Strong, boozy, and perfectly balanced, this is the cocktail that started Proof Syrup.

Mix this classic spirit-forward cocktail using any syrup from our Old Fashioned collection: Traditional, Black Walnut, Maple Bacon, Orange, or Pecan. Make it your own by using your favorite aged spirit, including bourbon, rye, or any other whiskey, of course, but also aged rum, tequila, or mezcal.

A quick note as to method: We strongly recommend measuring both spirit and syrup, at least at first — a half-ounce is a lot less than most folks think it is, and about the worst thing you can do to an Old Fashioned is make it too sweet. You can always add more, but you can't take it back, so start with one part Proof Syrup to four parts spirit, stir, sip, and adjust as your taste buds dictate. If you want the full breakdown, we walk through it in how much syrup goes in an Old Fashioned.

Scroll all the way down for some delicious variations on this classic recipe — including our Tiki Old Fashioned.

Steps

1. Measure Proof Syrup and spirit into mixing glass; add ice and stir to combine.
2. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
3. Garnish with orange peel.

A Note on Stirring

Stir longer than feels necessary — 30 to 40 seconds. You are not just chilling the drink, you are adding the dilution that turns a hot pour of whiskey into a balanced cocktail. Under-stirred Old Fashioneds taste harsh, and most people stop about fifteen seconds too early. Use one large cube in the serving glass rather than a handful of small ones so it holds up while you drink it.

Variations

Maple Bacon Old Fashioned: If using Maple Bacon Proof Syrup, garnish with a crisp slice of bacon. Smoky, savory-sweet, and the version most likely to convert someone who says they don't like whiskey.

Black Walnut Old Fashioned: Stir 2 oz rye with ½ oz Black Walnut Proof Syrup and 2 dashes aromatic bitters. Earthy, dry, and the most spirit-forward build on this page. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Spiced Old Fashioned: Use Pecan Proof Syrup with a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon, garnished with a cinnamon stick. Aged rum works beautifully here in place of bourbon. Full method in our spiced Old Fashioned guide.

Tiki Old Fashioned: Stir 2 oz aged rum, ½ oz Pecan Proof Syrup, and 2 or 3 dashes of tiki or aromatic bitters with ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass, garnish with a spear or slice of fresh pineapple, and serve. [NOTE: If you're not into aged rum, that's cool; this recipe's delicious with a sweet, mellow low-rye bourbon, too.]

Once you have found your house version, the 8 oz Traditional is the size that stops you running out. Browse everything in stock at Proof Syrup.

Common Questions

Bourbon or rye? Both are correct — they just change the drink's personality. Bourbon brings vanilla, caramel, and a softer grain sweetness, and it plays especially well with the Maple Bacon and Pecan syrups. Rye tips the drink toward spice and dry fruit, which gives it more edge; it's the better partner for Black Walnut. If you have only ever built this with bourbon, make it once with a bonded rye.

How is this different from a Manhattan? Both are stirred whiskey cocktails, but a Manhattan uses sweet vermouth in place of the syrup and is served up, with no ice. The Old Fashioned stays spirit-forward and lands over a single large cube.

Can I use scotch or mezcal? Yes. A peaty single malt makes a legitimately excellent Old Fashioned — swap the aromatic bitters for orange or Peychaud's to match the smoke. Mezcal is worth exploring too, and takes well to Orange Proof Syrup.

What about a zero-proof version? The structure translates well. Strong-brewed black tea or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative takes the spirit slot, Traditional Proof Syrup holds the sweetener role, and the method is identical.

Does the cherry matter? A real Luxardo cherry is meaningfully better than a neon maraschino — less sweet, actual flavor, and it won't stain the drink red. That said, it's a garnish. Skip it and the drink is still complete.