Imagine this: you’re at a cozy bar, the low lights are just right, and you order a classic Old Fashioned. The bartender expertly muddled, stirred, and then – the syrup. That simple ingredient can make or break the whole drink. But walk into any store, and the syrup aisle can feel like a maze. So many bottles, so many promises of the “perfect” flavor. It can be a little overwhelming, right?
Choosing the right Old Fashioned syrup can feel like a mission. You want that rich, balanced taste, but sometimes you end up with something too sweet, too bitter, or just… off. It’s a common frustration for anyone who loves this iconic cocktail. You might wonder if there’s a secret to getting it just right, or if you’re doomed to endless trial and error.
But don’t worry! We’re here to guide you through the wonderful world of Old Fashioned syrups. In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great syrup, explore different types, and help you find the perfect match for your taste buds. Get ready to elevate your home cocktail game and impress your friends with every sip.
Top Old Fashioned Syrup Recommendations
- Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup from Woodford Reserve
- Just add bourbon for a perfect cocktail!
- Natural cherry and orange flavor combined with bitters and raw demerara sugar
- EASY TO MAKE! Pour 30 ml of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, add 10 ml of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup, stir, add ice and garnish - that's all you need to make a great Old Fashioned!
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixes.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is a staple for your bar cart or a great addition to an old fashioned cocktail kit gift set.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixes.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- Premium Cocktail Mix: Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix features real bitters and cane sugar, offering a gourmet Traditional flavor perfect for crafting high-quality cocktails at home
- Handcrafted Syrup: Enjoy the rich, handcrafted quality of our cocktail syrup, made to enhance your bartending skills with its unique and delicious flavor profiles
- Easy to Make: Create fast and easy craft cocktails with our syrup. Just mix with your favorite Bourbon, Whiskey, or Rye for a quick, professional-grade Old Fashioned
- Versatile Ingredient: Ideal for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, our natural syrups are perfect for cocktails or mocktails
- Generous Size: The 16oz bottle ensures you have enough mix for multiple servings, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or enjoying drinks at home
- Premium Ingredients: Made with organic cane sugar and natural aromatic bitters, our syrup provides the perfect balance of sweetness and depth needed for the classic cocktail.
- Easy to Use: Simplify your cocktail making with our syrup. Just add 2 oz of your favorite whiskey to each spoonful of syrup, stir, and optionally garnish with an orange peel to create a delicious Old Fashioned. Makes 64 servings.
- Quick and Consistent: Ideal for entertaining or a relaxed evening at home, our syrup allows you to whip up consistent, high-quality cocktails without the fuss of multiple ingredients.
- Premium Cocktail Mix: Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix features real bitters and cane sugar, offering a gourmet Orange flavor perfect for crafting high-quality cocktails at home
- Handcrafted Syrup: Enjoy the rich, handcrafted quality of our cocktail syrup, made to enhance your bartending skills with its unique and delicious flavor profiles
- Easy to Make: Create fast and easy craft cocktails with our syrup. Just mix with your favorite Bourbon, Whiskey, or Rye for a quick, professional-grade Old Fashioned
- Versatile Ingredient: Ideal for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, our natural syrups are perfect for cocktails or mocktails
- Generous Size: The 16oz bottle ensures you have enough mix for multiple servings, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or enjoying drinks at home
- Classic Bar-Quality Taste at Home: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is a premium cocktail mixer that brings the authentic taste of a classic Old Fashioned to your glass; This expertly crafted Old Fashioned mixes delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it an ideal choice for whiskey lovers; Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mixologist, this cocktail mix ensures a smooth, flavorful drink every time, perfect for any occasion
- Perfect Flavor Profile: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix offers a well-rounded taste profile with the flavor intensity; This cocktail mixer blends cherry, citrus, and bitters to create a smooth, rich taste, making it the ideal Old Fashioned mix for whiskey lovers; Whether you use it as a bar mix or for classic Old Fashioneds, it adds depth and complexity without overpowering your drink
- Made with Quality Ingredients: Made with water, pure cane sugar, and honey, delivering a naturally sweet, smooth flavor; Infused with natural flavors and colored with vegetable juice, this cocktail mixes provides an authentic taste without artificial additives; Free from GMOs, this Old Fashion mix is perfect for those who value clean, high-quality drink mixers crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Mix it Your Way: This Old Fashion cocktail mix is perfect for more than just classic Old Fashioneds; use it as an alcohol mixers for a variety of whiskey-based drinks or as an Old Fashion mixer for bourbon; Whether you’re crafting a traditional cocktail or experimenting with new recipes, this mix enhances any drink with its smooth, authentic flavor, making it a must-have for your home bar
- Package Details: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix - 12.7 oz Bottle (Pack of 1)
Old Fashioned Syrup: Your Guide to Sweet Perfection
Old fashioned syrup, also known as simple syrup, is a liquid sweetener. It’s just sugar and water mixed together. This syrup is super useful for many things. It makes drinks sweeter and smoother. It’s also great for baking and desserts. Let’s dive into what makes a good old fashioned syrup.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out old fashioned syrup, a few things matter.
1. Sweetness Level
- Basic Simple Syrup: This is usually a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. It’s not too sweet. It mixes easily.
- Rich Simple Syrup: This syrup uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. It’s sweeter. It has a thicker texture. It adds more flavor.
2. Flavor Infusions
Some syrups have added flavors. These make them special.
- Vanilla Bean: This adds a warm, comforting taste. It’s good for coffee and desserts.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a bright, fresh flavor. It’s great for cocktails.
- Herbs: Mint or rosemary can give a unique twist. They are good for drinks and savory dishes.
3. Ingredients
Good syrup uses simple, quality ingredients.
- Sugar Type: White granulated sugar is common. It makes a clean, sweet taste. Brown sugar adds a caramel note.
- Water Quality: Filtered water is best. It makes the syrup taste pure.
Important Materials
What goes into making good old fashioned syrup?
- Sugar: This is the main ingredient. It provides the sweetness.
- Water: This dissolves the sugar. It creates the syrup liquid.
- Flavorings (Optional): These add extra taste. Think vanilla beans, fruit peels, or herbs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make your syrup better or worse.
- Ratio of Sugar to Water: The right ratio is important. Too little sugar makes it watery. Too much sugar can make it too thick or crystallize.
- Heating Process: Gently heating helps the sugar dissolve completely. Boiling it too long can change the flavor.
- Storage: Keeping syrup in a clean, sealed container helps it last. Storing it in the fridge slows down spoilage.
- Contamination: Using dirty utensils or containers can spoil the syrup. This can make it grow mold or bacteria.
User Experience and Use Cases
Old fashioned syrup is very versatile.
- Cocktails: It’s a must-have for many mixed drinks. It sweetens without leaving grainy sugar. Think Old Fashioneds, Mojitos, and Daiquiris.
- Coffee and Tea: Add a touch of sweetness to your hot or cold beverages. Flavored syrups can make your drinks extra special.
- Desserts: Drizzle it over cakes, pancakes, or waffles. It adds moisture and sweetness.
- Baking: Use it in recipes that need a liquid sweetener. It helps create tender cakes and cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is old fashioned syrup?
A: Old fashioned syrup is a simple liquid sweetener made from sugar and water. It is also called simple syrup.
Q: Why is it called “old fashioned”?
A: It’s called “old fashioned” because it’s a traditional way to sweeten drinks and foods. It’s been used for a long time.
Q: What is the difference between basic and rich simple syrup?
A: Basic simple syrup uses a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, while rich simple syrup uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. Rich syrup is sweeter and thicker.
Q: Can I make old fashioned syrup at home?
A: Yes, you can easily make it at home. You just need sugar, water, and a saucepan.
Q: How long does old fashioned syrup last?
A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for several weeks. Basic simple syrup lasts about 2-4 weeks, and rich simple syrup can last for months.
Q: What kind of sugar should I use?
A: White granulated sugar is most common. You can also use brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I add flavors to my old fashioned syrup?
A: Absolutely! You can add things like vanilla beans, citrus peels, or herbs while heating the syrup to infuse them.
Q: How do I store old fashioned syrup?
A: Store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps it stay fresh longer.
Q: What drinks is old fashioned syrup good for?
A: It’s great for cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Mojitos, as well as sweetening coffee, tea, and other beverages.
Q: Will old fashioned syrup make my drinks grainy?
A: No, it won’t. Because the sugar is dissolved in water, it mixes smoothly into your drinks without leaving any grittiness.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!