at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria. While cocktail historians question the claim (printed recipes appeared before the club existed), it’s a story that speaks to Kentucky’s deep roots in bourbon culture.
What Is an Old Fashioned, And How to Make It
At its core, the Old Fashioned is a minimalist masterpiece. Using syrup instead of muddled fruit keeps the drink clean and highlights the spirit.
Classic Old Fashioned recipe (Bardstown style):
- 2 oz bourbon or rye
- ¼ oz simple syrup or demerara syrup
- 2–3 dashes bitters
- Stir with ice in a rocks glass until chilled
- Garnish with an expressed orange peel
That’s it. No muddled fruit. No soda. Just a balanced cocktail that dates back over 200 years and never goes out of style.
How Bardstown Expressions and the Right Ingredients Change the Flavor in Your Old Fashioned
One of the most exciting things about the Old Fashioned is how adaptable it is. With only a few ingredients, you can shape the entire cocktail around your choice of whiskey, and Bardstown’s core lineup gives you four distinctive ways to make the drink your own.
Origin Series Bourbon
With notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice, this expression creates a classic, well-rounded Old Fashioned. Pair it with demerara syrup and Angostura bitters for warmth and depth.
Bottled‑in‑Bond Bourbon
At 100 proof, it brings structure and intensity. A slightly richer syrup pour balances the added heat and spice, making for a bold yet smooth cocktail.
High Wheat Bourbon
This one’s soft and creamy, with a round mouthfeel from its wheat-forward mash bill. Orange bitters and a lighter syrup touch make it a bright, easy-drinking riff on the original.
Double Barreled Rye
Spicy, complex, and finished in cherry and oak barrels, this rye expression is full of character. Chocolate or cherry bitters bring out its fruit and spice notes, while a modest dose of syrup preserves its edge.
Customize with Syrups and Bitters
Once you’ve selected your whiskey, adjusting the syrup and bitters lets you fine-tune the profile even further.
Syrups
A standard 1:1 simple syrup provides clean sweetness. Demerara syrup, made from raw cane sugar, adds richness and body, especially good with rye or Bottled-in-Bond. Feeling creative? Try a spiced syrup with cinnamon or clove for fall gatherings.
Bitters
Angostura is the classic choice, but variations like orange bitters add brightness, chocolate bitters bring depth to wheated or rye versions, and barrel-aged bitters introduce a subtle oakiness. Mix and match to build complexity or highlight specific whiskey characteristics.
A great Old Fashioned is all about balance. Small changes can transform the entire experience.
Be the Ultimate Host
If you’re entertaining, the Old Fashioned is a showstopper and easy to batch with a little prep. Here’s how to serve like a pro:
- Offer variety: Set up a mini tasting bar with all four Bardstown expressions and let guests discover their favorite.
- Batch your syrup: Keep it simple, pre-mix in a squeeze bottle and chill your glassware.
- Garnish thoughtfully: A single orange twist and a large cube look polished. Skip the cherry unless requested.
- Be the storyteller: Share the difference between wheated and rye, or why Bottled-in-Bond matters. You’ll turn a simple drink into a conversation piece.
This setup adds sophistication without complication, and helps guests discover bourbon their way.
Raise Your Glass to Tradition, Elevated
The Old Fashioned may be old, but it’s far from ordinary. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, our approach respects the roots of this cocktail while giving you new ways to explore it. Whether you reach for richness, spice, softness, or strength, there’s a Bardstown expression that turns your Old Fashioned into something personal.
Explore our collection, choose your bottle, and craft an Old Fashioned that’s entirely yours.