Looking to master the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail at home? Well you’ve come to the right place. We asked Jack Keelan , a mixologist from Clancy’s Bar, one of Cork’s most iconic spots for classic cocktails plus rooftop views to share his go-to recipe for this timeless drink.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet evening in, this simple Old Fashioned recipe brings the smooth, smoky flavour of Clancy’s straight to your glass. Here, you’ll find a step-by-step method, expert tips on what to do (and what not to do), and a little history behind one of the world’s most iconic cocktails.
Plus, we’ve included a tip on how to add Clancy’s signature smoky twist with a cocktail smoking kit for that extra wow factor.
“Hi, I’m Jack, Head Mixologist at Clancy’s Bar in Cork City. If you’ve ever joined us for a drink on Princess Street or soaked in the views from our famous rooftop bar, you know we love our cocktails classic, creative, and full of character. Today, I’m sharing a timeless recipe that never goes out of style — the Old Fashioned. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this easy recipe will bring a touch of Clancy’s to your home bar. Let’s stir things up
A Little History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is widely regarded as one of the very first cocktails ever created. Its roots trace all the way back to 1806, when a newspaper defined a cocktail as a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters — exactly what you’ll find in an Old Fashioned. Over the decades, it’s become a symbol of refined simplicity and a staple in cocktail culture worldwide.
The name “Old Fashioned” came into use as bartenders in the late 19th century began making drinks in the “old-fashioned” way, resisting the trend of more complex, modern concoctions.
How to Make an Old Fashioned Cocktail at Home
Ingredients:
- 60ml of your favourite whiskey (bourbon or rye are traditional)
- 10ml sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
- 3–4 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Ice (cubed or one large cube)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Optional: cocktail smoking kit for that Clancy’s signature touch
Tools:
- Mixing glass
- Whiskey tumbler
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Peeler
Method:
- Chill your whiskey tumbler with some ice.
- In your mixing glass, pour 60ml of whiskey.
- Add 10ml sugar syrup (you can make this by dissolving equal parts sugar and boiling water).
- Add 3–4 dashes of Angostura bitters, adjusting to taste.
- Add cubed ice and stir well using your bar spoon until the mixture is chilled — not too long, or it’ll get too diluted.
- Discard the ice from your tumbler and replace it with fresh ice (one large cube is ideal).
- Strain the mixture into your prepared tumbler over the ice.
- Take your orange peel, express the oils over the glass, then drop it in for garnish.
Optional: Smoke It Like Clancy’s
At Clancy’s, we give our Old Fashioned a smoky finish using a blowtorch and wooden staves from local whiskey breweries. At home, you can achieve a similar effect with a cocktail smoking kit — many are available online and add a fun, aromatic flair to your drinks.
Want to taste the real deal? Visit Clancy’s Bar Cork on Princess Street
