Few cocktails have stood the test of time quite like the Old Fashioned. Made with just bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a touch of citrus, it's a timeless favorite that celebrates the character of the whiskey at its heart.
But what makes a truly great bourbon Old Fashioned? The secret isn't just in the recipe. The bourbon you choose, its age, proof, and flavor profile all influence how the finished cocktail tastes.
At Brother's Bond, we believe great bourbon is made to be shared. Whether you're discovering the classic Old Fashioned, experimenting with different bourbons, or adding a new twist with our signature Brother's Fashioned, understanding a few simple elements can help you create a cocktail worth savoring.
What Makes a Great Bourbon Old Fashioned?
The beauty of an Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity.
Unlike cocktails with multiple juices, mixers, or liqueurs, an Old Fashioned allows the bourbon to take center stage. Sugar provides a touch of sweetness, bitters add complexity, and the oils from a fresh orange peel create an inviting citrus aroma.
The goal is balance. Each ingredient should complement the whiskey rather than compete with it.
That's why choosing the right bourbon matters.
A whiskey with warm vanilla and caramel notes may create a softer, sweeter impression, while one with more pronounced spice and oak can deliver a bolder experience.
Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon brings together three distinct bourbon mash bills, carefully blended to create a balanced and layered flavor profile. This approach makes it a natural foundation for a classic Old Fashioned, allowing the whiskey's character to remain present while complementing the cocktail's other ingredients.
To learn more about how different grains and barrel selection influence a bourbon's character, explore Inside the Blending Room: How Brother's Bond Builds a Bourbon.
Why Barrel Age Matters in an Old Fashioned
Time spent aging in oak barrels plays an important role in developing bourbon's character.
As whiskey matures in new, charred oak barrels, it develops aromas and flavors commonly associated with bourbon, including vanilla, caramel, toasted wood, and baking spices.
Those flavors become especially noticeable in an Old Fashioned, where the whiskey isn't hidden behind other ingredients.
A touch of sugar can complement the bourbon's natural sweetness, while aromatic bitters can accentuate its spice and complexity. Fresh orange oils introduce a bright contrast to the richer flavors developed during maturation.
But does older bourbon automatically make a better Old Fashioned?
Not necessarily.
While additional aging can bring greater oak influence and complexity, too much oak or tannin may overwhelm the balance of the cocktail. The ideal bourbon combines maturity with a flavor profile that works harmoniously with the other ingredients.
Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon is aged for a minimum of four years, allowing it to develop a balanced character that works beautifully in cocktails or enjoyed on its own.
Ultimately, it's not simply how long a bourbon ages, but how its flavors develop and come together that matters most.
The Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe
A great Old Fashioned doesn't require elaborate ingredients or complicated techniques. With a few thoughtful steps, you can make this timeless cocktail at home.
Ingredients
-
¼ oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
-
2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
-
Ice for stirring
-
1 large ice cube for serving
-
Fresh orange peel for garnish
How to Make It
-
Add the simple syrup and bitters to a mixing glass.
-
Pour in the Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon.
-
Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 20–30 seconds, until well chilled.
-
Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
-
Gently twist a fresh orange peel over the cocktail to release its aromatic oils, then add the peel as a garnish.
The result is a classic Old Fashioned that allows the bourbon's natural flavors to shine.
A simple tip: Start with the recommended amount of syrup, then adjust slightly to suit your taste. A well-made Old Fashioned should be balanced, never overly sweet.
Choosing the Right Bourbon: Why Proof Makes a Difference
While barrel age influences flavor, proof plays an equally important role in how a bourbon performs in cocktails.
Proof measures alcohol strength. In the United States, a bourbon bottled at 80 proof contains 40% alcohol by volume, while one bottled at 100 proof contains 50%.
In a spirit-forward cocktail like an Old Fashioned, proof can influence flavor intensity, texture, and how the whiskey stands up to dilution.
As you stir the cocktail with ice, a small amount of water is introduced. This dilution helps integrate the bourbon, sugar, and bitters while softening the perception of alcohol.
Different bourbons respond differently to this process.
Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon: Smooth and Balanced
Aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 80 proof, Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon offers an approachable foundation for a classic Old Fashioned.
Its balanced flavor profile allows the sweetness, bitters, and citrus to complement the whiskey without overwhelming it.
For those who prefer a smooth, easy-drinking Old Fashioned, it's a great place to begin.
Brother's Bond Bottled-in-Bond: A Bolder Experience
For a more robust Old Fashioned, consider Brother's Bond Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon.
Aged a minimum of seven years and bottled at exactly 100 proof, this expression is made from a distinctive high-rye mash bill and follows the strict production standards of the Bottled-in-Bond designation.
Its higher proof delivers a more pronounced whiskey character that can hold its own alongside sugar, bitters, and dilution.
The result is a different interpretation of the same classic cocktail, with a bolder presence and greater intensity.
Neither expression is necessarily better. The choice comes down to the flavor experience you enjoy.
For another way to explore this expression, try our Bottled-in-Bond Old Fashioned, which combines demerara syrup, aromatic bitters, and black walnut bitters for a richer interpretation of the classic.
The Brother's Fashioned: A Signature Twist on a Classic
The Old Fashioned has remained a favorite for generations because of its simplicity. But even the most established cocktail recipes leave room for creativity.
At Brother's Bond, we've created our own interpretation of this timeless drink: the Brother's Fashioned.
Our signature recipe begins with Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon and introduces an additional ingredient that brings a new dimension to the cocktail: Amaro Nonino.
Why Add Amaro to an Old Fashioned?
Amaro is a traditional Italian herbal liqueur, typically made by infusing spirits with a combination of herbs, botanicals, citrus, and spices.
Amaro Nonino is known for its bittersweet character, with delicate herbal, citrus, and warm spice notes.
When added to an Old Fashioned, it brings an intriguing layer of complexity that complements the bourbon's natural flavors.
The subtle bitterness helps balance the cocktail's sweetness, while the herbal and citrus characteristics create contrast against the whiskey's vanilla, caramel, and oak notes.
Rather than overpowering the bourbon, Amaro Nonino adds depth and dimension, allowing familiar flavors to be experienced in a new way.
It's a simple example of how one thoughtfully chosen ingredient can transform a classic cocktail while keeping the whiskey at its heart.
How to Make the Brother's Fashioned
The Brother's Fashioned uses just five ingredients and follows the same straightforward preparation as a traditional Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
-
1½ oz Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon
-
½ oz Amaro Nonino
-
¼ oz simple syrup
-
2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
-
Fresh orange peel for garnish
-
Ice for stirring and serving
How to Make It
-
Combine the bourbon, Amaro Nonino, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
-
Stir for approximately 20 seconds until chilled.
-
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
-
Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the drink, rub the peel around the rim, and add it as a garnish.
The result is a rich, balanced cocktail that combines the familiar character of a classic Old Fashioned with the bittersweet complexity of Amaro.
Explore the Brother's Fashioned recipe.
Small Details That Make a Better Old Fashioned
Whether you're preparing a classic Old Fashioned or experimenting with the Brother's Fashioned, a few simple techniques can make a noticeable difference.
Choose a bourbon you enjoy. An Old Fashioned highlights the whiskey's character, so start with one that appeals to your palate.
Use fresh ice. Stirring with plenty of cold ice allows the cocktail to chill while introducing the right amount of dilution.
Serve over a large ice cube. A substantial cube generally melts more slowly than several smaller cubes under similar conditions, helping preserve the cocktail's balance as you sip.
Don't overdo the sweetness. Sugar should complement the bourbon, not overpower it. Start with a modest amount and adjust to your preference.
Finish with fresh orange peel. Expressing the oils over the cocktail adds a bright, aromatic finishing touch without introducing additional juice.
Most importantly, taste as you go. A great cocktail is about finding the balance that works for you.
A Classic Worth Making Your Own
The Old Fashioned is proof that great cocktails don't need to be complicated.
With just a few ingredients, it offers countless opportunities to explore how bourbon's age, proof, and flavor profile influence the finished drink.
Start with Brother's Bond Original Straight Bourbon for a smooth, balanced classic. Explore our seven-year Bottled-in-Bond for a bolder expression, or discover how the bittersweet complexity of Amaro Nonino transforms the cocktail in our signature Brother's Fashioned.
However you choose to enjoy it, the best Old Fashioned is one made with care, good bourbon, and good company.
Because great bourbon is made to be shared.
Explore the Brother's Bond cocktail collection for more recipes, inspiration, and ways to enjoy your next pour.
