BETTERSWEETDRINKS

Home / Cocktails

Old Fashioned Ingredients 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Recipe

Cocktails

Old Fashioned with Angostura Bitters

By Sandra · · Updated

An Old Fashioned with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar and two dashes of Angostura bitters, stirred over ice.

1 serving·10 min

Recipe reviewed 28 Sep 2026. How we test recipes.

Save to Pinterest

Have ingredients already? Find cocktails you can make with My Bar.

WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Servings1

METHOD

How to make it

  1. Prepare the Glass: Place a sugar cube or sugar at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass.
  2. Splash and Muddle: Add a splash of water and muddle the sugar until it's dissolved. If you're using simple syrup, this step is simply for combining liquids.
  3. The Bitters: Add two dashes of Angostura bitters. This isn't about volume; it's about uniformity, so ensure each dash is measured.
  4. The Ice: Add a large ice cube or a couple if they're smaller. The slower melting rate will prevent your drink from becoming diluted too quickly.
  5. The Whiskey: Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon or rye. Quality matters here; choose a whiskey you'd enjoy sipping straight.
  6. Stir: Gently stir to combine the flavors and chill the cocktail. Around 30 seconds should do the trick.
  7. Express and Garnish: Take a piece of orange peel and gently squeeze it over the glass to express the oils onto the drink. Drop the peel in along with a maraschino cherry to complete the cocktail.
More in this article 4 sections
  1. Tips:
  2. Ingredients Substitutes
  3. Final Thoughts
  4. More Cocktail Recipes:

Old Fashioned Ingredients 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Recipe

Old Fashioned Ingredients 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Recipe

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic drink with a rich history. The "2 dashes Angostura Bitters" is a key component of this cocktail. Angostura Bitters is a type of concentrated bitters, which is a blend of herbs, spices, and other botanicals. The "2 dashes" refers to the small amount used to add complexity and depth to the drink.

Tips:

  • Chill the Glass: Serving your Old Fashioned in a chilled glass will keep your cocktail cold and refreshing.
  • Quality of Bitters: Stick with Angostura bitters for a classic profile, but feel free to experiment with others for a different twist.
  • Experiment with Sugars: Changing the sugar component can alter the drink's dynamics. Try a demerara sugar cube for a richer sweetness.
  • Adjust According to Taste: If you prefer your drink sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar or simple syrup.
  • The Stir: Take your time with the stir; it's not just for mixing but also for chilling and dilution.
  • Garnish with Care: When peeling the orange, avoid the bitter white pith beneath the zest. A careful peel and gentle twist will enhance the drink's aroma.
  • Ice Quality: Use clear, purified ice if possible to avoid introducing unwanted tastes into your cocktail.

Ingredients Substitutes

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Making an Old Fashioned, characterized by its simplicity and depth of flavor, relies heavily on the quality and type of ingredients used. However, there might be situations where you don't have access to all the traditional ingredients, such as Angostura bitters. Luckily, some substitutes can be used to mimic or enhance the cocktail's classic profile. Here are some detailed alternatives for the key ingredients in an Old Fashioned, focusing primarily on substitutes for Angostura bitters.

Angostura Bitters Substitute

1. Orange Bitters: Orange bitters can offer a citrusy complexity that complements the whiskey beautifully, introducing a fresh, floral note that pairs well with the traditional muddled orange.

2. Peychaud's Bitters: With a slightly sweeter profile and lighter body, Peychaud's bitters can provide an exciting twist to your Old Fashioned. It brings forth more floral and anise notes, which can offer a subtly different drinking experience.

3. Aromatic Bitters (Various Brands): There are several other brands of aromatic bitters on the market that can serve as a replacement for Angostura. Brands like Fee Brothers or The Bitter Truth carry their unique spice blends that can offer a new dimension to your cocktail.

4. Homemade Bitters: For those who like a DIY challenge, making bitters can be a fascinating project. Combine high-proof alcohol with a selection of spices, such as cinnamon, clove, and allspice, citrus peel, and a sweetening agent like caramel. The result can be tailored to your taste preference, creating a truly personalized Old Fashioned.

Other Ingredient Substitutes

  • For Whiskey: The traditional base spirit is rye or bourbon. However, you can use Canadian whisky, which is typically smoother, or try a Scotch for a smokier version. Each whiskey type brings a different character to the cocktail.
  • For Sugar: The choice of sweetener can significantly affect the drink's balance. In addition to the traditional sugar cube or simple syrup, you can use maple syrup for a richer sweetness or honey syrup (honey diluted with water) for a floral sweetness. Agave syrup can also work well, especially with a smoother whiskey.
  • For Water: In the classic recipe, a splash of water or a few cubes of ice is used to dilute the drink slightly. Alternatives include using soda water for a bit of fizz or an ice sphere for slower dilution, which allows the drinker to enjoy the evolving flavors as it slowly mixes.
  • For Garnish: Though an orange peel and a maraschino cherry are traditional garnishes, experimenting with other citrus peels like grapefruit or a twist of lemon can add a different aromatic finish. Luxardo cherries offer a gourmet substitute for maraschino cherries, providing a richer, more complex flavor.

Final Thoughts

With these steps, ingredients, and tips in mind, you will make an Old Fashioned that respects the tradition while showcasing your personal touch. The two dashes of Angostura bitters may seem like a small component, but they are the heart of the cocktail's spiced, bitter contrast, truly completing the Old Fashioned experience.

More Cocktail Recipes:

More drink recipes