This old fashioned pitcher cocktail is the perfect drink for two, and is made with bourbon, bitters and simple syrup.
When we visited northern Kentucky's New Riff Distillery, we spent the time before our tour in the bar area, where we ordered an Old Fashioned for Two.
It was a pitcher cocktail that came in a cool decanter and glass set similar to this one, and I was inspired to try the same setup at home. Here's how you can too!
What Kind of Bourbon + Bitters Should I Use?
You should use whatever your own favorite bourbon is, since there are so many subtleties in flavor that will come through in the cocktail. My bourbon of choice is Woodford Double Oaked, which has a smoky flavor. That's what is pictured here.
Maker's Mark is a great choice for a more traditional bourbon taste.
For a little extra spice, you could even use rye whiskey.
For the bitters, I find this is a nice cocktail to play with fun or unusual bitters, and we really enjoyed using a smoked chili pepper variety in it.
How to Make an Old Fashioned Pitcher Cocktail
You'll start by making a simple syrup. Some recipes just use sugar, which doesn't always dissolve that well. Spending a few extra minutes concocting a syrup makes the cocktail easier to mix.
You can use either sugar or honey in your simple syrup. Personally, I think honey makes a great old fashioned.
In the pitcher, combine 1 ounce of the simple syrup with the bourbon and bitters.
(You'll have extra syrup after making this pair of drinks, so store it in the refrigerator for later use.)
Prep the glasses by adding ice, a twist of citrus zest, and maybe a cherry.
Pour the cocktail mixture out into the two glasses, and enjoy!
I also like making this cinnamon version of the drink.
Old Fashioned (Pitcher Cocktail)
Equipment
- 2 chilled rocks glasses
- cocktail pitcher
Ingredients
Simple Syrup:
- 4 ounces sugar or honey
- 4 ounces water
Old Fashioned:
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 4 dashes bitters (~¼ teaspoon) Angostura are traditional, I love using chili bittters
- twist of lemon or orange zest Or swap for a candied orange or lemon slice
- 4 cocktail cherries (optional)
- ice I like to use large ice cubes
Instructions
Simple Syrup:
- Add the sugar (or honey) and water to a small pot. Heat over medium-low heat until the liquid is hot and beginning to steam. (There is no need to bring the syrup to a boil.)Remove syrup and set aside to cool. (I like to wait at least 10 minutes to avoid adding hot syrup to the drink.)
- Store syrup in a glass jar (or airtight container) in the fridge. Use within a month. You should have enough syrup for 8 cocktails.
Old Fashioned Pitcher Cocktail:
- In the pitcher:Add an ounce of the simple syrup, 4 ounces bourbon and 4 dashes of bitters to a cocktail pitcher.In chilled rocks glasses:Add ice to each rocks glass. Twist the lemon or orange zest over the glass, then drop it into the glass. (Alternatively, skip the zest and add a candied lemon or orange slice.)Optionally, add a cocktail cherry to each glass.
- To serve, pour the cocktail mixture from the pitcher into the two rocks glasses.
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