Cocktails are a delicious mix of alcohol, mixers, and garnishes. You can make them using base spirits like beer, brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey, and even wine. Sweeteners and bitters are added to these spirits to elevate the flavors to make several crowd favorites, including the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. You will find dozens of ways to create a unique Old Fashioned drink. Check out these four popular recipes for your next cocktail party.

Classic Old Fashioned
You may have heard people referring to this one as a “whiskey cocktail,” one of the first Old Fashioned drink recipes that can be traced back to the 1800s. Made with either bourbon or rye whiskey, it is the perfect combination of strong base spirits, sweeteners, and minimal garnish. The secret lies in the measurements and what brand of bourbon or rye whiskey you prefer to use. For this one, simply add half a teaspoon of sugars, a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters to some water, and stir the mix to dissolve everything. It is better to use a big rocks glass as it will be easier to mix the ingredients. Then add the ice cubes and gently pour a couple of ounces of bourbon into the mix. Keep stirring gently so that the cocktail mix and liquor blends without losing texture. Finally, garnish with a single orange peel or a lemon peel, and voila, your drink is ready in three easy steps!

Bacon Old Fashioned
Love the flavor of bacon? Then this is the perfect Old Fashioned drink recipe to try at home. You can use maple syrup as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. Switch the Angostura bitters for coffee pecan bitters to add some extra kick. But the main ingredient is bourbon, preferably Four Roses. Bacon-infused bourbon is also something that you can make at home. Either way, it works as these flavors complement each other and pack a powerful punch. Ideally, you can mix a quarter ounce of maple syrup with two ounces of bourbon. Add 7-8 dashes of the coffee bitters, and remember to stir, not shake the cocktail. Stirring helps release the flavors gradually and doesn’t allow the alcohol to overpower other ingredients. Don’t add too much ice, or you will also end up diluting the mix.

Honey Old Fashioned
This sweet rendition of the traditional Old Fashioned drink recipe features all the original ingredients but is prepared with a modern twist. The base spirit is distilled straight from the heart of Kentucky, featuring the Wild Turkey® Bourbon Whiskey. Proofed for six to eight years, this liquor offers the perfect base for mixing sugar cubes and premium American honey to prepare the mix. Stir continually to blend the ingredients with the ice, and then add a dash of Angostura bitters to balance out the flavor. You can even dilute the drink slightly with some club soda. Don’t overdo it, as the soda can overpower the base mix. A splash of fizz is all you need for this one. Finally, garnish with a thin slice of orange (not just the peel) and one maraschino cherry. There you have it, a colorful conversation starter cocktail that you and your guests will surely enjoy.

Brandy Old Fashioned
While the traditional base spirits should be either bourbon or rye whiskey, brandy lovers can certainly check out this cocktail with a twist of brandy. Many patrons prefer using the Wisconsin brandy to prepare this punchy cocktail. Cognac is also an acceptable choice among other distilled types of brandy, mainly depending on what is available at the local liquor mart. The recipe is straightforward as you start by mixing just one sugar cube with three dashes of Angostura bitters. Mix well before adding two ounces of brandy on top of the ice cubes after the first step. Remember to stir gently. You can also add some club soda to top off the cocktail. Serve with an orange garnish or a lemon peel; the choice is yours. You can even add some cored maraschino cherries to amplify the flavor palate.

You can adjust the recipe to your liking. These measurements are just a benchmark to prepare the ideal cocktail for people who don’t mix drinks regularly. The type of spirits, sweeteners, and bitters may also vary depending on what is available in the region. So, you can search for modifications in the Old Fashioned drink recipe online to see what works best for your taste palate. Just remember to stir and not shake!