Strawberry Old Fashioned
Celebrate fresh produce with these sweet, well balanced Strawberry Old Fashioned. Make a homemade strawberry simple syrup first, then use it to sweeten this twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, which is sweeter than the original.
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It still feels like summer here in Texas, so I’m not going to apologize for sharing this Strawberry Old Fashioned recipe, even if everyone is beginning to think about pumpkin spice.
Old Fashioneds are a favorite in our house. They’re classic, strong and delicious, assuming you like whiskey. But sometimes, you (read: I) want something a little different, which is why this strawberry version was born.
We’re huge strawberry fans. (Fun fact: I ate them by the carton when I was pregnant with our older daughter, and both kids love ’em.) So it made sense to try to infuse strawberry into this classic cocktail.
Please note that we are not using an orange peel as a garnish, a dash of angostura bitters or even a large cube of sugar. This is truly a departure from the original, but it is fantastic, in my opinion.
Why I love this recipe:
This is NOT a light and fruity strawberry cocktail recipe. You can absolutely taste the whiskey.
But the strawberry simple syrup takes the edge off the burn of that whiskey and helps it go down easy. In fact, it goes down so smooth that you might want to stick to just one.
This is a summery twist on a drink we already love, and it’s one you absolutely should try before strawberry season is officially gone.
More strawberry cocktail recipes to try: Strawberry Margarita | Strawberry French Monaco Drink | Strawberry Moscow Mule | Strawberry Daiquiri
What you need to make this recipe:
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- Liquid measuring cup
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and/or kitchen scale
- Mason jar
- Sphere ice molds
- Old fashioned glasses (or another glass of your choosing, like these ones I used)
- Jigger or mini angled measuring cup
- Muddler
- Cocktail spoon
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here is what you need to get from the store and the liquor store:
- Water — this is necessary to make the simple syrup, as well as the drink itself. You can use tap or bottled water.
- Granulated sugar — also known as white sugar, this is our sweetener for the simple syrup. There is no replacement.
- Strawberries — you need these for the simple syrup, as well as one to muddle in the drink. Use the freshest, sweetest strawberries you can get your hands on. You can also use frozen strawberries that have been defrosted.
- Whiskey — use something you truly enjoy, as you will taste the whiskey in this drink!
How to make Strawberry Simple Syrup
This is a necessary step before we work on the cocktail below! This is what provides the sweetness, as well as bonus strawberry flavor.
Mix the ingredients. Measure the water, granulated sugar and sliced strawberries into a saucepan.
Warm it up. Heat the pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Bring to a simmer and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
Cool it down. Remove from the heat, and bring to room temperature.
Strain it using a fine mesh strainer into a mason jar. Store in the refrigerator or use immediately.
how to store:
Once the syrup has been strained, transfer it to a mason jar, an airtight container or a fun glass jar, like these glass jars.* (affiliate link)
Keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
You can also freeze simple syrup. If you want to make a big batch of this during the summer months when gorgeous, ripe peaches are abundant, follow this tutorial to freeze some for the rest of the year.
How to make a Strawberry Old Fashioned
Mise en place. Remove the stem from the strawberry. Get all the ingredients out of their spots.
Muddle the strawberry. Place the berry into the glass, and measure in some water. Muddle until it’s broken down.
Add the ice to the glass.
Pour in the remaining ingredients. Add the whiskey and strawberry simple syrup to the glass.
Stir to combine, and then enjoy immediately!
Quick tips and tricks to the best strawberry cocktails:
- Use the freshest berries. Fresh strawberries are sweeter, so use those. If you cannot find fresh berries that are sweet, defrost some frozen strawberries and use those instead.
- Make the simple syrup in advance. Since this can chill for up to a week, you can make it early and enjoy whenever you want!
- Use your favorite whiskey. This is a whiskey-forward drink, so you’ll be able to taste it.
Curious about making a Strawberry Old Fashioned cocktail at home?
This is how you can do it…
Strawberry Old Fashioned
EQUIPMENT
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 1 ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
Strawberry Old Fashioned
- 2 oz. whiskey
- 1 oz. strawberry simple syrup (recipe above)
- 1 oz. water
- 1 strawberry muddled
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Instructions
Make the Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Measure 1 ½ cup water, 1 ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 cup strawberries into a saucepan.
- Heat the pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Bring to a simmer and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from the heat, and bring to room temperature.
Make the Strawberry Old Fashioned
- In a old fashioned glass, measure in 1 oz. water and 1 strawberry. Muddle the strawberry.
- Add a cocktail ice cube, if desired.
- Pour in 2 oz. whiskey and 1 oz. strawberry simple syrup.
- Stir until combined, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
Yes! I turn to an Old Fashioned more than any other cocktail, and I love this great summer twist. I’ll definitely give it a try (and I love it served in those goblets)!
What a great take on a classic cocktail! 🙂 Love the addition of strawberries.
Aside from beer of course, I am OBSESSED with bourbon/whiskey. These are right up my alley! Yum!
This is absolutely a must try! Great way to enjoy strawberries! 😀
These would be a hit at my house! Yum!
Oh my goodness. I have been bad about blog comments and I just realized I never formally thanked you for writing this post and sharing my bar guide! You are the bomb, and I am so glad you liked the book. I love the way you modified the classic old-fashioned with strawberries! How delightfully refreshing. Cheers to you, friend! Thank you so much for your support. <3