The Old Fashioned is not just a cocktail. It is the blueprint.
Simple, restrained, and built entirely on the quality of its ingredients, the Old Fashioned has survived every cocktail trend because it does not rely on them. When made correctly, it delivers balance, structure, and warmth with nothing extra getting in the way.
In this guide, we walk through a classic Old Fashioned cocktail recipe, explain how to make it properly, and show why Green River Bourbon is the right foundation for this timeless drink.
What Is an Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned is a study in restraint. It is built with just a few components—bourbon, sugar, bitters, and citrus—designed to highlight the whiskey rather than disguise it.
The drink dates back to the early 1800s, long before cocktails became complicated. At its core, it follows the original definition of a cocktail: spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. That simplicity is exactly why it still works.
When executed properly, the Old Fashioned is smooth, balanced, and quietly expressive, allowing the bourbon to do the talking.
Classic Old Fashioned RecipeÂ
This version keeps things traditional and intentional. No muddled fruit. No excess sweetness. Just structure and balance.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Green River Bourbon
- 0.75–1 oz simple syrup or 0.5 oz demerara simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Optional: cherry
- Ice, preferably one large cube
How to Make an Old Fashioned
Step 1: Build the Base
Add the simple syrup (or demerara syrup) and bitters to a mixing glass.
Using syrup instead of a sugar cube ensures consistency and a smoother texture without undissolved sugar.
Step 2: Add the Bourbon
Pour in 2 ounces of Green River Bourbon. At this point, the drink is already defined. Everything else supports the whiskey.
Step 3: Add Ice and Stir
Add a large ice cube or several dense cubes. Stir for 20–25 seconds until the drink is properly chilled and lightly diluted. Stirring keeps the drink clear and controlled.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Express the oils from an orange peel over the surface and drop it in. Add a cherry if you like, but keep the garnish restrained.
Serve immediately.
Why Green River Works in an Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned demands balance. If the bourbon is overly hot, thin, or aggressive, the cocktail falls apart.
Green River Distilling Co. Bourbon brings exactly what the drink needs. Notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak provide natural sweetness that integrates cleanly with bitters, while the structure keeps the cocktail focused from first sip to finish.
Distilled in Owensboro under the historic DSP-KY-10 license, Green River is crafted with integration in mind. In an Old Fashioned, it does not compete with the drink. It anchors it.
This is a cocktail where the bourbon matters. Green River delivers without distraction.
Tips for Making the Perfect Old Fashioned
- Use fresh citrus peel. Aroma matters as much as flavor.
- Do not over-sweeten. Start lower and adjust.
- Always stir, never shake. Texture and clarity are part of the experience.
- Use a large ice cube to control dilution and preserve structure.
Small decisions make a noticeable difference in a cocktail this simple.
Master the Old Fashioned with Green River Bourbon
The Old Fashioned has endured for over a century because it works. When built correctly, it is dependable, composed, and deeply satisfying.
With Green River Bourbon as your base, the drink stays true to its roots. Balanced, expressive, and timeless.
Start with quality. Keep it simple. Let the bourbon lead.
