The Old Fashioned: A Cocktail That Defines Timeless Style

Few cocktails have stood the test of time like the Old Fashioned. It’s simple, elegant, and delivers a perfect balance of whiskey, sweetness, and bitters. But the Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink - it’s an entire mood.

A Short History of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned first appeared in the early 1800s as what bartenders simply called a “whiskey cocktail.” When mixology started getting overly fancy, purists asked for their drink the “old fashioned way” - and the name stuck. Today, it’s still the gold standard of bourbon and whiskey cocktails.

Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

  • 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp simple syrup

  • 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

  • 1 orange peel

  • 1 Luxardo cherry

Directions:

  1. Muddle the sugar and bitters in a rocks glass.

  2. Add ice and pour over whiskey.

  3. Stir gently, garnish with the orange peel and cherry.

Simple, bold, and unforgettable.

Modern Twists Worth Trying

  • Maple Old Fashioned – Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a rich, seasonal vibe.

  • Smoked Old Fashioned – Smoke the glass with oak chips for depth.

  • Honey Old Fashioned – Add honey syrup and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Setting the Mood at Home

The Old Fashioned isn’t just about taste - it’s about atmosphere. Low lights, a sturdy glass, and a little background jazz create that speakeasy feel. To go one step further, fill the room with scents that echo the drink itself.

That’s where Whiskey Business Candle comes in - oak, tonka bean, smoke, and whiskey notes blending in the air while you sip. Want something warmer? Try Burnt Sugar Bourbon for a richer, sweeter aroma that pairs beautifully with a maple Old Fashioned.

Why the Old Fashioned Never Goes Out of Style

The Old Fashioned works because it’s timeless. Four ingredients, no gimmicks. That same philosophy guides us at Waxed & Wasted - cocktail-inspired candles designed to turn any room into your own private bar.

Looking for the perfect gift for the bourbon lover in your life? Pair a bottle of whiskey with one of our cocktail-inspired candles and you’ve got a gift set that feels top-shelf without breaking the bank.

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