Switching up the booze gives the classic whiskey recipe new life in this Rye Old-Fashioned! It packs a punch of bold flavor with a touch of sweetness thanks to a homemade simple syrup.
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About this Rye Old-Fashioned recipe
One thing that always surprises me is that my readers cannot get enough old-fashioned recipes. It’s easy to understand why — it’s a classic recipe that’s simple to make, and with a few swaps becomes something totally new.
Take the Rye Old-Fashioned for example. It has the same basic makings of a classic old-fashioned: whiskey, simple syrup and bitters. But rye whiskey and demerara syrup provide totally different notes than the drink you know.
This drink is approachable for even beginner bartenders and can be scaled for a crowd. If you like rye whiskey, I know you’re going to love this recipe!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s simple to make. Once you’ve gathered the ingredients, even a beginner can make this riff on the old-fashioned.
- Complex notes for a delicious drink. Rye whiskey and demerara syrup make for a drink that’s hard to forget!
- Perfect for any occasion. Dress this drink up for a special celebration or enjoy it during a quiet night at home.
Ingredients & essentials
With just a small list of ingredients, each one is essential in the flavors of the final drink.
Demerara syrup uses Demerara, a raw cane sugar, to give it a richer, more complex flavor. The resulting notes include toffee, caramel and brown sugar, which compliment the whiskey.
In this cocktail, bourbon gets the boot in favor of rye whiskey. Rye has a much more astringent flavor than bourbon, with a spicy, dry flavor. It’s a great compliment to the sweetness from the syrup. Orange bitters * add a bright contrast and keep the drink from tasting flat or overly sweet.
You’ll also need a large ice cube, which melts more slowly and keeps the drink properly diluted without watering it down. A mixing glass * and strainer are helpful, but you can also build the drink directly in a rocks glass * if preferred.
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Rye vs. bourbon
Bourbon is typically used in old-fashioneds, with a sweet and caramel-like flavor. Its mash must be produced from at least 51% corn and are aged in new, charred oak barrels. The regulations also state that, to be called bourbon, it must be made in the United States.
Rye whiskey is more bold and spicy. It uses a rye mash or a mash combination of rye and malt. The U.S. regulations stipulate that the mash must contain at least 51% rye grains in order to call it rye whiskey. However, Canadian regulations do not specify a minimum percentage of rye.
Instructions
Like most old-fashioned recipes, this one comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.
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- First, create your syrup. Combine demerara sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove your syrup from heat and let it cool completely before mixing it into your drink. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Simple syrup storage is simple. I prefer to use glass — you’ll need an airtight container like a mason jar. Keep your syrup in the fridge and use for up to one month.
- Prep your glass by adding a large ice cube, then pouring in your syrup.
- Add the rye whiskey to your glass.
- Top with a few dashes of orange bitters * (adjust based on your preference).
- Stir gently with a bar spoon until your drink is chilled.
- Add an orange zest as garnish.
- You’re ready to enjoy!
Tips & tricks
- Keep things cool. A large ice cube will melt more slowly, preventing your drink from becoming diluted.
- Stir, don’t shake. You can make your drink directly in the glass or in a mixing glass, but no shaking! Use a bar spoon * to gently combine and chill your ingredients.
- Adjust the syrup. Add more syrup if desired to reach your preferred level of sweetness.
Serving suggestions
Serve in a rocks glass with a large ice cube for the best texture and presentation. Garnish with orange zest for a simple finish or opt for dehydrated orange slices for something more elegant.
This cocktail cuts helps to balance rich flavors, making it a good pairing with cheeses, meats and sweets. It would be great with a steak dinner or alongside a baked brie.
If you have extra syrup, try it in other drinks like your morning coffee or a queens park swizzle. You can even drizzle it over pancakes or on ice cream!
FAQ
If stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, you can enjoy your demerara syrup for up to one month.
A vegetable peeler works well, but you can also use a sharp paring knife. As you peel, you want to get the orange part (the zest), but not as much of the white pith underneath, which is quite bitter. Try to get a strip that is about 1 to 1½ inches wide by 3 inches long. If you want to make it look a little neater, use a cutting board to slice off the rough sides to straighten the long edges, and at an angle on the short edges.
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Rye Old-Fashioned
ingredients
Demerara Syrup
- ½ cup demerara sugar
- ½ cup water
Rye Old-Fashioned
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- ¼ to ½ ounce demerara syrup
- 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
- 1 piece orange zest for garnish
- 1 large ice cube
instructions
Demerara Syrup
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine demerara sugar and water. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. Let cool completely.½ cup demerara sugar, ½ cup water
- Transfer to a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Rye Old-Fashioned
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine rye whiskey and demerara syrup.2 ounces rye whiskey, 1 large ice cube, ¼ to ½ ounce demerara syrup
- Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice. Add a few dashes of orange bitters over top.2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
- Garnish with a piece of orange zest.1 piece orange zest
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