The Old Fashioned is made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar and aromatic bitters.
The drink belongs to the earliest family of spirit-forward cocktails. Its name reflects an older style of preparation in which a base spirit was sweetened and seasoned with bitters, rather than mixed with many liqueurs or juices. The exact modern garnish varies, but an orange twist is now common.
The recipe is often associated with Louisville and bourbon culture, although whiskey versions became popular across the United States. Rye produces a spicier result, while bourbon gives a softer, sweeter profile. Muddling fruit directly into the drink is a later variation rather than the simplest traditional form.
The Old Fashioned is not the same as a Manhattan: a Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, while the Old Fashioned relies on sugar and bitters. It is commonly served over ice in a short rocks glass.