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Two cocktails are on a date and the New Yorker said to the Old Fashioned: What don’t we need more of in this town?

“What”? Said the New Yorker.

The Old Fashioned replied: Bitters. The Bitters.

Close up shot of an old fashioned cocktail in a low ball glass.

The old fashioned is very, well, old fashioned! And let’s just say you’re totally normal and don’t have a fully stocked bar cart, you probably don’t have bitters. I find myself in this situation more often than not. I’ve found that you don’t need bitters. So, let’s not waste time, let’s make an Old Fashioned Without Bitters!

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What ingredients do you need to make an old fashioned without bitters?
Can you make an Old Fashioned Without Bitters?
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Old Fashioned Without Bitters

Overhead shot of an old fashioned cocktail in a low ball glass with garnishes.

What ingredients do you need to make an old fashioned without bitters?

Bourbon: because we’re making an Old Fashioned. While this may not be that “classic” bite-you-back version, we’re still using the main ingredient.

Fresh OJ: since we’re not using bitters, we need to add something fresh and when paired with a good bourbon you’re not going to miss it one bit (the bitters). And some orange peel, for garnish (if you wish!).

Maple syrup: for some natural sweetness and flavor.

Maraschino cherry syrup: for some extra flavor. And some cherries for garnish if you wish!

Can you make an Old Fashioned Without Bitters?

Yes, and it’s so simple! Let me guide you through the process.

First, we’re going to grab some ice and place it into a low ball glass (or any glass that you have).

Then, we’re going to add the bourbon, fresh OJ, maple syrup, and maraschino cherry juice.

Process shot of bourbon going into a low ball glass to make an old fashioned.

Process shot of the garnishes being put into an old fashioned.

Give it a gentle stir, not too much.

Finally, garnish with an orange peel, cherries, or skip this step and go straight to drinking it.

Old fashioned cocktail overhead hero shot.

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Old Fashioned Without Bitters

While this cocktail may be "Old Fashioned", we're giving it a modern twist. Making it without bitters, but still giving it that "Old Fashioned" spicy, bourbon-y taste.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Beverage, Cocktail

Cuisine American, Cocktails

Servings person

Calories 179 kcal

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
½ oz orange juice freshly squeezed, plus peel for garnish
½ oz maple syrup *pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup
1-3 drops maraschino cherry syrup plus cherries for garnish

Instructions

To a low ball glass, add a large ice cube or handfull of ice.
Add the bourbon, fresh orange juice, maple syrup, and drops of maraschino cherry juice.
Give it a gentle stir.
Garnish with cherries and an orange peel (if desired). Serve immediately.