How to Make an Old Fashioned with Supermarket Whisky

An Old Fashioned is one of the world's easiest cocktails to master — and it's also one of the most forgiving when it comes to spirit choice. A quality Old Fashioned relies on technique, not expensive bottles. Most supermarket whiskies (from around £12–£18) contain all the flavour you need.

The magic is in the sugar, bitters, and the way you build the drink. Even a standard blended Scotch or Irish whisky from Tesco transforms into something genuinely impressive in an Old Fashioned glass.

Quick answer

Dissolve a sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon sugar) with 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters in an Old Fashioned glass, add a large ice cube, pour 50ml of supermarket whisky, stir for 30 seconds, and twist orange peel over the top. That's it — no shaker needed.

Why supermarket whisky works brilliantly for Old Fashioneds

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktail formats on record, and it was originally designed as a way to enjoy a good pour of spirit without complication. The drink's structure — sugar, bitters, spirit, ice — is specifically engineered to highlight whisky's natural flavours while smoothing out any rough edges.

Supermarket whiskies like Johnnie Walker Red Label, Glen Moray Classic, or own-brand Scotch from Sainsbury's all have the body and char notes that shine in this cocktail. The sugar dissolves into the spirit and creates a silky mouthfeel. The bitters add depth and spice. The ice cools everything down and lets the flavours settle.

You're not trying to impress with rarity or age statement here — you're building a balanced, flavourful drink. A £15 bottle of blended Scotch will deliver exactly that.

Ingredients you actually need

• 50ml supermarket whisky (Johnnie Walker Red, Glen Moray, or any blended Scotch or Irish whisky)
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon caster sugar)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters (usually £4–£6 from any supermarket)
• 1 large ice cube or 4–5 regular cubes
• 1 orange (for peel)

That's genuinely all you need. Angostura bitters are a one-time purchase that lasts for months. You probably have sugar at home already. The orange is optional but transforms the drink with aroma and oils.

Step-by-step method (no shaker)

1. Add sugar and bitters to a tumbler glass. Place a sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass (or a rocks glass — any 250ml tumbler works). Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the sugar.

2. Add a splash of water. Pour about 15ml of cold water into the glass (or just a small splash). You're dissolving the sugar, not making a cocktail yet.

3. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Use a bar spoon or a regular teaspoon and stir slowly for 20–30 seconds. The sugar will break down and mix with the bitters and water, creating a gentle syrup.

4. Add ice. Drop in 1 large ice cube (or 4–5 regular cubes). Large ice melts more slowly and keeps your drink cold without over-diluting it.

5. Pour the whisky. Add 50ml of your supermarket whisky. No need to measure precisely — just pour to about 2 fingers' height in the glass.

6. Stir for 30 seconds. Stir slowly and deliberately. You're not rushing. This is part of the ritual and also ensures everything blends smoothly.

7. Express and garnish. Cut a strip of orange peel (roughly 4cm long), twist it over the glass so the oils spray across the drink, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.

The best supermarket whiskies for an Old Fashioned (under £20)

You don't have to guess. Here are proven options you'll find in any UK supermarket:

• Johnnie Walker Red Label (£13–£15): The classic choice. Balanced, approachable, with just enough smoke. Works every time.
• Glen Moray Classic (£14–£16): Slightly sweeter, with good vanilla notes. Exceptional value.
• Own-brand Scotch (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda; £12–£14): Often made by regional distilleries. Genuinely good and half the price of branded bottles.
• Bushmills Irish Whiskey (£13–£15): If you prefer Irish whisky. Slightly lighter but still creates a lovely Old Fashioned.
• Grants Triple Wood (£12–£14): A blended Scotch with a bit of oak character. Superb in a cocktail.

Any of these will make you a genuinely impressive drink. Buy whichever is on offer.

Pro tips for nailing it every time

Use the right glass. An Old Fashioned glass (also called a rocks glass) is short and sturdy, around 250ml. It's designed for this drink. A regular tumbler works, but the proper glass makes it feel more special.

Invest in one large ice cube mould. They're about £5 from John Lewis or Amazon. A single large cube melts slowly and keeps your drink cold without watering it down. Absolutely worth it if you make drinks regularly.

Don't skip the orange peel. That twist of citrus oil is not decoration — it's flavour. It adds brightness and aroma that balances the whisky and bitters beautifully.

Chill your glass beforehand. Fill it with ice water and let it sit while you prepare the sugar mixture. It only takes a minute and makes a real difference to the final drink's temperature.

Taste as you go. The beauty of an Old Fashioned is that you can adjust it. If it feels too sweet, add an extra dash of bitters. Too strong? A tiny splash more water. You're in charge.

How this fits into home bartending

An Old Fashioned is the foundation of good home bartending. It teaches you everything: how to balance spirits, sugar, and bitters; how to chill and stir properly; how to think about ice; how to use fresh citrus. Master this drink, and you can build almost any cocktail.

It's also the drink that works best when you're hosting. It doesn't require shaking, doesn't need multiple bottles, and looks sophisticated in a tumbler with a cube of ice and a twist of orange. Pour it slowly, stir thoughtfully, and people notice. It's theatre without pretence.

If you're exploring beyond the Old Fashioned, browse our guide to whisky cocktails or check out bourbon cocktails for more classic templates. You can also use The Cocktail Pub's AI generator to discover drinks based on what spirits you have at home.

Shopping list for a complete home bar setup

If you're building a small home bar specifically for Old Fashioneds and similar classic drinks, here's what to get:

• 1 bottle of supermarket whisky (£12–£18)
• Angostura bitters (£4–£6)
• 1 rocks glass (£3–£8 for a good one)
• 1 bar spoon or long teaspoon (already have this)
• 1 large ice cube mould (£4–£6)
• Fresh oranges (for peel; usually 50p each)

Total investment: under £40 for a setup that will make you perfect Old Fashioneds for months. You can pick up Angostura bitters and a decent rocks glass from Master of Malt or any major supermarket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any whisky from the supermarket?

Yes. Blended Scotch, Irish whisky, or even American whiskey (if your supermarket stocks it) all work. Avoid heavily peated Islay whiskies though — they can overpower the drink. Stick to the standard, accessible bottles and you'll be fine.

What if I don't have a sugar cube?

Use ½ teaspoon of caster sugar or demerara sugar. Caster dissolves faster. You can also use simple syrup if you have it (about ½ teaspoon). The drink is just as good — the sugar cube is traditional but not essential.

Do I really need Angostura bitters?

Yes. It's not optional. Bitters are what lift an Old Fashioned from a diluted whisky to a proper cocktail. They add spice, depth, and complexity. A bottle costs under £6 and lasts for months. It's the single best investment for home cocktail making.

How much ice should I use?

One large ice cube is ideal. If you only have regular cubes, use 4–5 of them. The aim is to chill the drink without over-diluting it. More ice equals slower melting and a better-balanced final drink.

What's the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Whisky Smash?

An Old Fashioned is just spirit, sugar, bitters, ice, and citrus peel. A Whisky Smash adds fresh mint and is shaken or muddled. Both are excellent, but the Old Fashioned is simpler and lets the whisky shine through more clearly.

Can I make a batch of Old Fashioneds for a party?

Not really. Old Fashioneds are best made individually and stirred fresh. You can pre-batch the sugar-and-bitters mixture in a bottle (it keeps for weeks), but the whisky, ice, and stirring need to happen in front of your guests. That's part of the charm.

Should I use ice water or plain water to dissolve the sugar?

Either works. Cold water is slightly better because it cools the drink from the start. But plain cold water from the tap is fine. The amount is so small that it barely affects the final flavour.

Conclusion

An Old Fashioned made with supermarket whisky is proof that great cocktails don't depend on premium spirits or fancy equipment. They depend on understanding the fundamentals: balance, proportion, temperature, and technique.

Pick up a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label or any own-brand Scotch from your local Tesco or Sainsbury's, grab some Angostura bitters, and you have everything you need to make drinks that rival anything you'd order in a pub. The whole process takes three minutes and costs less than a pint.

If you're keen to explore more classic cocktails with similar simplicity, check out our bartending guides and cocktail journal. Or dive into The Cocktail Pub's AI generator to discover recipes tailored to whatever spirits you have in your cupboard right now.

Recipes by spirit

Browse cocktail ideas on The Cocktail Pub:

• Whisky cocktails — classic recipes and ideas
• Bourbon cocktails — classic recipes and ideas

More guides in the journal or use the AI generator.