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One of the oldest, simplest and best-loved classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned is also one of the most versatile. The first known definition of the drink—“spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters”—dates to 1806. By the mid-1800s, it was solidified as the “Old-Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail,” eventually shortened to simply the “Old Fashioned,” with the “whiskey” part implied. You May Also Like: In Wisconsin, A Distinctive Take on an Old Fashioned Cocktail So, while whiskey is one of the key elements that makes the drink shine, it can encompass a wide range of styles: bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey, you name it. Some aficionados even like to split their Old Fashioned up with a blend of two or more whiskeys. From there, a variety of sugars or sugar syrups can be used, as can various bitters and garnishes, such as citrus peels and brandied cherries, to add complexity or accent the flavors of the whiskey base. The possibilities are endless. Whether you want to play around or have a preferred variation on the classic cocktail, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve rounded up top whiskey picks that make this iconic drink sing. From sweeter bourbon and spicier rye, to budget-picks, splurge-worthy bottles and everything in between, these are the best whiskeys for Old Fashioneds. Top-Seller Astor Whiskey Decanter and Glasses Set In Stock | $69.99+ Shop Now Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned Best Cask-Strength Bourbon for an Old Fashioned Best Rye for an Old Fashioned Best Tennessee Whiskey for an Old Fashioned Best Wheated Bourbon for an Old Fashioned Best High-Rye Bourbon for an Old Fashioned Best Budget Bourbon for an Old Fashioned Best Splurge Bourbon for an Old Fashioned FAQs What Is the Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned? Whiskey can have a whole host of flavor profiles and aromas, so, take your time exploring this expansive spirit category to find your favorite. (This might be the most fun homework assignment of all time.) As far as the best whiskeys for an Old Fashioned, we’d recommend anything on this list. Another spirit to consider? “Bulleit,” says Craig Chamberlain, Wine Enthusiast‘s senior tasting coordinator and Virginia wine reviewer. “It’s an old standby that works well in cocktails and is widely available. It’s also a great value and price.” What Is the Best Rye Whiskey for an Old Fashioned? Rye whiskey is known for its strength and spiced notes. That’s why it lends beautifully to an Old Fashioned. From the whiskeys in this list, we’d recommend Bare Knuckle Straight Wheat Whiskey and Old Hamer Straight Rye. But there are countless other rye options to explore. What Are Old Fashioned Variants? With just three simple ingredients plus a garnish, the classic Old Fashioned cocktail is the perfect drink to riff on. Try adding syrup and salt for a maple bacon version. Or try the bonfire Old Fashioned, which utilizes syrup made with Demerara, a type of raw sugar extracted from sugarcane. And while whiskey is the classic Old Fashioned base, you can substitute it with rum, brandy, applejack, reposado tequila, barrel-aged gin or genever. And instead of a simple syrup, use honey or small amount of liquor on the sweeter side, like an amaro. How Do You Make an Old Fashioned? With countless riffs, the Old Fashioned is entirely customizable to your palate. However, at its core, the Old Fashioned is just bourbon or rye whiskey, a sugar cube, bitters and a lemon or orange peel for garnish. You can check out the full recipe, plus the story of this drink’s history which spans over 100 years—here. Why You Should Trust Us All products featured here are independently selected by our team, which is comprised of experienced writers and wine tasters and overseen by editorial professionals at Wine Enthusiast headquarters. All ratings and reviews are performed blind in a controlled setting and reflect the parameters of our 100-point scale. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment to conduct any product review, though we may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

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