I never would’ve pegged myself as the type to obsess over an Old Fashioned, but that changed the day I tinkered with Woodford Reserve bourbon. There’s just something about the way this Kentucky bourbon elevates such a simple, old-school cocktail and turns it into a ritual I actually look forward to.
My first run-in with Woodford Reserve happened thanks to a very persuasive friend who, midway through a dinner party, practically shoved a glass under my nose and said, “Trust me, this isn’t your standard Old Fashioned.” I tried his version, and just like that, I was hooked. I honestly haven’t looked back – Woodford has lived on my bar cart ever since.
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Let’s talk about what makes it so addictive: Woodford Reserve strikes this perfect balance. There’s plenty of caramel and vanilla, but also these layers of oak and baking spice, so the bourbon stands up to other ingredients but never bulldozes the cocktail. I’ve experimented with a bunch of bourbons and always end up back here.
After plenty of (sometimes questionable) trial and error – plus a few Friday nights sacrificed in the name of research – I’ve settled on my favorite recipe. It’s traditional at heart, but packed with flavor.
Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned
You’ll Need:
- 2 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon
- ¼ oz simple syrup (or a sugar cube and a splash of water)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
- One big ice cube or sphere (seriously, go for the big one)
How I Make It:
- If you’re starting with a sugar cube, drop it in your rocks glass, dash bitters over it, and add a tiny splash of water. Muddle it all together until the sugar dissolves. Lazy (like me)? Just use simple syrup and move on.
- Pour in the bourbon, then add your syrup (if that’s your route).
- Toss in the big ice cube. Don’t skip this – your drink won’t get watery halfway through.
- Stir for about 20 seconds. I like to watch the drink go from a jumble of ingredients to this nice, smooth amber.
- Grab an orange peel, twist it over the glass to spritz those amazing oils across the top, rub it around the rim, and drop it in.
Here’s my little secret: Let the drink sit for about a minute. I know, I know – waiting is hard. But it’s worth it. The flavors meld, and the orange oil really works its magic with the bourbon’s spices.
If you’re feeling a bit extra (or showing off), try smoking the glass. Sometimes I’ll light up a hunk of cinnamon stick, flip the glass over it for a few seconds, and Bam! – you get this cozy, smoky aroma that takes the drink to a whole new level.
Occasionally, I swap in Woodford Reserve Rye for a spicy twist, or if I’m making something for friends who don’t drink, I’ll use strong black tea, a dash of maple syrup, and bitters – it’s surprisingly satisfying and still carries that warming vibe.
When I have friends over, I’ll usually serve these alongside dark chocolate, smoked almonds, or a good wedge of sharp cheese. Something about the mix of flavors just clicks. Honestly, I’ve yet to find a bad time of year for an Old Fashioned. It’s as good on a cold evening as it is at a summer backyard hangout.
But the best part? The drink changes as you sip. What starts off bold and a little sweet mellows into something more complex as the ice melts and all those flavors mingle. No two glasses are ever quite the same – maybe that’s why I can’t quit making them.
