18 New Fashioned ‘Old Fashioned’ Cocktail Recipes

An old fashioned is my go-to cocktail, whether I’m mixing at home or ordering something at a craft cocktail bar. And one of the best features of this classic drink is that it’s incredibly versatile. Add a little new fashion style when you enjoy one or all of these updated old fashioned cocktail recipes!

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I’ve always said that there’s no wrong way to make an old fashioned. You could even go so far as to argue anything served in the glass of the same name counts! Traditionally, it’s a cocktail made with bourbon, a muddled sugar cube, and aromatic bitters, served in a lowball glass with ice.

But there’s no need to keep it so simple. Go to any craft cocktail bar and you’ll likely find some kind of twist on this classic. Whether it’s a flavored simple syrup, an additional mixer or liquor, or a garnish that really makes the drink pop, old fashioneds have been a blank canvas for mixologists for decades.

So let’s get into some really fun versions of old fashioned cocktail recipes that you can make and serve from your home bar.

Focus on Fruit Flavors

The basic combination of bourbon and bitters already lends itself to fruit flavors in a traditional old fashioned, which is often served with an orange peel and a cherry as garnish. However, these recipes really bring the focus onto the fruit specifically, whether it’s one of those standards or something a little bit more out there.

Sweet & Aromatic

The bitters traditionally used in an old fashioned are called “aromatic,” the most famous brand of which is Angostura. Bitters are blends of herbs, spices, barks, citrus zests, and other botanicals, so those ingredients are a great place to expand the flavor profile of an old fashioned. But you can also accent the standard flavors with other sweet and spicy notes.

Switch Up the Liquors

Traditionally, bourbon is the liquor that’s used as the base of an old fashioned cocktail, but don’t let that limit you. When you decide to change things around, you can either supplement by adding a flavored liqueur or liquor along with the bourbon, or replace it entirely with a totally different spirit.

Essential Old Fashioned Equipment

Whatever direction you decide to go in, you’ll need a few more pieces to make your old fashioned a reality. Add these accessories to your bar for a super fancy nightcap.