Classic Old Fashioned

by Metropol | June 10, 2026 8:33 am

A timeless cocktail, it’s traditional to make an Old Fashioned with American bourbon whiskey, but why not use a local Canterbury-made whisky like Divergence, Herrick Creek
or Cardrona? A well-made Old Fashioned should be smooth, aromatic, and whisky-forward, with the sugar and bitters enhancing the spirit rather than dominating it.

Ingredients

• 60ml local whisky of your choice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters
• 1 tsp water
• 1 large ice cube or ice sphere
• Orange peel
• 1 cocktail cherry

Method

1. Place the sugar in a tumbler glass.
2. Add the aromatic bitters and one teaspoon of water.
3. Muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
4. Add the large ice cube.
5. Pour the whisky over the ice.
6. Stir gently for 20 to 30 seconds to chill and lightly dilute the drink.

Garnish

1. Cut a strip of orange peel about 5 to 8 cm long. Hold it over the glass and twist firmly to express the citrus oils onto the surface of the cocktail.
2. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink.
3. Add the cherry. Enjoy.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/classic-old-fashioned/

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