Gather all ingredients.
Pour simple syrup, water, and bitters into a whiskey glass; stir to combine.
Add ice cubes and pour in bourbon.
Garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Enjoy!
An old fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail with bitters, simple syrup, and fruit. Experts believe the drink is called the "old fashioned" because it's one of the first widely known cocktails ever. The name comes from people ordering the drink the "old-fashioned way.
Choose a bourbon with a strong, bold, and balanced flavor. You don't have to spring for a top shelf bottle if you don't want to, but avoid using anything you wouldn't want to sip by itself.