Brown Sugar Old Fashioned: Simple Twist on Classic Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

September is officially Bourbon Heritage Month and we’re here to celebrate with a Brown Sugar Old Fashioned in hand. The original Old Fashioned was developed at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky way back in 1880. Since then it’s been one of the most classic bourbon cocktail recipes.

Here’s a simple way to add a rich twist on this infamous staple. The standard Old Fashioned is an easy win amongst whiskey lovers, but this version brings the warmth of brown sugar to the forefront. The Brown Sugar Old Fashioned adds a rich, molasses-like touch of sweetness to the boldness of our favorite spirit—bourbon! These complement each other perfectly for a cozy fireside drink for anyone who wants to mix it up, quite literally.

Brown Sugar Old Fashioned Recipe

Yields: 1 Cocktail | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. water (or club soda for a little fizz)
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
2 oz. bourbon
large ice sphere
Orange peel for garnish
Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

Mix the base: In your glass, combine the brown sugar, water, and bitters. Stir or muddle these ingredients gently until the sugar dissolves into a syrupy base.
Add whiskey and stir: Pour in your choice of bourbon or rye, then toss in the large ice sphere. Stir it all together until the drink is well-chilled and the flavors are thoroughly mixed.
Garnish: Finish with a twist of orange peel to brighten things up. If you want a little extra warmth, drop in a cinnamon stick for good measure.
Sip and Enjoy: Your cozy, slightly sweetened Brown Sugar Old Fashioned is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips & Notes:

Old Fashioned 101: Traditionally, an Old Fashioned is a mix of sugar, bitters, whiskey, and water. However, don’t be afraid to make it your own version with extra garnishes like an orange peel twist, maraschino cherries, or even a splash of club soda to fizz things up.
Choosing your spirit: Any bourbon works beautifully in this whiskey cocktail, but you can also try it with rye whiskey for spicier notes. If you go the bourbon route, we recommend a bourbon expression that is at least 100 proof. Old Forester 100 or Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond are great selections. Our personal go-to is Sazerac Rye, but you can also go with Rittenhouse Rye for a more accessible backup.
Proper Glassware: Of course the proper glassware is equally important when you’re entertaining guests or simply just trying to achieve the best experience for yourself. We have the perfect glass for this occasion. Our Call Me Old Fashioned Rocks Glass was designed specifically for this cocktail.
Double it up: If you’re in the mood for a bigger pour, just double all the ingredients in the same glass. Simple! We sell a larger signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Cocktail Glass in our store that holds 13.5 ounces, it will come in handy here.

There you have it, an easy twist on a classic whiskey cocktail. Try this Brown Sugar Old Fashioned at home and follow along to discover your next favorite bourbon cocktail recipes.