The Old Fashioned: A Classic That Never Gets Old with Alice Lascelles

Cocktails should be simple. Acclaimed drinks writer Alice Lascelles knows exactly how to make delicious drinks at home without the fuss — no need for an elaborate bar setup or a cabinet full of obscure ingredients.

Her book, The Cocktail Edit, is built around a ‘capsule collection’ of twelve classic cocktails, each followed by six clever twists and plenty of inspiration to build your confidence and creativity. Alongside her expert tips on setting up a home bar, Alice proves that amazing cocktails can be made with just a few essential tools and a little know-how.

Below, we’re sharing her take on the Classic Old Fashioned — the ideal serve for our Classic Rocks Glass, of course.

The Old Fashioned

by Alice Lascelles

Ingredients:

• 50ml bourbon or rye whiskey

• 5ml sugar syrup

• 1 dash bitters

Glass: Rocks

Garnish: Lemon or orange twist

Method: Stir with ice

 

Despite the name, the Old Fashioned wasn’t the very first cocktail — the Sazerac likely came earlier — but this one has become the most enduring. Of all the spirit-forward whiskey drinks to come out of 1800s America, none are as iconic or widely adored.

Part of the Old Fashioned’s charm is its lack of pretension. It can be made any time, anywhere, with little more than the bottle, some ice, and a citrus twist. No elaborate tools required. It’s the kind of cocktail you turn to again and again — familiar, comforting, and effortlessly elegant.

Traditionally made with rye whiskey, the drink offers spice, nuttiness, and a certain tactile depth. Alice recommends Sazerac Rye or Rittenhouse for their rich, smoky character. If you prefer something smoother, bourbon will create a softer, rounder profile — think Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or the mellow charm of Maker’s Mark.

The bitters are where you can have some fun. While the classic aromatic variety works beautifully, other flavours — citrus, spice, chocolate or nut — will add a unique spin and depth.

Interestingly, the Old Fashioned wasn’t always a single drink. In its heyday during the 1880s, it was a whole genre — with variations made from everything from sweet gin and genever to French brandy. That simple spirit-sugar-bitters formula is endlessly adaptable, making it one of the most versatile cocktail templates around. (There’s even a rum version in the book.)

The drink’s reputation for being fiddly comes from the days of loaf sugar and endless stirring — but with sugar syrup, it’s ready in no time. Just don’t rush the enjoyment.