Best Liquor for Old Fashioned in 2024: Top Picks to Elevate Your Cocktail

The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, embodying sophistication with its simple yet bold flavors. But the real secret to crafting the perfect Old Fashioned is choosing the right liquor, as the best liquor for Old Fashioned cocktails can significantly enhance the overall experience. While whiskey is traditionally used, there are several options to explore depending on your taste. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best liquors for Old Fashioned cocktails in 2024, helping you make the right choice for a rich, flavorful drink.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes a Great Old Fashioned?
2. Best Liquor for Old Fashioned in 2024
3. How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned
4. Conclusion: Your Old Fashioned, Your Way

What Makes a Great Old Fashioned?

Before jumping into the best liquor picks, let’s break down what makes an Old Fashioned stand out. A classic Old Fashioned cocktail is a beautiful blend of liquor, bitters, sugar, and a citrus garnish. The liquor is the foundation of this drink, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. The key factors are:

• Richness and depth of flavor: The best liquors for an Old Fashioned have complexity, with notes that complement the bitters and sugar.
• Smoothness: While bold flavors are important, the liquor should still go down easy, leaving a balanced finish.
• Versatility: Whether you prefer bourbon, rye, or even a twist with rum or mezcal, the spirit should work harmoniously with the other ingredients.

Best Liquor for Old Fashioned in 2024

Now, let’s look at some of the best liquors that will take your Old Fashioned to the next level.

1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon

When you think of Old Fashioned, bourbon often comes to mind, and Buffalo Trace is a staple in the world of bourbon. Known for its smooth, slightly sweet profile, this bourbon brings warmth with its caramel and vanilla notes. It’s affordable, easy to find, and perfect for a balanced Old Fashioned without overpowering the other elements.

Why Buffalo Trace?

• Smooth yet rich
• Notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice
• Affordable and versatile

2. Woodford Reserve

For those looking to upgrade their Old Fashioned with a touch of luxury, Woodford Reserve is a fantastic option. It’s a small-batch bourbon with a deep complexity, offering rich notes of oak, dried fruit, and a peppery finish. Woodford’s smoothness and bold flavor profile make it ideal for a robust Old Fashioned experience.

Why Woodford Reserve?

• Rich and complex
• Notes of oak, dark fruit, and spice
• Great for those who enjoy a bolder cocktail

3. Rittenhouse Rye

If you prefer a spicier take on your Old Fashioned, rye whiskey is a perfect choice, and Rittenhouse Rye stands out. Known for its bold, peppery bite, this whiskey adds a touch of heat to your drink, making it perfect for those who want a little extra kick. Its 100-proof strength also ensures that it won’t get lost in the mix, delivering a powerful flavor punch.

Why Rittenhouse Rye?

• Bold and spicy
• Ideal for a less sweet, more intense Old Fashioned
• High-proof for a stronger flavor

4. Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon is a fan favorite for Old Fashioned lovers, particularly because of its high-rye content, which gives it a spicy edge without being too overpowering. With notes of toffee, oak, and orange peel, it plays beautifully with the bitters and sugar, creating a well-rounded and refreshing cocktail.

Why Bulleit Bourbon?

• High-rye content adds a spicy note
• Balanced with flavors of oak and citrus
• Ideal for a modern twist on the classic recipe

5. Angostura 1919 Rum

For a twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, rum can be an exciting alternative. Angostura 1919 is a premium aged rum that brings deep caramel, vanilla, and a hint of tropical fruit flavors. The smoothness of this rum paired with the traditional Old Fashioned ingredients creates a surprisingly delightful variation for those who want to venture outside the whiskey realm.

Why Angostura 1919?

• Rich caramel and vanilla flavors
• Smooth finish with a hint of fruit
• Great for a unique take on the Old Fashioned

6. Mezcal: Del Maguey Vida

If you’re feeling adventurous, mezcal can offer a smoky, earthy twist to your Old Fashioned. Del Maguey Vida is a top choice, known for its balance of smoke and sweetness. This mezcal adds layers of complexity to the cocktail, with notes of citrus, smoke, and earth that make for a truly unique drinking experience.

Why Del Maguey Vida?

• Smoky and earthy flavors
• Adds complexity to the traditional recipe
• Perfect for those who want to try something bold and different

How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail

Once you’ve selected your liquor, crafting the perfect Old Fashioned is easy. Here’s a quick recipe to follow:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz of your chosen liquor
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp simple syrup)
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and douse with bitters.
2. Add a few drops of water and muddle the sugar and bitters until dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes, pour in your liquor, and stir gently.
4. Garnish with an orange peel, twisting it over the glass to release the oils, and enjoy.

Conclusion: Your Best Picks For Old Fashioned, Your Way

Whether you’re a fan of the classic bourbon Old Fashioned or prefer experimenting with rye, rum, or mezcal, the key to a great cocktail is choosing the right liquor. In 2024, these top picks offer something for every taste, from the traditional to the adventurous. So, stock up, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the process of crafting your perfect Old Fashioned.

If you’re ready to elevate your cocktail game, make sure to grab your bottle of choice through the links provided. Cheers to many delicious Old Fashioneds ahead!