Paul Kushner
A smooth Irish twist on a classic, the Dublin Old Fashioned swaps traditional bourbon for rich, oaky Irish whiskey, creating a lighter, yet equally sophisticated take on the beloved cocktail. A sugar cube, bitters, and a splash of water provide the perfect balance of sweetness and depth, while a slow stir over ice ensures a beautifully mellow sip. Finished with a fragrant orange peel garnish, this elegant cocktail is perfect for whiskey lovers looking to enjoy a timeless drink with an Irish flair. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or a slow evening sip, this one is pure class in a glass!
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Dublin Old Fashioned is a smooth, slightly sweet, and aromatic twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring Irish whiskey instead of bourbon or rye. The mellow, slightly honeyed notes of Irish whiskey combine beautifully with bitters and sugar, while the orange peel garnish adds a subtle citrus aroma. This cocktail is refined, simple, and spirit-forward, making it perfect for whiskey lovers who appreciate a lighter, silkier alternative to the traditional Old Fashioned.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass for serving, a muddler for dissolving the sugar, a bar spoon for stirring, and a jigger for precise measurements. A peeler or knife is useful for preparing the orange garnish.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- A splash of water
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in the bottom of the Old Fashioned glass.
- Add the bitters and a splash of water.
- Muddle (smash) these ingredients together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the Irish whiskey over the ice.
- Stir the drink gently to mix well.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality Irish whiskey with smooth, slightly sweet notes, like Jameson Black Barrel, Redbreast 12, or Bushmills 10-Year.
- For a more citrusy twist, add a few dashes of orange bitters in addition to the Angostura bitters.
- If you prefer a richer sweetness, use demerara or brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- For a slight herbal touch, add a dash of absinthe rinse to the glass before building the cocktail.
- For an extra smooth taste, let the drink sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld before sipping.
When to Serve
The Dublin Old Fashioned is perfect for whiskey lovers, after-dinner sipping, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or as an elevated classic for cocktail enthusiasts.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For the best experience, use a smooth, high-quality Irish whiskey like Redbreast 12-Year, Jameson Black Barrel, Green Spot, or Tullamore D.E.W. 12-Year Reserve. Angostura bitters and a fresh orange peel will add the perfect balance of spice and aroma.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Dublin Old Fashioned, here are five similar cocktails to try:
Ingredients
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- A splash of water
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in the bottom of the Old Fashioned glass.
- Add the bitters and a splash of water.
- Muddle (smash) these ingredients together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the Irish whiskey over the ice.
- Stir the drink gently to mix well.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
