Imagine this: a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned, the rich, caramel notes of bourbon mingling with a hint of spice and a whisper of sweetness. It’s a classic for a reason. But when you stand in front of a wall of bourbon bottles, trying to pick the *right* one for this iconic drink, does it feel a little overwhelming? You want that perfect sip, but the sheer variety can leave you scratching your head, wondering which bottle will truly elevate your cocktail.
Choosing the best bourbon for your Old Fashioned isn’t just about grabbing any bottle. It’s about understanding how different bourbons will shape the flavor of your drink. Do you crave something smooth and mellow, or a bourbon with a bit more punch? The wrong choice can lead to a drink that’s too harsh, too sweet, or just… a little flat. We’ve all been there, and it’s a common frustration for home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down what makes a bourbon great for an Old Fashioned, explore some fantastic options that won’t break the bank, and give you the confidence to pick a bottle that will make your next Old Fashioned truly shine. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of bourbon and find your perfect match for this timeless cocktail.
Top Bourbon For Old Fashioneds Recommendations
No. 1
Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix - All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer - Old Fashioned Syrup - More Complex than Bitters & Simple Syrup
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
No. 2
Whiskey Smoker Kit with Torch - 6 Flavors Wood Chips, 2 Glasses, 2 Ice Ball Molds - Cocktail Smoker Infuser Kit, Old Fashioned Drink Smoker Kit, Birthday Bourbon Whiskey Gifts for Men,Dad(NO Butane)
- Rich and Smokey Flavor – Indulge in the rich and invigorating flavor created by our Cocktail Smoker kit. The cold smoke infuses a tender and captivating smoky flavor into your food and spirits, elevating your culinary and drinking experiences to new heights. The natural wood aroma adds an element of sophistication and luxury to your senses.
- Complete Kit – Our premium Cocktail Smoker kit includes everything you need for a perfect smoking experience. From a high-end oak wood smoke top, a torch lighter without butane, six different natural wood chip flavors, ice molds, metal filter, two glasses, to a beautifully presented gift box, we give you the complete package to enhance your at-home bar and kitchen.
- Perfect Gift – Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Smoker Kit is the ultimate gift for whiskey, bourbon, and cocktail enthusiasts. The elegant gift box adds an extra touch of luxury and sophistication to your gift-giving. It is perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Easy-to-Use – Our Cocktail Smoker kit is extremely user-friendly. You can easily prepare the smoker by igniting the chips and letting the cold smoke infuse into your drink or food. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create perfectly flavored drinks and dishes with this innovative product.
- Versatile Tool – Our Cocktail Smoker kit is not just for cocktails, and is a versatile tool that can enhance the flavors of almost anything. Use it to infuse natural flavors into meats, cheese, dried fruits, BBQ, and more. Its compact size makes it perfect for use at home, in the kitchen or bar, or for outdoor activities like picnics, hiking, and fishing.
No. 3
Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix - Makes 32 Cocktails - Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar - Craft Cocktail Mixer, Just Mix with Bourbon, Whiskey - 1 Pack
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixes.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
No. 4
Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries - Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar
- THE BEST CHERRIES FOR COCKTAILS - If you like Manhattans or old fashioned cocktails, try these rich bourbon-infused cherries from Collins. They're also great for a tequila sunrise, since this cherry juice is richer than other maraschino cherry juice.
- MADE WITH HERITAGE DISTILLING BROWN SUGAR BOURBON - We infused this multiple award winning whiskey into cherries for a rich sweetness that goes above and beyond. Hints of cinnamon and the toasty brown sugar complement whiskey cocktails and more.
- A NEW FAVORITE CHERRY FOR WHISKEY LOVERS - Other brands have combined the complex flavor of bourbon with the rich sweetness of cherries, but none have used the unique profile of sweetness and light spice that you'll find in Collins Bourbon Cherries.
- NOT JUST FOR COCKTAILS! - Try these cherries with desserts to add a kick to milkshakes, ice cream, pastries and more. And of course we won't judge you if you want to just eat them straight from the jar. 11 oz glass jar. Refrigerate after opening.
- CRAFT COCKTAILS, NO CRAFTING REQUIRED - Collins supplies cocktail drinkers with quality staples for their home bar. Formulated with professional bartenders, Collins garnishes are made with real juice and real sugar. Enjoy a quality drink at home!
No. 5
Woodford Reserve Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup, Cherry, Orange, Bitters Flavoured
- Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup from Woodford Reserve
- Just add bourbon for a perfect cocktail!
- Natural cherry and orange flavor combined with bitters and raw demerara sugar
- EASY TO MAKE! Pour 30 ml of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, add 10 ml of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup, stir, add ice and garnish - that's all you need to make a great Old Fashioned!
No. 6
Bourbon Whiskey Smoker Kit with Torch - Old Fashioned Cocktail Smoker Kit with 2 Whiskey Glasses, 6 Wood Chips - Valentines Anniversary Birthday Gifts for Men Dad Husband Boyfriend (No Butane)
- 【IGNITE THE SENSES & ELEVATE MIXOLOGY】 Don't just drink whiskey, experience it. Our old fashioned smoker kit allows you to become a professional bartender at home. The cold smoke infusion adds a luxurious depth to your Bourbon, Scotch, or Cocktails, making every sip a memorable ceremony. It is a must-have drink infuser for impressing guests at your next party.
- 【COMPLETE 14-PIECE WHISKEY SMOKER SET】 Unlike other kits, we provide everything you need to start immediately (Butane not included). This premium box includes a handheld solid wood smoker, 2 Whiskey Glasses, a torch lighter, 6 flavors of natural wood chips, 2 ice molds, and accessories. It is the ultimate all-in-one solution for whisky lovers to enjoy a sophisticated drink right out of the box.
- 【PATRIOTIC EAGLE LID & STAR VENT DESIGN】 Distinguish your home bar with our custom craftsmanship. The lid features a majestic laser-engraved Eagle, while the sides are adorned with 4 Stars aligned with the smoke exhaust vents. As the smoke cascades through the star-patterned outlets, it creates a mesmerizing visual performance. This powerful symbol of freedom makes it the ultimate tribute for Veterans and Patriots.
- UNIQUE GIFTS FOR MEN WHO HAVE EVERYTHING】 Struggling to find mens gift ideas? This cocktail smoker set is one of the coolest gadgets for Valentines Day, Anniversary, Birthday, Retirement, and Housewarming gifts. Whether it's for your Dad, Husband, Boyfriend, Brother, or Groomsmen, the exquisite packaging makes it a thoughtful surprise they will actually use and cherish.
- 【MASTER THE ART OF SMOKE IN SECONDS】 Designed for beginners but loved by pros. Simply place the portable smoker on the glass, ignite the chips with the torch, and cover. Within seconds, your drink is infused with rich, natural smoky flavor. Note: For safety shipping, the torch does not contain butane gas.
No. 7
Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix - Classic Whiskey Drink Mixer w/Sweetness, Cherry, Citrus & Bitters - Premium Non-GMO Drink Mixer - Perfect for Bourbon Cocktails & Home Bars - 12.7 oz Bottle (Pack of 1)
- Classic Bar-Quality Taste at Home: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is a premium cocktail mixer that brings the authentic taste of a classic Old Fashioned to your glass; This expertly crafted Old Fashioned mixes delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it an ideal choice for whiskey lovers; Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mixologist, this cocktail mix ensures a smooth, flavorful drink every time, perfect for any occasion
- Perfect Flavor Profile: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix offers a well-rounded taste profile with the flavor intensity; This cocktail mixer blends cherry, citrus, and bitters to create a smooth, rich taste, making it the ideal Old Fashioned mix for whiskey lovers; Whether you use it as a bar mix or for classic Old Fashioneds, it adds depth and complexity without overpowering your drink
- Made with Quality Ingredients: Made with water, pure cane sugar, and honey, delivering a naturally sweet, smooth flavor; Infused with natural flavors and colored with vegetable juice, this cocktail mixes provides an authentic taste without artificial additives; Free from GMOs, this Old Fashion mix is perfect for those who value clean, high-quality drink mixers crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Mix it Your Way: This Old Fashion cocktail mix is perfect for more than just classic Old Fashioneds; use it as an alcohol mixers for a variety of whiskey-based drinks or as an Old Fashion mixer for bourbon; Whether you’re crafting a traditional cocktail or experimenting with new recipes, this mix enhances any drink with its smooth, authentic flavor, making it a must-have for your home bar
- Package Details: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix - 12.7 oz Bottle (Pack of 1)
No. 8
Strongwater Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Mixer Sample 4 Pack - Makes 16 Cocktails - Handcrafted Old Fashioned Gift Set - Travel-Friendly, No Artificial Sweeteners - Just Mix with Bourbon or Whiskey
- 4 Award-Winning Flavors – This handcrafted cocktail syrup sampler set brings home the magic of 4 bold blends: Classic, Maple Pecan, Espresso & Smoked. Each cocktail syrup is a SIP Awards Platinum winner (2025) & Good Food Awards finalist (2019)
- Crafted for Sipping Moments – Made in the Colorado Rockies, these small-batch cocktail syrups feature organic cherries, orange peel & warm spices, and are free from artificial flavors or sweeteners. Each cocktail syrup adds depth, warmth & balance
- Make 16 Bar-Quality Cocktails – Each 1 oz bottle makes 4 drinks. Just mix with whiskey or bourbon over ice. Whether you’re hosting or relaxing solo, this cocktail syrup set turns everyday pours into old fashioned perfection in seconds
- Gift-Ready, Travel-Size Delight – This cocktail syrup set makes a memorable gift for home bartenders, holiday hosts & flavor explorers. Compact, elegant & versatile, it’s the perfect way to discover your favorite old fashioned cocktail syrup
- Simple to Mix, Hard to Forget – Add ice, a splash of cocktail syrup & your spirit of choice for a smooth, satisfying cocktail. These premium cocktail syrups also shine in mocktails for a zero-proof option that still feels special
Choosing the Best Bourbon for Your Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail. It’s simple, elegant, and lets the whiskey shine. But which bourbon is the best for this iconic drink? This guide will help you find your perfect bottle.
Key Features to Look For
When picking bourbon for an Old Fashioned, think about what makes a good whiskey.
- Flavor Profile: You want a bourbon that has a good balance of sweet and spicy notes. Look for flavors like caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of rye spice.
- Proof: The alcohol percentage, or proof, matters. A higher proof (around 90-100 proof) often means more flavor will come through in your cocktail. It also helps the drink stand up to the sugar and bitters.
- Body: A bourbon with a medium to full body feels nice in your mouth. It shouldn’t be too thin or watery.
- Finish: A good bourbon leaves a pleasant taste after you swallow. This is called the finish. For an Old Fashioned, a smooth and lasting finish is ideal.
Important Materials (What Makes Bourbon, Bourbon)
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey. It has specific rules it must follow.
- Grains: Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. The rest can be other grains like rye or malted barley. The type of grain mix, called the mash bill, greatly affects the taste. A mash bill with more rye often adds a spicy kick.
- Aging: Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. This is where it gets its color and many of its flavors, like vanilla and caramel.
- No Additives: Unlike some other spirits, bourbon cannot have coloring or flavoring added. The taste and color come only from the ingredients and the barrel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a bourbon better, while others can make it less ideal for your Old Fashioned.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Age Statement: If a bourbon has an age statement (like “10 Year Old”), it tells you how long it was aged. Older bourbons often have more complex and smoother flavors.
- Reputation and Reviews: Well-known distilleries and bourbons that get good reviews from experts and other drinkers are usually a safe bet.
- Craft Distilleries: Some smaller, craft distilleries make excellent bourbons with unique character.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- “Young” Bourbon: Bourbons that haven’t been aged long enough can taste harsh or too much like raw alcohol.
- Overly Sweet Bourbons: While some sweetness is good, a bourbon that tastes like candy might overpower the other ingredients in an Old Fashioned.
- Bourbons with Weak Flavor: If a bourbon’s flavor is too light, it will get lost when mixed with sugar and bitters.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you enjoy your Old Fashioned is important.
- Everyday Sipping: A great Old Fashioned bourbon should be enjoyable even if you just sip it neat or on the rocks. This means it has a good flavor on its own.
- Cocktail Mixing: The best bourbon for an Old Fashioned shines when mixed. It should blend well with the sugar and bitters without disappearing.
- Sharing with Friends: You want a bourbon that others will enjoy too. A balanced and crowd-pleasing bourbon makes for a great social drink.
- Experimentation: Once you find a favorite, you can try different bourbons to see how they change the taste of your Old Fashioned. This is part of the fun!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon for Old Fashioneds
Q: What makes a bourbon good for an Old Fashioned?
A: A good bourbon for an Old Fashioned has a balanced flavor with sweet and spicy notes. It also has a decent proof (around 90-100) so its flavor comes through.
Q: Should I use a cheap or expensive bourbon?
A: You don’t need the most expensive bottle. A mid-range bourbon that tastes good to you and has a good flavor profile is usually perfect.
Q: What if I don’t like rye whiskey?
A: Most bourbons have some rye. If you really want less rye spice, look for bourbons with a higher corn percentage in their mash bill (sometimes called a “wheated bourbon”).
Q: Does the age of the bourbon matter a lot?
A: Age can matter. Older bourbons are often smoother and more complex. But a younger, well-made bourbon can also be excellent for an Old Fashioned.
Q: Can I use a flavored bourbon?
A: It’s generally best to use unflavored bourbon. The classic Old Fashioned is about the whiskey, sugar, and bitters. Flavored bourbons can change the drink too much.
Q: What is “proof”?
A: Proof is how much alcohol is in the drink. It’s double the percentage of alcohol. For example, 100 proof means 50% alcohol.
Q: Why does the barrel matter?
A: Bourbon must age in new, charred oak barrels. This gives it its color and many of its flavors like vanilla and caramel.
Q: What is a “mash bill”?
A: The mash bill is the mix of grains used to make bourbon. It’s usually at least 51% corn, with rye and barley making up the rest.
Q: How does the Old Fashioned recipe affect bourbon choice?
A: The Old Fashioned is a simple drink. It lets the bourbon’s flavor be the star. So, choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking on its own.
Q: Where can I find good bourbons for Old Fashioneds?
A: Look at liquor stores, ask for recommendations from staff, and read reviews online. Many popular bourbons are great for this cocktail.