But why stop with the classic version? We have 18 Old Fashioned variations with exciting twists, adding new flavours and flair while maintaining that timeless appeal. 

Ready to explore some unique recipes and ideas? Buy a bottle of Wild Turkey to give your next Old Fashioned the depth it deserves. Let’s dive in!

Old Fashioned basics

The original Old Fashioned is a cornerstone of cocktail history, celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. This traditional recipe includes just a few key ingredients: bourbon or rye whisky, sugar syrup (or a sugar cube), bitters, and an orange twist or cherry for garnish. 

Method

• Combine sugar syrup and bitters: In an Old Fashioned glass, add your sugar syrup and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. If you’re using a sugar cube, place the cube in the glass, douse it with the bitters, add a splash of water if desired, and muddle until dissolved. 

• Add the whisky: Pour the bourbon or rye whisky over a large ice cube. 

• Stir and garnish: Stir gently to combine the flavours. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry, and enjoy the smooth, rich taste of a classic Old Fashioned. 

Read next: Best Whisky for an Old Fashioned Cocktail 

Exploring Old Fashioned variations

The Old Fashioned is a very versatile cocktail, perfect for experimenting with different ingredients to create exciting new twists. Here are a few types of variations that can add a fresh spin to this classic drink. 

Spirit swaps

Switch up the base spirit to create a whole new flavour. Use dark rum for a richer, sweeter drink, or tequila for a bold, agave twist. Brandy adds a smooth, fruity note, while Scotch whisky gives a complex, peaty depth. Each different spirit brings its own character to the party, making for a delightful variation on the classic. 

Sweetener variations

Adding sweetness to an Old Fashioned is essential for balancing its bitterness and kick. Instead of sugar syrup or a sugar cube, experiment with honey for a floral sweetness, maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavour, or agave syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. Flavoured syrups, like cinnamon or vanilla, can also add an extra layer of complexity to your cocktail. 

Bitters and other flavour enhancers

When it comes to choosing bitters for an Old Fashioned, there are countless varieties to explore. Swap out Angostura bitters for orange, chocolate, or coffee bitters, or add a few dashes of cardamom or lavender bitters for a fragrant twist. Liqueurs like coffee or amaretto can also enhance the drink with additional depth and aroma. 

Go pro: Best Bitters for Old Fashioned 

Garnish options

Garnishes are more than just decoration; they add aroma and visual appeal to your cocktail. Think beyond the standard orange twist or cherry—try candied bacon for a savoury-sweet element, a smoked orange peel for a hint of charred citrus, or edible flowers for a beautiful, delicate touch.  

Also see: Manhattan Drink vs Old Fashioned Cocktail – What is the Difference? 

18 Unique Old Fashioned recipes

1. Smoked Old Fashioned

The Smoked Old Fashioned adds a captivating by infusing the drink with aromatic smoke, adding a daring layer of complexity to delight the senses.  

Learn more: What to Mix with Bourbon: Creative Cocktails and Easy Recipes 

2. Bacon Old Fashioned

Ever heard of fat-washing? Fat-washing changes the texture of a drink by infusing it with the flavours and aromas of the chosen fat source. Try an Old Fashioned made with bacon-infused bourbon to experience pure umami bliss.  

Ingredients

• 45 ml Bacon-washed bourbon

• 10 ml Sugar syrup

• 3 dashes Bitters

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add the sugar syrup, bitters, and bacon-washed bourbon to a rocks glass

2. Add ice cubes

3. Stir until properly chilled (about 30 seconds)

4. Express the oils from an orange peel, then drop it into the drink as a garnish

5. Serve

3. Rum Old Fashioned

The Rum Old Fashioned, made with two types of rum, is a spiffy spinoff of the original. The addition of falernum (a spiced, sweet, and tart syrup) adds an irresistible zing and complexity, taking it into a truly trendy cocktail space. 

Make it with: Appleton Estate Rum 

4. Reposado Old Fashioned

Perfect for slow sipping, the Reposado Old Fashioned is a refined twist on a timeless classic.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Espolón Tequila Reposado 

• 10 ml Sugar syrup

• 1 dash Bitters

• Orange zest (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add reposado tequila, sugar syrup, and bitters to a rocks glass over ice

2. Stir with a cocktail spoon until chilled

3. Express the oils from an orange zest strip over the top

4. Drop the zest into the glass as a garnish

5. Serve

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5. Añejo Old Fashioned

If you’re hosting a Mexican-themed evening, we suggest you end it with an elegant Añejo Old Fashioned. Made with aged añejo tequila, agave syrup, and Angostura bitters, it adds a beautiful dash of South American mystery to the standard mix.  

Make it with: Espolón Tequila Añejo  

6. Mezcal Old Fashioned

The Mezcal Old Fashioned is smoky, bold, and deeply layered. It carries an earthy intensity with a smooth finish, giving off an air of intrigue and quiet confidence. Think of it as the cocktail equivalent of a fireside conversation: warm, complex, and unforgettable. 

Make it with: Montelobos Mezcal 

6. Aperol Old Fashioned

Bittersweet Aperol adds a bright, citrussy edge to the smooth warmth of bourbon in this Italian-inspired Old Fashioned.

Ingredients

• 45 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 10 ml Sugar syrup

• 10 ml Aperol 

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add the sugar syrup, Aperol, and bourbon to a rocks glass

2. Add ice cubes

3. Stir until properly chilled (about 30 seconds)

4. Express the oils from an orange peel, then drop it into the drink as a garnish

5. Serve

8. Grand Old Fashioned

Give the timeless Old Fashioned a modern and sophisticated twist by adding orange liqueur. The addition of Grand Marnier adds an elegant touch and smooth finish, with notes of oranges and nuts. Serve it after dinner or pair it with dessert as a luscious treat.

Ingredients

• 45 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 10 ml Sugar syrup

• 10 ml Grand Marnier 

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add the sugar syrup, bourbon, and Grand Marnier to a rocks glass

2. Add ice cubes

3. Stir until properly chilled (about 30 seconds)

4. Express the oils from an orange peel, then drop it into the drink as a garnish

5. Serve

9. Ancho Reyes Old Fashioned

For those who like their classics with a kick, the Ancho Reyes Old Fashioned is bold, warming, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 30 ml Ancho Reyes

• 30 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 15 ml Sugar syrup

• 2 dashes Bitters

• 2 dashes Orange bitters

• Orange twist (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add Ancho Reyes, bourbon, sugar syrup, bitters, and orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice

2. Stir until chilled

3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice

4. Garnish with an orange twist

5. Serve

10. Banana Old Fashioned

This take on the original recipe is a revelation if you love all things tropical. 

Ingredients

• 60 ml Wild Turkey Bourbon

• 15 ml Banana liqueur

• 6 dashes Bitters

• Ice

Method

1. Add bourbon, banana liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice

2. Stir until well combined

3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice

4. Serve

11. Sesame Old Fashioned

Inspired by Asian flavours, the Sesame Old Fashioned is a beautifully nutty and aromatic variation. 

Ingredients

• 60 ml The Glen Grant Whisky (infused with toasted sesame seeds*)

• 15 ml Sugar syrup

• 4 dashes Bitters

• Ice

Method

1. Add sesame-infused whisky, sugar syrup, and bitters to a rocks glass with ice

2. Stir until properly chilled

3. Serve immediately

*Dry toast a handful of sesame seeds in a warm pan, remove, and add to 0.5 cups whisky. Let it infuse for 1 hour, then strain. Keep the remaining whisky aside for another drink. 

12. Chocolate Old Fashioned

This cocoa-inspired riff on the classic is super easy to shake up, and even easier to sip. 

Ingredients

• 45 ml Wild Turkey Bourbon

• 45 ml Chocolate liqueur

• 30 ml Sugar syrup

• 3 dashes Bitters

• Orange twist (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add bourbon, chocolate liqueur, sugar syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice

2. Stir until well combined

3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice

4. Garnish with an orange twist

5. Serve

13. Old Fashioned Samurai

This cocktail is big in Japan and will be a hit for those who enjoy the taste of shochu. 

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Sugar

• 3 dashes Bitters

• Splash of soda water

• 60 ml Shochu

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add sugar, bitters, and soda water to a rocks glass

2. Muddle and stir until the sugar has dissolved

3. Add shochu and ice

4. Stir for about 10 seconds

5. Twist an orange peel over the drink, drop it in, and serve

Seasonal variations

Using seasonal ingredients to upgrade your Old Fashioned is another way to make this captivating drink your own. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing: 

14. Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned

The Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned is the best bits of autumn in a glass. It also makes a truly enchanting Halloween cocktail.

Ingredients

• 15 ml Homemade pumpkin syrup

• 2 dashes Orange bitters

• Orange wedge

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• Soda water (optional)

• Ice

Method

1. Combine pumpkin syrup, orange bitters and the orange wedge in an Old Fashioned glass, and muddle.

2. Add Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon and ice

3. Add a splash of soda water for effervescence

4. Stir gently using a cinnamon stick

5. Twist an orange peel over the drink, drop it in, and serve

15. Peachy Old Fashioned

Sweet, juicy peach brings a mellow fruitiness to the bold backbone of bourbon in this summery Old Fashioned.

Ingredients

• 1 Peach cube (muddled)

• 15 ml Sugar syrup

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 2 dashes Bitters

• Orange twist or slice (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Muddle the peach cube with sugar syrup in a mixing glass

2. Add bourbon, bitters, and ice

3. Stir well until chilled

4. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice

5. Garnish with an orange twist or slice

6. Serve

16. Blueberry Old Fashioned

The Blueberry Old Fashioned is a colourful twist that works just as well at summer parties as it does for a cosy nightcap.

Ingredients

• Fresh blueberries (a few, plus extra for garnish)

• 15 ml Blueberry syrup

• 60 ml Bourbon

• 2 dashes Bitters

• Orange peel twist (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Muddle fresh blueberries with blueberry syrup in a rocks glass

2. Add bourbon, bitters, and ice cubes

3. Stir gently to blend the flavours

4. Garnish with an orange peel twist and extra blueberries

5. Serve

17. Pomegranate Old Fashioned

Bold bourbon, tart pomegranate, and bitters come together in a fruit-forward riff with real depth.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 45 ml Pomegranate juice

• 45 ml Sugar syrup

• 2 dashes Bitters

• Orange peel twist (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add bourbon, pomegranate juice, sugar syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice

2. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and blend

3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice

4. Garnish with an orange peel twist

5. Serve

18. Apple Butter Old Fashioned

An Apple Butter Old Fashioned is packed with the warm and spicy flavours synonymous with cosy apple pies. Made with real apple butter (just like mama used to make), this autumn Old Fashioned drink is perfect for an indulgent harvest feast with your nearest and dearest.   

Tips for crafting your own Old Fashioned variations

• Play around with flavours and balance to make a killer Old Fashioned that’s just right for you. Start with the basic recipe, then mix things up by trying different spirits, sweeteners, and bitters.  

• Make sure the sweetness matches the bitterness and the strength of the alcohol. Don’t be shy to tweak the amounts until it tastes just right. Think about what you love: if you’re into smoky flavours, go for mezcal or Scotch whisky; if you’ve got a sweet tooth, add honey or maple syrup.  

• Use bitters and garnishes that match your favourite scents and tastes.  

The best part about the Old Fashioned is its simplicity and versatility, so you can experiment endlessly to create a drink that’s perfect for you. 

There you have it – everything you need to know about creating amazing Old Fashioned variations. For more inspiration, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Also visit the Wild Turkey, SKYY, Aperol, Campari, Espolòn, and Appleton Estate websites. 

1. Banana Daiquiri

Beat the summer heat with our go-to recipe for a Banana Daiquiri. An indulgent twist on the classic Daiquiri, this terrific banana liqueur cocktail will make you feel like you’re lazing on a sandy beach living your best tiki life, no matter where you are.   

You might also like: 11 Different Types of Daiquiris for Sensational Sipping

2. Frozen Banana Daiquiri

This perfectly frosty cocktail with banana liqueur is everything you want next to a glistening pool on a sweltering summer’s day. 

Ingredients

• 60 ml Appleton Estate Rum
• 30 ml Banana liqueur
• 15 ml Fresh lime juice
• 1 Banana, slightly overripe
• 1 cup of ice
• Banana slice, to garnish

Method

1. Add the rum, banana liqueur, lime juice, banana, and ice to a blender
2. Blitz until creamy and smooth
3. Pour into a serving glass
4. Garnish with a banana slice and serve

Make it with: Appleton Estate Rum

3. Banana Alexander

Cocktails with banana liqueur make a great end-of-night sip and can 100% be served instead of dessert if you are feeling retro. 

Ingredients

• 45 ml Cognac
• 30 ml Banana liqueur
• 30 ml Cream
• Fresh nutmeg, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the cognac, banana liqueur, cream, and ice to a cocktail shaker
2. Shake until well combined
3. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Garnish with a dusting of fresh nutmeg before serving

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4. Dirty Banana

If you love a Piña Colada or a Bushwacker, you’ve got to try a Dirty Banana. Cocktails using banana liqueur are an ideal option if you love a boozy milkshake, and this one is particularly sensational. 

Ingredients

• 60 ml Appleton Estate Rum
• 30 ml Banana liqueur
• 30 ml Coffee liqueur
• 60 ml Full-cream milk
• 1 Banana, slightly overripe
• 1 cup of ice
• Banana slice or coffee beans, to garnish

Method

1. Add the rum, banana liqueur, coffee liqueur, milk, banana, and ice to a blender
2. Blend until smooth
3. Pour into a serving glass
4. Garnish with a banana slice or coffee beans

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5. Rum Runner

If your happy place is a sunny beach situation with tousled hair and sandy toes, this Rum Runner cocktail recipe deserves a place of honour in your DIY drink arsenal. Get ready to get that laidback island-style feeling while you shake up one of the easiest banana liqueur cocktail recipes out there. 

Ingredients

• 30 ml Wray & Nephew light rum
• 30 ml Appleton Estate dark rum
• 30 ml Banana liqueur
• 15 ml Blackberry liqueur
• 1 Banana, slightly overripe
• 30 ml Pineapple juice
• Splash of grenadine
• Ice
• Fresh seasonal fruit to garnish

Method

1. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until cold
3. Strain into a serving glass
4. Garnish with fresh fruit

Arrr me mateys! 14 Dark Rum Cocktails to Try at Home This Year 

6. Midnight Oil

The best banana liqueur cocktail allows its intriguing base ingredient to shine, while also bringing a few talented co-stars to the stage. Case in point: the Midnight Oil cocktail. 

Ingredients

• 45 ml Appleton Estate Rum
• 10 ml Ginger liqueur
• 10 ml Banana liqueur
• 20 ml Cold-brew coffee (or cooled espresso)
• 3 dashes Vanilla extract
• Ice

Method

1. Add the rum, ginger liqueur, banana liqueur, cold-brew coffee, vanilla extract, and ice to a mixing glass
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Strain into a coupe glass and serve

Caribbean Inspiration: Fan the Flames of Festivity with These 10 Falernum Cocktails 

7. Jumpin’ Jack Flash

The Jumpin’ Jack Flash cocktail offers a delightful fruity experience that’s not only easy to sip, but also a total breeze to prepare, making it one of our favourite cocktail recipes with banana liqueur.  

Keep it fruity: 14 Cocktails with Orange Liqueur That Zest the Best

8. Banana Stand

Completely compelling, the Banana Stand is a daring drink that combines quite a few outlier ingredients in the most fabulous way. 

Ingredients

• 45 ml Whisky
• 30 ml Fresh lemon juice
• 20 ml Banana liqueur
• 10 ml Yellow Chartreuse
• 1 dash Cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 dash Allspice liqueur
• Cinnamon stick, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, banana liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse, cinnamon syrup, allspice liqueur, and ice to a cocktail shaker
2. Shake until well combined
3. Strain into a serving glass over fresh ice
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick

9. Banana Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a spirit-forward cocktail that never seems to go out of style, and this take on the original recipe is a revelation. 

Ingredients

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 bourbon
• 15 ml Banana liqueur
• 6 dashes Bitters
• Ice

Method

1. Add the bourbon, banana liqueur, bitters, and ice to a mixing glass
2. Stir until well combined
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
4. Serve immediately

Learn more: A Tale of Two Cocktails: Manhattan vs Old Fashioned

10. Bananarac

The Sazerac is arguably the most OG of all the cocktails of all time, and this fruity spin is a fun-loving riff on the much-loved classic. 

Ingredients

• 30 ml Wild Turkey 101 Rye
• 30 ml Brandy
• 15 ml Banana liqueur
• 10 ml Sugar syrup
• 1 dash Bitters
• Absinthe, to rinse glass
• Lemon twist, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Pour a small amount of absinthe into a chilled rocks glass, swirl to coat the inside, then discard the excess
2. Add the rye, brandy, banana liqueur, sugar syrup, bitters, and ice to a mixing glass
3. Stir to combine
4. Strain into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice
5. Garnish with a lemon twist

Rye vs bourbon: Bourbon and Rye Whisky Explained: Flavour, Use & Cocktail Tips

There you have it—10 beautiful banana liqueur cocktails to try next time you’re in the mood for something a little tropical. Remember to sign up for our newsletter if you go bananas over new cocktail recipes. Sorry, we had to. Teehee.