Stirred, Not Shaken: The Right Way to Make an Old Fashioned

How to Stir a Perfect Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails ever created—simple, elegant, and timeless. But while the recipe seems straightforward, the technique matters just as much as the ingredients. One of the most common questions is whether to shake or stir. The truth: to achieve that silky, spirit-forward balance, you need a cocktail mixing glass and the right stirring technique.

Why Stirring Matters in an Old Fashioned

Unlike cocktails that need aeration and froth (hello, Whiskey Sour), the Old Fashioned is a spirit-driven drink. Stirring in a crystal mixing glass allows you to:

• Control dilution for perfect balance
• Maintain clarity without cloudiness
• Preserve smooth texture and bold flavor

This is why bartenders always choose a bar mixing glass for the Old Fashioned over a shaker. (Curious about the difference? Check out our Mixing Glass vs Shaker guide).

What You’ll Need

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Cocktail mixing glass (we recommend our Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass)
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer

Step-by-Step: Stirring the Perfect Old Fashioned

1. Add Ingredients
   Place the sugar cube in your mixing glass, add bitters, and a splash of water. Muddle gently until dissolved. If using simple syrup, add it directly.
2. Pour Whiskey
   Measure 2 oz of your chosen bourbon or rye with a jigger and pour it into the mixing glass.
3. Add Ice & Stir
   Fill the 18oz mixing glass barware with large ice cubes. Insert your bar spoon and stir gently for 20–30 seconds. The goal is consistent dilution and chilling—not aeration.
4. Strain & Serve
   Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish
   Express an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish.

Pro Tips for Stirring Like a Bartender

• Always use large ice cubes for slower dilution.
• Stir in a smooth, circular motion—avoid choppy movements.
• Taste as you go: if the drink feels too strong, stir a little longer.
  
• To keep your crystal mixing glass pristine:
• Hand wash with warm, soapy water
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers
• Dry immediately with a soft cloth to preserve clarity

Final Sip

The Old Fashioned is proof that less is more—when it’s stirred the right way. With a quality cocktail mixing glass for Old Fashioned, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of flavor, chill, and dilution every time.