Old Fashioned — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Written by Listonic Team
Last update on March 10, 2025
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 155 kcal
Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Carbs | 8 g | 2.91% |
Fiber | 0 g | - |
Sugars | 7 g | 14% |
Glycemic Index | 50 | - |
Protein | 0 g | - |
Sodium | 1 mg | 0.04% |
Total Fat | 0 | - |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Rich in flavor, offering a unique taste experience that can enhance enjoyment of beverages.
- Encourages moderation, as the classic recipe typically includes fewer ingredients, promoting mindful drinking.
- Contains bitters, which may aid digestion and stimulate appetite when consumed in moderation.
- Promotes social interaction, as enjoying an old fashioned can be a communal experience, fostering connections with others.
Health risks
- Increased risk of addiction due to the alcohol content, which can lead to dependency and alcoholism if consumed excessively.
- Potential for liver damage as excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
- Negative impact on mental health with long-term heavy drinking associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
- Increased caloric intake which can contribute to weight gain and obesity, leading to various related health issues.
- Risk of cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, especially with heavy or binge drinking.
How to choose old fashioned
When choosing an Old Fashioned, start with a quality bourbon or rye whiskey that has a robust flavor profile—look for options that are well-balanced with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. The whiskey should be smooth and rich, providing a solid foundation for the cocktail.
Next, consider the bitters; traditional Angostura bitters are a classic choice, but experimenting with orange or aromatic bitters can add a unique twist. Ensure that the bitters are fresh and not expired, as stale bitters can compromise the cocktail's flavor.
Finally, select a fresh orange peel or cherry for garnish—these elements should be vibrant and aromatic, enhancing the overall presentation and taste. Avoid using overly sweet or artificial garnishes, as they can overwhelm the drink's classic character.
How to store old fashioned
To properly store your Old Fashioned ingredients, keep them in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Using an airtight container for your bitters and a sealed bottle for your whiskey is essential to maintain their quality and flavor over time. Ideally, store your whiskey at a stable temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C) to prevent any degradation of taste.
Additionally, avoid storing your Old Fashioned mix in areas with fluctuating temperatures, as this can affect the integrity of the ingredients. For garnishes like cherries or orange peels, refrigerate them in a sealed container to keep them fresh. Remember, proper storage not only preserves the flavor but also enhances your overall cocktail experience.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
An Old Fashioned cocktail, when prepared and stored correctly, can maintain its quality for a short period. If you mix an Old Fashioned and store it in the refrigerator, it can last for about 1-2 days before the flavors begin to fade. However, the best experience comes from enjoying it fresh, as the citrus and bitters can lose their potency over time. If you prepare the components separately, such as the whiskey, sugar, and bitters, they can last indefinitely when stored properly. Just remember to mix them just before serving for the best taste. For optimal enjoyment, it’s recommended to consume your Old Fashioned immediately after preparation.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover Old Fashioned cocktails can be repurposed in delightful ways to enhance your culinary experience. If you have a small amount left, consider using it as a flavorful marinade for meats, particularly pork or chicken, where the bitters and citrus notes can infuse a unique taste. Alternatively, you can incorporate it into a dessert sauce by simmering it down with some sugar to create a rich syrup that pairs beautifully with ice cream or pancakes.
For a creative twist, mix the leftover Old Fashioned into a fruit salad to add a hint of complexity, or use it to soak cake layers for a boozy dessert. If you have a larger quantity, consider making a batch of Old Fashioned ice cubes to chill future cocktails without diluting their flavor. These cubes can also be a fun addition to a punch bowl for gatherings, ensuring that every sip is as delicious as the first.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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