18 Best Old Fashioned Variations: Unique Recipes & Ideas

The Old Fashioned cocktail has stood the test of time as a super popular classic, dating all the way back to the early 19th century. The simple yet sophisticated blend of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus makes it a go-to for cocktail enthusiasts.  

But why stop with the classic version? We have 18 Old Fashioned variations with exciting twists, adding new flavors and flair while maintaining that timeless appeal of the original. Ready to explore some unique recipes and ideas? 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 whiskey, simple syrup (or a sugar cube), bitters, and an orange twist or cherry for garnish. 

Method

• Combine simple syrup and bitters: In an Old Fashioned glass, add your simple 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 whiskey: Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey over a large ice cube  

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

Read next: Best Whiskey 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. 

Liquor swaps

Switch up the base liquor to create a whole new flavor. 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 liquor 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 simple syrup or a sugar cube, experiment with honey for a floral sweetness, maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor, or agave syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. Flavored syrups, like cinnamon or vanilla, can also add an extra layer of complexity to your cocktail. 

Bitters and other flavor 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 savory-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: Differences and Similarities 

18 Unique Old Fashioned recipes

1. Smoked Old Fashioned

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

Learn more: What to Mix with Bourbon: Easy Bourbon Cocktails to Try at Home 

2. Bacon Old Fashioned

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

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Bacon-washed bourbon

• 0.25 oz Simple syrup

• 3 dashes Bitters

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add the simple 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 (opens in new window) 

4. Reposado Old Fashioned

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

Ingredients

• 2 oz Espolón Tequila Reposado

• 0.25 oz Simple syrup

• 1 dash Bitters

• Orange zest (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add reposado tequila, simple 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

¡Ariba! Perfect Cinco de Mayo Cocktails for Your Festivities  

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: EspolónTequila (opens in new window)Añejo (opens in new window) 

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 (opens in new window) 

7. Aperol Old Fashioned

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

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 0.25 oz Simple syrup

• 0.25 oz Aperol (opens in new window) 

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add the simple 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

• 1.5 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 0.25 oz Simple syrup

• 0.25 oz Grand Marnier (opens in new window) 

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice cubes

Method

1. Add the simple 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

• 1 oz Ancho Reyes (opens in new window)

• 1 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup

• 2 dashes Bitters

• 2 dashes Orange bitters

• Orange twist (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add Ancho Reyes, bourbon, simple 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

• 2 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon

• 0.5 oz 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 flavors, the Sesame Old Fashioned is a beautifully nutty and aromatic variation. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz The Glen Grant Whiskey (opens in new window) (infused with toasted sesame seeds*)

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup

• 4 dashes Bitters

• Ice

Method

1. Add sesame-infused whiskey, simple 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 4 oz whiskey. Let it infuse for 1 hour, then strain. Keep the remaining whiskey 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

• 1.5 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon

• 1.5 oz Chocolate liqueur

• 1 oz Simple syrup

• 3 dashes Bitters

• Orange twist (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add bourbon, chocolate liqueur, simple 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 popular in Japan and will be a hit among those who enjoy the taste of shochu. 

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Sugar

• 3 dashes Bitters

• Splash of club soda

• 2 oz Shochu

• Orange peel (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add sugar, bitters, and club soda 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. 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)

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 2 dashes Bitters

• Orange twist or slice (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Muddle the peach cube with simple 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

15. Blueberry Old Fashioned

The Blueberry Old Fashioned is a colorful 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)

• 0.5 oz Blueberry syrup

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 2 dashes Bitters

• Orange peel twist (for garnish)

• Ice cubes

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 flavors

4. Garnish with an orange peel twist and extra blueberries

5. Serve

16. Pomegranate Old Fashioned

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

Ingredients

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 1.5 oz Pomegranate juice

• 1.5 oz Simple syrup

• 2 dashes Bitters

• Orange peel twist (for garnish)

• Ice

Method

1. Add bourbon, pomegranate juice, simple 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

17. Apple Butter Old Fashioned

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

18. Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned

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

Ingredients

• 0.5 oz Homemade pumpkin syrup

• 2 dashes Orange bitters

• Orange wedge

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• Club soda (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 club soda for effervescence

4. Stir gently using a cinnamon stick

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

Tips for crafting your own Old Fashioned variations

• Play around with flavors 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 flavors, 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 favorite 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 like this, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram (opens in new window). Also visit the Wild Turkey (opens in new window), SKYY (opens in new window), Aperol (opens in new window), Campari (opens in new window), Espolòn (opens in new window), and Appleton Estate (opens in new window) websites.