Bold Fashioned: An Aries Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe

Bold Fashioned: An Aries Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe

Aries season may be behind us, but that fearless energy never really leaves, so here is a bourbon old fashioned built for new beginnings. The Bold Fashioned is a twist on the drink you probably picture with big leather chairs, cigar smoke, and an expensive watch glinting against a lowball glass. We are dragging that stuffy image into the light with a brighter, more modern take on the classic. Here is how to make it.

Ingredients

  • 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp granulated sugar)
  • 2 dashes of bitters (Angostura works beautifully)
  • 1 tsp of water
  • 2 oz bourbon, such as Bulleit Bourbon (750Ml) (a rye like Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye also works for a spicier old fashioned)
  • Orange peel, for garnish

How to Prepare

  1. Using a vegetable peeler, cut a 2 to 3 inch strip of orange peel. Wipe it around the rim of a chilled rocks glass and set it aside.
  2. Add the sugar cube, bitters, and water to the glass and muddle until the sugar breaks down.
  3. Pour the bourbon over the mixture and stir until fully incorporated. This is the heart of any bourbon old fashioned, so stir gently to combine without over-diluting.
  4. Add one large ice cube (or a few medium cubes).
  5. Garnish with the orange peel and enjoy.

Style of Glass to use

Rocks (Old Fashioned / lowball) glass

Color of Drink

Amber

Cocktail Flavor Profile

Boozy, bittersweet, orange-citrus

Skill Level

Intro Level

What Is an Old Fashioned?

The old fashioned is one of the original cocktails, dating to the early 1800s and built on a simple template: spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. Our Bold Fashioned keeps that DNA intact and leans into bourbon for a rounder, sweeter profile.

Rye vs. Bourbon: Which Whiskey Should You Use?

Bourbon (at least 51 percent corn) delivers vanilla, caramel, and an easygoing sweetness that made the bourbon old fashioned the most popular version. Rye brings more pepper and spice for a drier, sharper drink. Both work here, so choose based on whether you want smooth or bold.

The Right Way to Muddle and Stir

Muddle only until the sugar dissolves; you are not crushing anything. Stir rather than shake so the drink stays clear and silky, and use one large ice cube to slow dilution.

Variations to Try

Swap the sugar cube for a bar spoon of maple or demerara syrup, add a Luxardo cherry, or smoke the glass for a dramatic finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What whiskey is best for a bourbon old fashioned?

A mid-proof bourbon with strong vanilla and caramel notes is ideal. Rye is a great swap if you prefer a spicier, drier drink.

What glass do you serve an old fashioned in?

A rocks glass, also called an old fashioned or lowball glass, with a single large ice cube.

Do you shake or stir an old fashioned?

Always stir. Shaking adds cloudiness and air, while stirring keeps this spirit-forward drink clear and smooth.

Can I make an old fashioned without a sugar cube?

Yes. Use 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar or a half ounce of simple syrup instead.

What bitters go in an old fashioned?

Aromatic bitters such as Angostura are traditional; orange bitters are a popular addition.

How strong is a bourbon old fashioned?

It is a spirit-forward cocktail with roughly 2 ounces of whiskey and minimal dilution, so it is on the stronger side.

Bold Fashioned:
An Aries Pro Tips

Bulleit Bourbon (750Ml)

Made With

Bulleit Bourbon (750Ml)

$34.99$43.74

The bottle? Iconic. The name? Terrific. 

Bulleit Bourbon, pronounced like the ammunition 'bullet', is known for its high rye mash bill and bold flavor profile. Bulleit's flagship bourbon is versatile, allowing for neat sipping to cocktail making with ease. If you're just starting your whiskey collection, this bottle is a...

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye (750Ml)

Made With

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye (750Ml)

$49.99$62.49

One of the best single barrel's rye whiskey we have tasted; the full rich flavors of Jack Daniels single barrel are accented by oak aging; one of our favorites!

Experience the exceptional craftsmanship of Jack Daniel's with our Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye Whiskey. Hand-selected from...

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