Few cocktails carry the same weight of history and sophistication as the Old Fashioned. It is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a symbol of elegance, and one of the earliest recorded cocktails in American history.

The Old Fashioned traces its roots back to the early 1800s, when the word “cocktail” first came into fashion to describe a simple mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This was a time before elaborate garnishes and exotic liqueurs—just a straightforward balance of strength and sweetness.

By the mid-19th century, bartenders began experimenting, adding absinthe, curacao, or other embellishments. Traditionalists, however, resisted the trend and would ask for their drink made the “old-fashioned” way. The name stuck, and the Old Fashioned became a cornerstone of classic mixology.

In the 20th century, the drink gained renewed fame, especially in Midwestern supper clubs and later in pop culture through Mad Men, where Don Draper’s go-to order introduced the Old Fashioned to a new generation. Today, it remains the epitome of a “proper cocktail”—simple, refined, and endlessly adaptable.

The Old Fashioned has survived centuries of changing tastes because of its versatility and elegance. Whether you prefer the bold spice of rye, the smooth sweetness of bourbon, or even a modern variation with smoked glassware or flavored bitters, the drink remains timeless.

It’s more than just a cocktail—it’s a living piece of history in every sip.