Bulleit Old Fashioned Cocktail: A Modern Twist on a Classic Favorite

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world, beloved for its simplicity, elegance, and smooth flavor. Though it has a long history dating back to the 19th century, the Old Fashioned is still enjoyed today by cocktail enthusiasts around the globe. One way to elevate this classic drink is by using a premium whiskey like Bulleit Bourbon. Known for its rich flavor profile and high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon makes an excellent base for an Old Fashioned, delivering a balanced and bold cocktail that both newcomers and seasoned whiskey drinkers can appreciate.

In this article, we’ll explore the Bulleit Old Fashioned cocktail, its ingredients, preparation steps, and some variations to try. If you’re looking to recreate this cocktail at home, you’ll be guided through the process step by step.

What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless drink that dates back to the early 1800s. Initially, it was known simply as a “whiskey cocktail,” consisting of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. Over time, bartenders started adding more ingredients, such as fruit garnishes and soda water. However, by the mid-19th century, cocktail lovers began asking for their drink to be served “old-fashioned,” referring to the simpler, original recipe.

The core of the Old Fashioned remains unchanged—whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a garnish—making it a versatile drink that can be enjoyed with different types of whiskey. In this case, Bulleit Bourbon provides a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the traditional ingredients of an Old Fashioned.

Why Choose Bulleit Bourbon for an Old Fashioned?

Bulleit Bourbon is a popular choice for many cocktail aficionados due to its rich and smooth taste with a touch of spice. Made with a higher percentage of rye (28%) than most bourbons, Bulleit has a spicier, more robust flavor that works wonderfully in cocktails like the Old Fashioned.

Here are a few reasons why Bulleit Bourbon is ideal for crafting an Old Fashioned:

Spicy Finish: The higher rye content in Bulleit Bourbon provides a peppery spice that enhances the flavors of the bitters and sugar.
Smoothness: The bourbon’s smooth texture adds a rich mouthfeel to the drink without overpowering the other ingredients.
Complex Flavor Profile: Bulleit offers notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and dried fruit, which complement the classic Old Fashioned flavors perfectly.

Using Bulleit Bourbon in an Old Fashioned gives the cocktail a modern twist without sacrificing its traditional roots.

Classic Bulleit Old Fashioned Recipe

Now that you know why Bulleit Bourbon is an excellent choice, let’s walk you through the classic recipe for the Bulleit Old Fashioned cocktail.

Ingredients:

2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp sugar)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel (for garnish)
Ice (preferably large cubes or a sphere)

Instructions:

Muddle the Sugar and Bitters: In an Old Fashioned glass, place the sugar cube and add two dashes of Angostura bitters. Muddle them together using a muddler or the back of a spoon until the sugar dissolves. This step helps release the bitterness and flavors from the bitters while creating a sweet base.
Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice—preferably large ice cubes or an ice sphere. The larger the ice, the slower it will melt, keeping your drink cool without diluting it too quickly.
Pour the Bourbon: Add 2 oz of Bulleit Bourbon to the glass. Stir gently to combine the ingredients and chill the mixture.
Garnish: Twist a piece of orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass. Some variations also add a maraschino cherry as a garnish, but the orange peel is essential for the traditional Old Fashioned aroma.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Bulleit Old Fashioned with a few extra dashes of bitters if desired, and enjoy your refined, flavorful cocktail.

Variations of the Bulleit Old Fashioned

While the classic recipe is always a winner, there are a few variations you can try to personalize your Bulleit Old Fashioned.

1. Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

For a slightly sweeter and more autumnal version, swap out the sugar cube for maple syrup. The natural sweetness and rich flavor of maple syrup complement the spicy notes of Bulleit Bourbon. To make this version, simply use 1/2 oz of maple syrup instead of the sugar cube, and follow the same instructions as the classic recipe.

2. Smoked Old Fashioned

For a smoky twist on the classic drink, add a bit of flair by smoking the cocktail before serving. To do this, place the Old Fashioned glass under a glass dome or smoking cloche and introduce some wood chips or a smoking gun to infuse the drink with a smoky aroma. This is a fun and sophisticated way to elevate your Bulleit Old Fashioned experience.

3. Bulleit Rye Old Fashioned

If you want a spicier, more pronounced flavor, consider using Bulleit Rye instead of their bourbon. With a higher rye content (95% rye), Bulleit Rye adds more spice and complexity to the drink, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bolder Old Fashioned.

4. Cherry Old Fashioned

To bring out a deeper sweetness and fruitiness, add a maraschino cherry along with the orange peel garnish. You can even muddle the cherry along with the sugar and bitters for a more pronounced cherry flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Old Fashioned

While the Bulleit Old Fashioned is simple to make, there are a few tips that can help you craft the perfect cocktail:

Use Good Ice: The quality of ice can impact the texture and taste of your cocktail. Use large, slow-melting ice cubes to keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
Muddle Gently: When muddling the sugar and bitters, don’t overdo it. You want the sugar to dissolve and the bitters to release their flavors, but you don’t need to break up the sugar completely.
Quality Ingredients: Since the Old Fashioned is a minimalist cocktail, using high-quality ingredients is essential. Choose a good whiskey (like Bulleit Bourbon), fresh bitters, and fresh citrus for the best results.
Stir, Don’t Shake: An Old Fashioned should never be shaken, as this dilutes the drink too much. Instead, stir gently to combine the ingredients and chill them evenly.

Final Thoughts

The Bulleit Old Fashioned cocktail is the perfect drink for whiskey lovers who appreciate the balance of sweet, bitter, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quiet night at home or serving it at a party, this timeless cocktail will always impress. Using Bulleit Bourbon enhances the traditional recipe by adding depth and complexity, making the Old Fashioned feel even more refined and flavorful.

If you love whiskey-based cocktails, the Bulleit Old Fashioned is a drink that should be on your radar. Experiment with variations, and find the perfect way to enjoy this classic cocktail with a modern twist.