An Old Fashioned is my favourite whiskey cocktail and can be made so many different ways. In this post I’m sharing 5 different takes on this classic cocktail that are fit for the holidays. True story: my fave cocktail is the Maple Walnut Old Fashioned that I’m sharing in this post.

Making an Old Fashioned is easier than you think – you just need to know the steps! These steps will repeat themselves throughout this post, so keep that in mind! Don’t forget a list of whiskeys to try too!

The Maple Walnut Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is probably my favourite cocktail and made this way, it’s pretty hard to resist. It’s a surefire way to please guests because it’s impressive to craft, but it’s surprisingly simple despite the steps and ingredients required. My favourite Old Fashioned variant is made with black walnut bitters but this twist makes it feel a bit more festive for the holiday season and just a touch Canadian, too!

Ingredients:

• Bourbon
• Maple Syrup
• Black Walnut Bitters
• Optional: Orange Peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Poor a tablespoon (more or less, depending on preference) of Maple Syrup into the bottom of your whiskey glass.
2. Add a shake of bitters.
3. Add an ounce or two of the bourbon of your choice. Stir.
4. Optional: Peel a strip of peel off of an orange. Rub this on the rim of the glass and toss it in.
5. Add ice. Serve!

The Spiced Old Fashioned 2 Ways

This Old Fashioned recipe feels like a classic whiskey cocktail meets mulled wine. It’s also a little festive because of its spiced flavours. This is a recipe that can be made with Orange Bitters or Apple Bitters and garnished with an orange peel or apple slice, depending on your preference! If you’re going for that rich orange and clove aroma or hints of apple cider, this one is sure to warm you!

Ingredients:

• Bourbon
• Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup
• Orange Bitters or Apple Bitters
• Orange Peel
• Optional: 1-3 whole cloves
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Poor a tablespoon (more or less, depending on preference) of Maple Syrup into the bottom of your whiskey glass. OR mix a couple tablespoons of water with a teaspoon of sugar to make a simple syrup.
2. Add a shake of bitters.
3. Add an ounce or two of the bourbon of your choice. Stir.
4. Peel a strip of peel off of an orange or apple. Rub this on the rim of the glass and toss it in.
5. Optional: add a couple whole cloves.
6. Add ice. Serve!

The Very Cherry Old Fashioned

A traditional Old Fashioned is garnished with maraschino cherries but this kicks it up a notch. This variation is a little sweeter than some of the others, so feel free to pull back on the simple syrup if need be. (photo credit: Creative Culinary)

Ingredients:

• Bourbon
• Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup or Cherry Syrup
• Cherry Bitters or Lemon Bitters
• Maraschino Cherries or Fresh Sour Cherries
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Poor a tablespoon (more or less, depending on preference) of Maple Syrup into the bottom of your whiskey glass. OR mix a couple tablespoons of water with a teaspoon of sugar to make a simple syrup. Optional: Use some syrup from the cherry jar!
2. Add a shake of bitters.
3. Add an ounce or two of the bourbon of your choice. Stir.
4. Peel a strip of peel off of an orange or apple. Rub this on the rim of the glass and toss it in.
5. Optional: toss in a few maraschino cherries or fresh sour cherries.
6. Add ice. Serve!

The Christmas Cranberry Old Fashioned

This Old Fashioned recipe is similar to the spiced one above, but with what I feel is a festive twist: cranberry! Although I’m not a fan of cranberry sauce, I do love the fresh, tart flavour that they add to a number of other holiday treats, including this cocktail. (photo credit: A Beautiful Mess)

Ingredients:

• Bourbon
• Cranberry Bitters
• Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup
• Fresh Cranberries
• Optional: Orange Peel
• Optional: Cinnamon Stick
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Poor a tablespoon (more or less, depending on preference) of Maple Syrup into the bottom of your whiskey glass. OR mix a couple tablespoons of water with a teaspoon of sugar to make a simple syrup.
2. Add a shake of bitters.
3. Add an ounce or two of the bourbon of your choice. Stir.
4. Optional: Peel a strip of peel off of an orange or apple. Rub this on the rim of the glass and toss it in.
5. Optional: add a cinnamon stick!
6. Toss in a few fresh cranberries.
7. Add ice. Serve!