Scotch Old-Fashioned

If the whiskey old-fashioned is the dashing all-American gentleman of the cocktail world, the Scotch old-fashioned is his world-traveling cousin with a taste for smoky firesides and leather armchairs. This old-fashioned recipe takes everything you love about the classic—bitters, sugar, citrus and ice—and uses Scotch instead of bourbon, creating a drink that’s drier, deeper, and somehow both elegant and rugged. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you sit up straighter and speak in complete sentences.

So what’s the difference between Scotch and whiskey? All Scotch is whisky (notice the missing “e”), but not all whisky is Scotch. To earn the title, Scotch must be made in Scotland from malted barley and aged for at least three years, often picking up notes of smoke, peat or honey depending on the region. That character gives this Scotch old-fashioned cocktail a layer of mystery you just don’t get with sweeter American whiskies. Whether you’re a Scotch purist or just exploring beyond bourbon, this drink is the perfect way to start.

Ingredients for Scotch Old-Fashioned

• Scotch: Choose a blended Scotch for balance, or a single malt for a bolder, smokier profile. For an approachable, old-fashioned option, opt for something medium-bodied, such as Monkey Shoulder or Dewar’s 12. Peatier options, like Laphroaig or Lagavulin, can make the experience more intense.
• Orange slice: Fresh orange adds brightness and aroma. The oils from the peel balance the deep, smoky notes of the Scotch.
• Maraschino cherry: Sweet and slightly floral, a bright red maraschino cherry adds a touch of nostalgia and color to the drink. Feeling a little more fancy and a little less neon? A Luxardo cherry is a super classy addition.
• Sugar: A half teaspoon of granulated sugar or a sugar cube is all you need to sweeten the bitterness and mellow the spirit. You can also use simple syrup if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Bitters: A few dashes of bitters are the ultimate play to wake up the drink’s complexity. Classic Angostura bitters provide balance and depth.
• Ice cubes: Any ice will do, but a large clear ice cube melts more slowly, keeping your Scotch old-fashioned cocktail perfectly chilled without watering it down.
• Club soda: Just a splash adds a little lift and brings the flavors together. It softens the edges nicely with a bit of effervescence, but leave it out if you’re an old-fashioned purist.

Directions

Step 1: Muddle the fruit and sugar

In a rocks glass, muddle the orange slice, cherry, sugar and bitters until the fruits release their juices and the sugar starts to dissolve.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have one, add a muddler to your essential set of bar tools for the perfect way to combine sugar with the smashed fruit; however, the back of a small spoon can also do the job.

Step 2: Add ice, Scotch and club soda

Add the ice to the glass, then pour in the Scotch and a splash of club soda. If desired, garnish with additional orange slice and cherries.

Editor’s Tip: Add a few ice cubes or one large cube if available. Give it a gentle stir to blend everything without bruising the spirit.

Scotch Old-Fashioned Variations

• Switch up the Scotch: Try a few different Scotch styles: blended for balance, single malt for character or peated for that campfire-in-a-glass vibe.
• Keep it classic: Use bourbon for a sweeter, rounder flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla—the OG old-fashioned.
• Spice it up: Use rye whiskey for a spicier version that has a little more bite.
• Cross the sea: Irish whiskey offers smoothness and light fruitiness, making for an easy-drinking twist. Make a mezcal old-fashioned for a different type of smoky finish.
• Replace the sugar: Add a drizzle of maple syrup instead of sugar and use a peated Scotch for a dessert-worthy combo.

Scotch Old-Fashioned Tips

Can you make Scotch old-fashioneds in batches?

You can absolutely batch a Scotch old-fashioned recipe for a crowd—just skip the muddled fruit until serving. In a pitcher, combine 1 cup of Scotch, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 8 to 10 dashes of bitters. Stir until well mixed, then chill until you’re ready to serve. When it’s party time, pour over ice, top with a splash of club soda, and garnish with an orange slice and cherry. Stored covered in the fridge, the base mix will keep for up to three days.