Everything You Need to Make a Proper Old-Fashioned at Home

April 2, 2025

The Secret to Crafting the Perfect Old-Fashioned at Home

Let’s have a chat about the Old-Fashioned—a cocktail that earns its name by doing things the way they were always meant to be done: simple, strong, and top-shelf smooth. Whether you're winding down after a long day or impressing friends at a weekend BBQ, there’s something downright satisfying about sipping a drink you made entirely at home. And yes, you can absolutely recreate its timeless magic in your kitchen... without paying hipster cocktail bar prices.

Forget the Smoke and Mirrors—An Old-Fashioned Is Straightforward

No fancy infusions. No acrobatics behind the bar. What you need is quality whiskey (or a whiskey-styled spirit), a bit of sugar, some bitters, and a twist of citrus. That’s it. It’s about balance. It’s about saying ‘no thanks’ to anything overly sweet or overly complicated. This cocktail is for the folks who appreciate a good story, told slowly over ice.

But here’s the twist: You don’t necessarily need to buy a pricey bottle of branded whiskey to enjoy a proper Old-Fashioned. If you like to tinker and take pride in what you make, crafting your own whiskey-style spirit can be just the kind of satisfying challenge you’re looking for.

The Homebrewer’s Shortcut to Great Flavour

One handy trick up our sleeves? Still Spirits Whiskey Flavouring. This little wonder is your fast-track to building a warm, oak-infused base spirit that plays wonderfully in an Old-Fashioned. Simply add it to a neutral spirit (something like a clean vodka or a home-distilled base) and you’ve got a character-packed whiskey-inspired base without the years of aging in barrels or breaking the bank.

It hits all the right notes too—deep caramel, soft vanilla, just enough smokiness. Your guests won’t believe it wasn’t fresh from the bottle of an aged single malt. But you'll know. You made it yourself. Which kind of makes it better, doesn't it?

The Must-Haves for Building a Legendary Old-Fashioned

Let’s get back to basics. Here's what should be on your bench before crafting your cocktail masterpiece:

Your Base Spirit: Either distilled at home or picked up from your local bottle-o. Once it's ready, use the Still Spirits Whiskey Flavouring to develop that old-school personality the Old-Fashioned deserves.
Sugar Cube or Syrup: Muddle it gently with a dash of water in the glass. If you're feeling fancy, try a rich Demerara to add body.
Bitters: Don’t skip this. A couple of dashes of aromatic bitters bring everything together.
Orange Peel: Freshly expressed over the top. That citrus oil? It’s the finishing touch.
Good Ice: Big chunks that melt slow and keep it cool without watering it down too fast.

Stir it all in the glass, no shaker needed. Sip. Smile. Repeat.

Why Make It at Home?

There’s this strange magic in building something with your hands. When you make an Old-Fashioned at home, especially using home-distilled or flavoured spirits, you’re tasting your work—you’re not just pouring from a bottle. It hits different. Every glass tells a story.

If you’re already distilling at home (or thinking about it), adding the Still Spirits Whiskey Flavouring to your toolkit is a no-brainer. It’s cost-effective, easy to use, and fully adjustable depending on whether you like bold notes or softer sips.

Like having your whisky and tweaking it too.

Tips From One Home-Obsessed Brewer to Another

Here’s what I’ve picked up over the years:

If your neutral spirit is clean, the flavouring really shines. Don’t scrimp on that base quality.
Let the flavoured spirit rest for a few days—yes, patience. It smooths out beautifully.
Experiment! Add slightly more or less flavouring until it hits your ‘aha’ moment.

And most importantly, trust your taste. That’s the soul of this craft after all—building something that matches your vision, not anyone else’s.

The Beauty of a “Proper” Drink

Making the perfect Old-Fashioned isn’t about showing off. It’s an invitation. It invites you to slow down, to appreciate the process, and to toast to the everyday wins that deserve celebrating. Whether you’re a seasoned distiller finalising your personal spirit recipe or trying to figure out what your drink-of-choice says about you, starting with a bottle of Still Spirits Whiskey Flavouring might just get you where you want to go.

So why not? Put on some music, grab a sturdy glass, and play bartender at home tonight. You’ve already done the hard part—making something to be proud of.

To good vibes and better spirits,

Cheers,
Candeece