• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • IP Calculator
    • SV Chart
    • Using Grow
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Published: Dec 23, 2022 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    Jim Beam Old Fashioned

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Jim Beam Old Fashioned cocktail.

    This Jim Beam Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries, and its popularity hasn't wavered over the years. It's classic flavor and easy-to-make recipe evoke a sense of nostalgia when drinking this iconic drink.

    Old Fashioned cocktail.

    Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21 and up; please enjoy responsibly.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    The smoothness, incredible depth of flavor, and modern variations make the Old Fashioned one of the most popular drinks in history - here's why anyone who loves to entertain should consider adding this Jim Beam Old Fashioned to their repertoire!

    The Debate: Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned

    There is confusion about the difference between a classic, Old Fashioned and a classic Manhattan. Traditionally, Old Fashioned cocktails use good barrel aged bourbon, bitters, a sugar cube, ice, and just orange rind for garnish. That's it folks. You don't use cherries in an Old Fashioned.

    On the other hand, a Manhattan cocktail uses similar ingredients (sweet vermouth, or brandy, sometimes bourbon), but with the addition of brandied or Maraschino cherries as a garnish.

    For a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, traditionally Korbel Brandy is used in place of bourbon. Still no cherries. And, just like the Old Fashioned has a brandy counterpart, so does the Manhattan. You can have sweet vermouth, brandy, and bourbon Manhattans. Confusing yes?

    two cocktail glasses showing the difference between an Old Fashioned cocktail and a Manhattan Cocktail.
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • The Debate: Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make a Jim Beam Old Fashioned
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Since the bourbon is the highlight of this cocktail, you do need a good barrel aged bourbon for this bourbon centric cocktail. Jim Beam bourbon makes a good classic, affordable Old Fashioned.

    Lower in this post I have some variations to adapt this Old Fashioned recipe into a Maple Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, and it's delicious!

    bourbon, bitters, sugar cubes, and oranges.
    • Bourbon - Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Angels Envy, Knobb Creek, or whatever barrel aged bourbon you have on hand.
    • Bitters - also known as Angostura Bitters, a blend of orange bitters and spices. An essential ingredient for an Old Fashioned cocktail, but you can use bitters in your cooking marinades for fabulous flavor also!
    • Sugar cubes - one sugar cube for each cocktail. You can also use Simple syrup, Brown sugar, and Maple sugar for non traditional Old Fashioned flavor profiles!
    • Orange Peel strips- The essential and quintessential garnish that makes a true, Classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Use a potato or vegetable peeler to get ¼" to ½" wide strips of orange peel, about 2" long. You need two per cocktail.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make a Jim Beam Old Fashioned

    Whether you are an experienced mixologist or a beginner learning the ropes of bartending, there is something special about this timeless classic that appeals to all types of tastes.

    Read on for all you need to know about crafting the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail!

    Step 1. Prepare the Sugar Cube

    Place your old fashioned or 'on the rocks' cocktail glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will keep your drink colder with less ice melting and spirits dilution.

    Drop a sugar cube into the bottom of a mixing glass. Shake anywhere from 6 to 12 drops of the Angostura bitters on to the sugar cube. Start with 6, you can add more bitter drops to your drink later after it is mixed, if you want more.

    Bitters on a sugar cube in a glass.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 2. Muddle your Drink

    Crush the sugar cube using a cocktail muddler. After crushing the sugar cube, add one strip of orange peel to the glass (¼" to ½" wide, about 2" long). Use the muddler to stomp on it a few times at the bottom of the glass to release the orange essence into the bitters and sugar mixture.

    Muddler crushing a bitters soaked sugar cube.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 3. Add the Ice and Bourbon

    Toss a few large pieces of ice into the mixing glass. Pour your Jim Beam bourbon into the glass over the ice.

    barrel aged added to a glass with some ice.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 4. Mix Your Cocktail Ingredients

    Stir your drink until the sugar is dissolved. If the sugar does not want to dissolve easily, you can also add the bourbon before adding the ice. Either way, stir well to mix the components.

    Remove your chilled old fashioned or 'on the rocks' cocktail glass from the freezer and pour the contents of your mixing glass into the chilled cocktail glass. Rub the second strip of orange peel along the rim of the cocktail glass to finish this classic cocktail.

    Alternatively, you can use the glass you will serve your cocktail in for mixing, it just won't be as chilled.

    barrel aged bourbon, Bitters, and ice.

    NOTE: Cocktails that are spirits, liqueurs and fortified wines only (this includes the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Martini, and Negroni), should be stirred, not shaken. This method combines the flavors less aggressively than using a cocktail shaker. By minimizing the amount of dilution, you get a better balanced cocktail.

    Now you know why James Bond's famous "Shaken, Not Stirred" request was important for his vodka martini. He would have a diluted cocktail, essential for a spy maintaining his wits.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Serving Suggestions

    From Negronis to Manhattans and everything in between, these timeless concoctions have had a resurgence of modern appeal. Whether it's the rich flavors or elegant presentation that entices you, there's countless reasons to serve and enjoy a Old Fashioned cocktail.

    For more classic cocktails see our Grasshopper Martini, Cheesecake Cocktails, and Casino Royale Martini.

    Jim Beam Old Fashioned cocktail in the foreground and a Manhattan cocktail in the background.

    Substitutions

    A inexpensive brandy is a better substitute than a cheap bourbon when making a smooth tasting Old Fashioned cocktail.

    When faced with that economic calculus of cheap bourbon over expensive bourbon, and your pocket book is screaming cheap, opt for the Korbel brandy that's used to make a Wisconsin Old Fashioned. You'll still have a nice and smooth Old Fashioned cocktail.

    Variations

    Some terrific Old Fashioned variations to try:

    • Maple Brown Sugar Old Fashioned - Use 1 teaspoon of brown sugar instead of the sugar cube. Use Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon in place of the Jim Beam Bourbon. Prepare just like the Jim Beam Old Fashioned.
    • Wisconsin Old Fashioned - Substitute the barrel aged bourbon for Korebel or other brandy for a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned cocktail!
    • Brandy Manhattan - When making your Manhattan, replace the the sweet vermouth with brandy.
    • Bourbon Manhattan - When making your Bourbon Manhattan, replace the the sweet vermouth with a barrel aged bourbon.
    two cocktail glasses showing the difference between an Old Fashioned cocktail and a Manhattan Cocktail.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Here are a few of the tools you will need to make a wide variety of cocktails:

    • Basic cocktail set
    • Expanded cocktail set
    • Cocktail Muddler

    Tips for Success

    • Remember, for a TRUE Old Fashioned, you NEVER add cherries. Cherries are for Manhattan cocktails.
    • Put your 'on the rocks' cocktail glasses, or old fashioned glasses in the freezer before making your Old Fashioned or Manhattan cocktail.
    • Some of the best bourbon for Old Fashioned cocktails is Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek regular or their flavors, Angels Envy.
    • Orange peel is the key garnish. Use a vegetable peeler to get a nice, healthy piece of rind to rim the glass and flavor the cocktail. That tiny bit of orange essential oil adds to the overall taste experience of your Old Fashioned.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Difference between a Manhattan and Old Fashioned?

    A Manhattan is garnished with cherries, while the Old Fashioned is garnished with orange peel. The main difference between the two cocktails lies though lies in the sweeteners used. The Old Fashioned calls for a sugar cube, whereas the Manhattan uses sweet vermouth or a brandy, both a type of fortified wine.

    What is a Wisconsin Old Fashioned?

    Traditionally, a Wisconsin Old Fashioned uses Korbel Brandy instead of Bourbon.

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

    • Dutch oven filled with cooked corned beef and cabbage.
      Dutch Oven Corned Beef
    • a bowl of beef and barley soup with a bagel side.
      Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup
    • Baked Alfredo spaghetti casserole.
      Spaghetti Alfredo Bake
    • beef & broccoli stir fry in a skillet.
      Panda Express Beef and Broccoli

    Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts.

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    📖 Recipe

    Jim Beam Old Fashioned cocktail in a rocks cocktail glass.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 2 votes

    Jim Beam Old Fashioned

    This Jim Beam Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries, and its popularity hasn't wavered over the years. It's classic flavor and easy-to-make recipe evoke a sense of nostalgia when drinking this iconic drink.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time0 mins
    Total Time3 mins
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 175kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • basic cocktail set
    • expanded cocktail set
    • Cocktail Muddler

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz Bourbon barrel aged
    • 6 drops Bitters
    • 1 Sugar cube
    • Orange peel strips 2 per cocktail
    • Ice large cube
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Place your old fashioned cocktail glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
    • Drop a sugar cube into the bottom of a mixing glass. Shake anywhere from 6 to 12 drops of the Angostura bitters on to the sugar cube.
      6 drops Bitters, 1 Sugar cube
    • Crush the sugar cube using a cocktail muddler. After crushing the sugar cube, add one strip of orange peel to the glass. Use the muddler to stomp on the orange peel a few times at the bottom of the glass to release the orange essence into the bitters and sugar mixture.
      Orange peel strips
    • Toss a few large pieces of ice into the mixing glass. Pour your Jim Beam bourbon into the glass over the ice.
      2 oz Bourbon, Ice
    • Stir your drink until the sugar is dissolved.
    • Remove your chilled old fashioned or 'on the rocks' cocktail glass from the freezer and pour the contents of your mixing glass into the chilled cocktail glass. Rub the second strip of orange peel along the rim of the cocktail glass to finish this classic cocktail.
      Orange peel strips

    Notes

    • Use a potato or vegetable peeler to get ¼" to ½" wide strips of orange peel, about 2" long. Two per drink.
    • Start with 6 drops of bitters, you can add more bitter drops to your drink later after it is mixed, if you want more.
    • If the sugar does not want to dissolve easily, you can also add the bourbon before adding the ice.
    • Alternatively, you can use the glass you will serve your cocktail in for mixing, it just won't be as chilled.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 0.04mg | Iron: 0.02mg
    Keyword : Bourbon Manhattan, Brandy Manhattan, Jim Beam cocktail, Jim Beam Old Fashioned, Manhattan vs Old Fashioned, Old Fashioned cocktail syrup, Wisconsin Old Fashioned

    Like this recipe? Be sure to share it, pin it, or add it to your collection!

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Twitter

    More Beverage Recipes

    • Whip cream and sprinkles on top of a mug of pink hot chocolate.
      Pink Hot Chocolate
    • two stemless wine glasses filled with berry smoothie's, garnished with a strawberry on the rim.
      Berry Bliss Tropical Smoothie
    • Iced dalgona coffee with coffee foam on top.
      Dalgona Iced Coffee
    • two cheesecake cocktails with graham cracker rims.
      Cheesecake Cocktails

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Author photo for Kelly Bloom

    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

    More about me →

    Newest Recipes

    • Serving dish of air fryer orange chicken and white rice with potstickers in the background.
      Air Fryer Orange Chicken
    • platter full of pot stickers with soy sauce dip in the middle and chop sticks nearby.
      Air Fryer Frozen Potstickers
    • fluffy rice on a wooden spoon over a rice cooker full of cooked rice.
      Aroma Rice Cooker Instructions
    • serving bowl of panda express string bean chicken with blue teapot nearby.
      Panda Express String Bean Chicken
    recipe newsletter

    Diet Friendly Recipes

    • guacamole with tortilla chips on a platter.
      4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
    • Salmon filet in a serving dish with rice pilaf and brussels sprouts.
      Longhorns Salmon Recipe
    • serving dish with blackened mahi mahi and lemon wedges with tartar sauce in a bowl.
      Blackened Mahi Mahi
    • platter of roasted asparagus garnished with cheese and lemon.
      Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus

    Asian Inspirations

    • blue and white porcelain bowl full of steamed white rice.
      Fluffy Steamed White Rice
    • slicked chicken Katsu in a bento box.
      Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
    • powdered sugar dusted croffles on a serving platter.
      Croffles (Croissant Waffles)
    • platter of thai chicken cashew on rice.
      Thai Cashew Chicken

    Recommended

    • del frisco's butter cake with ice cream, caramel sauce, and whip cream.
      Del Frisco's Butter Cake
    • serving bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with butter & parsley.
      Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
    • A corn muffin with the wrapper removed.
      Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe
    • small plate with cut pork lumpia and a small bowl of dipping sauce nearby
      Traditional Pork Lumpia
    • close up of serving bowl with black beans, tostones, cilantro.
      Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
    • close up of white serving platter with three grilled pork chops and a green napkin on a white background
      Pan Grilled Steakhouse Pork Chops

    International Favorites

    • air fried samosa appetizers with dip.
      Air Fryer Frozen Samosa
    • Fried Sweet Plantains in a serving dish.
      Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
    • Bowl of Chimichurri rice.
      Chimichurri Rice
    • ghana meat pies on a platter.
      Ghanaian Meat Pie

    Footer

    ↑ back to top
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact
    • About
    • Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
    • LinkedIn

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Smells Like Delish