One of the oldest, simplest and best-loved classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned is also one of the most versatile. The first known definition of the drink—“spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters”—dates to 1806. By the mid-1800s, it was solidified as the “Old-Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail,” eventually shortened to simply the “Old Fashioned,” with the “whiskey” part implied.
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So, while whiskey is one of the key elements that makes the drink shine, it can encompass a wide range of styles: bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey, you name it. Some aficionados even like to split their Old Fashioned up with a blend of two or more whiskeys. From there, a variety of sugars or sugar syrups can be used, as can various bitters and garnishes, such as citrus peels and brandied cherries, to add complexity or accent the flavors of the whiskey base. The possibilities are endless.
Whether you want to play around or have a preferred variation on the classic cocktail, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve rounded up top whiskey picks that make this iconic drink sing. From sweeter bourbon and spicier rye, to budget-picks, splurge-worthy bottles and everything in between, these are the best whiskeys for Old Fashioneds.
Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned Four Roses Small Batch Select
Created by master distiller Brent Elliott to mark the distillery’s grand reopening,
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
