The Old Fashioned is one of the earliest known cocktails, tracing back to early 19th-century American drinking culture and codified by bartenders in the late 1800s as the “old-fashioned” way to make a mixed drink: spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. It evolved with regional tastes—bourbon and rye both became common bases—but the formula’s simplicity endures. Rye-based Old Fashioneds were especially popular in pre-Prohibition New York, and many modern bartenders prefer rye for its spicy backbone that stands up to sugar and bitters.

The classic sugar + bitters framework softens the rye’s assertive spice while highlighting its complex, savory fruit and oak notes. Use a lighter sweetener (simple syrup) to let Old Potrero’s distinctive rye character shine, or a touch more sugar if you prefer a sweeter, smoother profile.

Ingredients

2 oz Old Potrero Straight Rye 6YO Whiskey
1 tsp simple syrup
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 large orange peel
1-2 Luxardo Cherries
Large ice cube or sphere for serving

Directions

In a rocks glass add the Stirrings Simple Syrup and the dashes of bitter. Add a small splash of water (about 1tsp) and stir. Add the Old Potrero Straight Rye 6YO Whiskey to the glass then add the large ice cube and stir the drink for 10-20 seconds to chill and properly dilute.

Express the oil from the Orange Peel over the top of the glass by twisting it, then run the peel around the rim and drop it in. Add the Maraschino Cherries.