The Perfect Old Fashioned: Tips from Our Master Blender

Classic Technique, Bold Flavor, Left Bank Style

The Old Fashioned is more than a cocktail—it’s an institution. With its roots reaching back to the early 1800s, this deceptively simple blend of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and citrus has stood the test of time. But mastering the perfect Old Fashioned? That takes finesse.

We asked our Master Blender at Left Bank to share the inside scoop on what makes this cocktail shine—and how to elevate your Old Fashioned from good to unforgettable.

🥃 1. Start with a Bold Bourbon

The spirit is the star here, so choose a bourbon with personality. Our Left Bank Bourbon brings just the right balance of oak, caramel, and spice—smooth enough to sip, but bold enough to stand up to sugar and bitters. Look for a bourbon in the 90–100 proof range for best results.

“A good Old Fashioned doesn’t hide the bourbon—it highlights it,” says our Master Blender. “You want depth, warmth, and structure in every sip.”

🍬 2. Use Real Sugar—Not Syrup

A single raw sugar cube is traditional, and for good reason. It offers texture, subtle molasses notes, and a slow integration that evolves with each stir. Muddle it gently with a splash of water and bitters until dissolved—don’t rush the ritual.

Pro tip: Use warm water to help the sugar melt more evenly.

🧪 3. Balance Your Bitters

Two to three dashes of Angostura bitters are standard, but don't be afraid to explore. A touch of orange bitters adds brightness, or go bold with a dash of chocolate or cherry bitters for a modern twist. The key is balance—not overpowering the bourbon.

❄️ 4. Ice Matters—Choose the Right Cube

Skip the crushed ice. The ideal Old Fashioned is stirred with a large ice cube or sphere, which chills the drink slowly without diluting it too fast. This keeps the bourbon front and center while opening up its aroma and complexity.

“If the ice melts too quickly, you’ll lose all the structure and flavor,” our Blender explains.

🍊 5. Finish with a Flame-Worthy Garnish

A fresh orange peel is more than garnish—it’s part of the flavor profile. Express the oils over the glass by twisting the peel and rubbing it along the rim. Want to go full showstopper? Use a flame to lightly warm the peel and caramelize the oils before dropping it in.

Add a Luxardo cherry for an optional—but deeply rewarding—final flourish.

🥃 The Left Bank Method: Your Recipe for Success

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Left Bank Bourbon

• 1 raw sugar cube

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• 1 dash orange bitters

• Splash of warm water

• Large ice cube

• Orange peel + Luxardo cherry

Instructions:

1. Muddle sugar cube with bitters and water in a rocks glass.

2. Add bourbon and stir to combine.

3. Add a large ice cube and stir again until chilled.

4. Express orange peel over glass, garnish, and enjoy.

📝 Final Sip

The Old Fashioned is a drink of restraint, balance, and timeless appeal. It doesn’t need bells and whistles—it just needs good bourbon, thoughtful technique, and a respect for the ritual. At Left Bank, we craft every bottle with that same spirit in mind.

Raise your glass, stir slow, and savor the legacy—one sip at a time.