Strawberry Old Fashioned​

Whiskey cocktails don’t always have to feel serious, and this Strawberry Old Fashioned is proof. I made my first one on a random weeknight when I wanted an Old Fashioned, but I also had strawberry syrup sitting in the fridge from a brunch recipe. On a whim, I added a tiny splash to my bourbon mix, and it instantly turned into something new. Still bold and smooth, but with a subtle fruity note that made it feel lighter and more fun.

This is the kind of drink that works year-round, too. It’s great for summer nights when you want something refreshing without going full tropical, and it’s just as good in the fall when bourbon season hits. If you’re looking for cocktails that feel familiar but still a little unexpected, this Strawberry Old Fashioned deserves a spot in your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Strawberry Old Fashioned keeps everything you love about the classic Old Fashioned, but adds a sweet berry layer that makes it feel more approachable. It’s still spirit-forward, still smooth, and still perfect for slow sipping, but it has a fresh little upgrade.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Classic bourbon cocktail with a fun twist that still feels grown-up
• Easy to make with just a few ingredients
• Strawberry syrup softens the bourbon without making it overly sweet
• Bitters keep it balanced so it doesn’t taste like candy
• Looks beautiful in a rocks glass with the strawberry garnish
• Perfect for whiskey lovers who want something slightly different

It’s the kind of cocktail that makes people say, “Oh wow, that’s good,” after the first sip.

Ingredients

This recipe is simple, but it’s built on balance. Bourbon brings warmth and depth, strawberry syrup adds a smooth fruity sweetness, and the bitters keep everything grounded so the drink still tastes like an Old Fashioned. Then the garnishes make it smell amazing before you even take a sip.

• 2 ounces Bourbon
• 1/4 ounce strawberry syrup
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Fresh strawberry for garnish
• Orange peel for garnish

Why each ingredient matters:

• Bourbon is the main character. Choose one you like sipping, because you’ll taste it.
• Strawberry syrup adds sweetness plus a fruity note that blends well with vanilla and caramel flavors in bourbon.
• Orange bitters bring brightness and help the strawberry feel fresh, not heavy.
• Aromatic bitters add depth and keep the drink from tasting flat.
• Fresh strawberry garnish adds a little sweetness and makes it feel special.
• Orange peel garnish adds aroma, and that matters more than most people think.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Since this is a spirit-forward cocktail, bourbon choice matters a lot. You don’t need something rare or expensive, but you do want a bourbon that’s smooth and not too harsh. The bitters and syrup will round it out, but they won’t fully hide a rough whiskey.

Here are some great picks and easy substitutions:

• Bourbon: Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Four Roses Small Batch
  These are smooth, reliable, and work great in Old Fashioned-style cocktails.
• Higher-proof option: Wild Turkey 101
  If you want a bolder drink that stands up to ice, this one is great.
• Strawberry syrup substitute: muddled strawberries + 1/2 tsp sugar
  Muddle strawberries in the mixing glass first, then build the drink on top.
• Orange bitters substitute: extra aromatic bitters + a little extra orange peel
  Not exactly the same, but it still gives you a nice citrus aroma.
• Bourbon substitute: rye whiskey
  Rye makes it spicier and sharper, but strawberry still works surprisingly well.

If you’re making this for guests who “don’t usually drink whiskey,” Maker’s Mark is a friendly choice because it’s soft and smooth.

Equipment and Glassware

An Old Fashioned is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home because it doesn’t require shaking. You’re stirring, chilling, and serving over ice. Simple, clean, and classy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Strainer
• Rocks Glass

Ice tip: A large ice cube is perfect here because it melts slower and keeps the drink strong longer. If you don’t have one, fresh ice cubes work just fine.

How to Make It

This Strawberry Old Fashioned is a stirred cocktail, which means it’s all about smoothness. Stirring chills the drink and blends everything without adding air bubbles. The result is silky, bold, and perfect for sipping.

1. In a mixing glass, combine the Bourbon, strawberry syrup, orange bitters, and aromatic bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently to chill and combine the ingredients (about 20-30 seconds).
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a twist of orange peel.
5. Enjoy your elegant and refreshing Strawberry Old Fashioned!

Common tweak: If you like your Old Fashioned slightly sweeter, add just a tiny splash more strawberry syrup. If you like it more bitter and bold, add one extra dash of aromatic bitters.

Pro Tips

Old Fashioneds are simple, but the small details are what make them taste like a great cocktail bar version. This version is no different. Strawberry syrup can go from “perfect” to “too sweet” fast, so balance is everything.

Here are my best tips:

• Use a bourbon you actually like
  This drink is mostly bourbon, so quality matters.
• Measure the strawberry syrup
  Too much can overpower the bitters and make it taste syrupy.
• Stir for the full 20-30 seconds
  This chills the drink properly and gives the smoothest texture.
• Use fresh ice
  Old freezer ice can taste stale and dull the flavors.
• Try a large cube
  Slower melt = better sipping cocktail.
• Express the orange peel
  Twist it over the glass to release the oils. It adds aroma and makes the drink taste brighter.
• Do not skip the bitters
  Bitters are what make it taste like an Old Fashioned, not just bourbon and syrup.
• Garnish with a ripe strawberry
  It looks better and smells better, which makes the drink more enjoyable.

Once you get comfortable with it, you can start adjusting the syrup and bitters to match your personal taste.

Variations

The Strawberry Old Fashioned is already a twist on the classic, but you can take it in a few different directions depending on what you like and what you have on hand.

Here are some fun variations to try:

• Strawberry Vanilla Old Fashioned
  Add a tiny drop of vanilla extract or use a vanilla-forward bourbon.
• Smoky Strawberry Old Fashioned
  Add a small rinse of smoky mezcal in the glass before pouring the drink.
• Strawberry Maple Old Fashioned
  Replace half the strawberry syrup with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
• Strawberry Rye Old Fashioned
  Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier finish.
• Strawberry Orange Old Fashioned
  Add a thin orange slice into the glass along with the garnish.

If you want the drink to feel more summer-friendly, the strawberry orange version is a great choice.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail fits so many situations because it’s classy but still fun. It’s great when you want whiskey cocktails but don’t want something too heavy or intense.

Best times to serve:

• Happy hour at home
• Backyard dinners
• Date nights
• Holiday gatherings
• Whiskey tasting nights
• Cocktail hour before dinner

Pair it with:

• Charcuterie boards
• Grilled steak or burgers
• BBQ ribs
• Sharp cheddar or gouda
• Chocolate desserts
• Strawberry shortcake

Storage and Serving Notes

Old Fashioneds are best made fresh, but you can absolutely prep this cocktail if you’re hosting. The key is to keep it chilled and serve over fresh ice.

Here are the best storage and serving tips:

• Batch the cocktail base
  Mix bourbon, strawberry syrup, and bitters in a bottle and refrigerate.
• Stir or pour over ice when serving
  This gives you the best chill and proper dilution.
• Do not add ice to the batch bottle
  Ice will water it down too quickly.
• Garnish right before serving
  Fresh strawberry and orange peel look and smell best right away.
• Serving size
  This recipe makes 1 cocktail, but it scales easily for a group.

Warning: If the drink sits too long over ice, it will get watered down. Serve it fresh and enjoy it while it’s cold.

FAQs

This cocktail is simple, but people often ask about sweetness, bourbon choices, and how to keep it balanced. Here are the most common questions.

Does this still taste like an Old Fashioned?
Yes. The bitters and bourbon still lead the flavor. The strawberry syrup just adds a light fruity sweetness.

What bourbon is best for a Strawberry Old Fashioned?
Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve are great choices. Use something smooth that you’d sip on its own.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry syrup?
Yes. Muddle strawberries with a little sugar first, then build the cocktail as usual. Syrup is easier and more consistent.

Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Use a little less strawberry syrup or add an extra dash of aromatic bitters.

Can I make this cocktail in advance?
You can batch the base and refrigerate it. Stir and serve over fresh ice when ready.

Is this drink strong?
Yes. Like a classic Old Fashioned, it’s a strong cocktail meant for slow sipping.

More Cocktails to Try

If you liked this Strawberry Old Fashioned, you’ll probably enjoy other whiskey cocktails with a twist. These are great options when you want something bold, balanced, and not overly complicated.