There’s no denying it: The Old Fashioned is popular. In fact, the simple, three ingredient cocktail is the most popular drink in the country right now. A simple blend of whiskey, sugar and bitters, the Old Fashioned is a great way for beginner home bartenders to get their feet wet without having to commit to a more involved shaken or stirred drink. But there comes a time in everyone’s life when the Old Fashioned doesn’t quite cut it anymore. If you’re ready to expand your whiskey cocktail repertoire, here are five next-level recipes that you can master in no time.
The Sazerac is just a little more involved than the Old Fashioned in its method and complexity. The century-plus-old New Orleans cocktail combines rye whiskey, simple syrup and Peychaud’s Bitters with a touch of anise-forward absinthe for a boozy and flavor-packed kick, served neat.
The Essentials
Rye
Absinthe
Bitters
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If you want a whiskey cocktail that combines the simplicity of the Old Fashioned with the timelessness of the Manhattan, add the Vieux Carré to your list of must-trys. Rye whiskey blends with Cognac and sweet vermouth to create a sturdy base, which is sweetened and seasoned with orange liqueur and two kinds of bitters. Even though its name means “old square” in French, we promise your friends will think you’re anything but if you make enough to share.
The Essentials
Rye
Cognac
Sweet Vermouth
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If you lean towards dry flavors over sweet, try this unconventional take on a Manhattan. Using equal parts sweet and dry vermouths, the cocktail is a dry, bracing drink that may steal your heart away from the Old Fashioned.
The Essentials
rye
dry vermouth
sweet vermouth
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Old Fashioned devotees who are also partial to Italian aperitifs will find a number of things to love about this soul-warming cocktail. A base of bourbon is joined by a measure of Averna amaro and a touch of luscious Pedro Ximénez sherry. The three ingredients wind up as unlikely—but delightfully delicious—pals.
The Essentials
Bourbon
Averna Amaro
Pedro Ximénez sherry
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Though you might love whiskey in your Old Fashioned, there are plenty of reasons to consider rum as well. Not only can it be substituted into an Old Fashioned for an easy update, but it’s also used to make this scrumptious drink, which combines dark rum with dry vermouth, a splash of orange juice and simple syrup. It’s a little sweet, a little dry and a lot delicious.
The Essentials
Dark Rum
Vermouth
Orange Juice
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