Strawberry Old-Fashioned Cocktail
This strawberry old-fashioned cocktail is a simple drink to make for a summer evening. It’s got the traditional old-fashioned flavor with a strawberry twist. This is one of my favorite strawberry recipes to make to beat the summer heat.
Strawberry Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Old-fashioned glass (aka the rocks glass)
- 1 Small fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 strawberries halved
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon water
Garnish
- orange peel
- 1 strawberry sliced in half
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Instructions
- Combine. Combine 2 halved strawberries and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. The sugar will draw out the juices from the strawberries
- Strain. Place a mesh strainer over a rocks glass. Press the strawberries through the strainer with the back of a spoon to strain the juice into the glass. You can throw out the leftover strawberries.
- Assemble. Add ice, 2 ounces of bourbon, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1 teaspoon of water over the ice. Stir gently.
- Garnish and Serve. Garnish with orange peel twists and a strawberry.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries.
- Make sure to use a high-quality bourbon.
Even though this is simple, take the extra time to let the strawberries sit with the sugar. The sugar pulls out the juice to make a syrup without heat, keeping the strawberry flavor fresh. Easier and better than making a simple syrup on the stovetop.
A fine mesh strainer will keep the pulp and seeds out. Just press gently.
Tips for The Best Strawberry Old Fashioned
Use room temperature strawberries. Cold berries from the fridge won’t release their juices as well. Let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before starting.
Give the strawberries time. Those 5 minutes matter – they’re essential for getting good flavor. If your strawberries aren’t very sweet or juicy, give them an extra minute or two.
Stir carefully. Gentle but thorough stirring combines the flavors without diluting the drink too much. About 10-15 seconds is just right.
Use a large ice cube if you have one. It melts more slowly, keeping your drink cold without watering it down.
Ingredients and Equipment
Bourbon: The foundation of your cocktail. You don’t need the most expensive bottle, but avoid the cheapest options. A mid-range bourbon works great with strawberries.
Fresh strawberries: These make or break your drink. In-season berries are worth seeking out. Look for fully red berries with no white parts.
Angostura bitters: These add complexity and depth. Don’t skip them—they’re what makes this a proper old fashioned.
Rocks glass (aka old fashioned glass): The wide opening lets you smell the drink as you sip, which improves the flavor. So they say.
Mesh strainer: A small strainer keeps seeds and pulp out of your drink.
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More Twists on This Classic Cocktail Recipe
- Try this with fresh peaches in late summer, or a blackberry old-fashioned for a deeper flavor.
- While bourbon is traditional, a good aged rum works well too.
- Add a sprig of fresh thyme or basil when the strawberries sit with the sugar.
- For a special touch, try rimming the glass with sugar.
I hope you enjoy this simple old-fashioned drink with a twist.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.