An Old Fashioned with simple syrup is just a streamlined version of the classic: bourbon or rye, simple syrup, bitters, ice, and an orange peel for garnish. It’s smooth, spirit‑forward, and easy to batch for guests.

Core recipe (quick version)

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey.
  • 0.25–0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste; start smaller if you like it drier).
  • 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters.
  • Large ice cube (or a few solid cubes).
  • Orange peel, plus cocktail cherry if you like.

Steps

  1. Add simple syrup and bitters to a mixing glass or directly into a rocks glass.
  1. Add the whiskey and fill with ice; stir 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  1. Strain (or keep in the same glass) over a large ice cube.
  1. Express an orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim, then drop it in; add a cherry if you like.

Making the simple syrup

  • Standard: equal parts sugar and water (1:1), heated or stirred until the sugar dissolves.
  • For richer flavor, use turbinado or demerara sugar to add a caramel‑like note that works well with bourbon.

Basic method

  1. Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat and stir just until clear, then cool and refrigerate up to about a week for best flavor.

Taste tweaks & forum‑style tips

  • Use rye if you prefer a spicier, drier drink; bourbon if you like more vanilla and sweetness.
  • Keep syrup modest; many enthusiasts prefer just enough to round off the edges, not turn it into a sweet drink.
  • Always stir, never shake, to keep the cocktail clear and maintain a silky texture.

Why simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?

  • Using simple syrup avoids undissolved sugar at the bottom of the glass and gives more consistent sweetness.
  • Some traditionalists like the slight grain and ritual of a cube, but many modern recipes now consider syrup the more precise option.

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Learn how to make an Old Fashioned with simple syrup: easy step‑by‑step recipe, pro bartender tips, and tweaks inspired by current cocktail forum discussions. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.