Having a classic cocktail on the menu is a must-have for any gathering or party you’re hosting. While margaritas, classic martinis and mimosas are great go-to cocktails, there’s nothing like sipping on a good old-fashioned cocktail. Between the rich oak and vanilla notes of the whiskey and the fruitness of the fruit garnish, the Old Fashioned has become a classic and staple American cocktail over the years, showing up on just about every bar and restaurant menu.

The best thing about this classic cocktail is the flavors, and there are only a few ingredients that bring this delicious drink to life. But, in order to make this drink, you’ll want some of the best and top-notch ingredients. Fresh fruit is obviously the way to go for your garnish, but having high-quality whiskey and a nice cocktail glass can bring this drink up the extra mile.

If you’re looking to make the most delicious Old Fashioned cocktail for yourself, your guests or the people closest to you, here’s the best whiskey that you can use for a rich and smooth taste.

The Best Whiskey for Old Fashioned Cocktails

Angel’s Envy Rye Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks

With a sweet and spicy tang, Angel’s Envy Rye is the best whiskey for Old Fashioned cocktails. This whiskey spends 18 months finishing in Caribbean rum casks to get that smooth flavor. The caramel and vanilla notes in the alcohol make for a great cocktail or by itself on the rock.

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

For a sweeter and lighter whiskey, the Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the best for the Old Fashioned Cocktail. This whiskey has notes of peppermint, honey, apricot and cinnamon, so it balances the perfect fruit flavor in the cocktail.

Knob Creek 7-Year Rye Whiskey

Balanced with a spicy black pepper taste and a sweet vanilla and caramel flavoring, this blend is one of the best bottles of whiskey for Old Fashioned cocktails. True to its name, this is aged in barrels for seven years to give it the perfect flavor profiling.

Woodinville Straight Rye Whiskey

For a sweet Old Fashioned cocktail with a smooth taste, the Woodinville Straight Rye is the best whiskey to go with. Adding hints of caramel, fruit, chocolate, vanilla and honey to your palate, this whiskey is perfect on the rocks and in any cocktail.

WhistlePig 18-Year Double Malt Rye Whiskey

For those with expensive taste, try the WhistlePig 18 Year Double Malt Rye Whiskey for your Old Fashioned cocktail. This $649 whiskey is aged for 18 years, giving it a rich and savory flavor. With notes of berries, nutmeg, florals, vanilla and oak, this whiskey has a sweet palate with a spicy finish.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Cocktail

What You’ll Need:

• Whiskey
• 2-3 Dashes of Bitters
• Sugar
• Water
• Orange Peel (for garnish)
• Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)

This classic and simple cocktail only requires 6 ingredients to create a perfectly balanced drink. Start by mixing your sugar, bitters and water in a shaker until the sugar dissolves. Add ice to your shaker, then add your whiskey and shake until it’s fully chilled. Pour over ice in a cocktail glass and garnish with and orange peel and a maraschino cherry.