Imagine a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned, its rich amber hue promising a symphony of flavors. But what if the syrup you choose turns your classic cocktail into a disappointment? Many home bartenders face this very problem. You want that smooth, balanced sweetness, but the sheer variety of syrups can be overwhelming. Do you go with a simple syrup, a demerara syrup, or something else entirely? Picking the wrong one can leave your drink tasting too sweet, too bitter, or just…off.
This post is here to help you navigate the sweet world of Old Fashioned syrups. We’ll break down what makes a great syrup and why it’s the unsung hero of this iconic drink. You’ll learn how to choose the perfect syrup to elevate your next cocktail, turning an ordinary evening into something special. Get ready to discover the secrets to a truly delicious Old Fashioned, one sip at a time.
Our Top 5 Old Fashioned Syrup Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Old Fashioned Syrup Detailed Reviews
1. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of guessing how to make the perfect Old Fashioned? Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix takes the guesswork out of it! This special syrup is crafted to make your favorite whiskey cocktail taste amazing every time. It’s packed with great flavors from organic cherries, orange zest, and warming spices. You just need to add your favorite bourbon or whiskey. It’s a simple way to enjoy a fancy drink at home.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to make a delicious Old Fashioned.
- The flavor is well-balanced, with a nice mix of sweet and tart from the cherries and orange.
- It’s a Good Foods Award Finalist, meaning experts think it’s really good.
- Made with organic ingredients like cherries and demerara sugar.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free, so more people can enjoy it.
- The bottle makes about 32 cocktails, so it lasts a while.
What Could Be Improved:
- Once opened, it should be used within 3-4 months, so you can’t store it for too long.
If you love Old Fashioneds but want an easy way to make them taste great, this mix is a winner. It’s a simple step to impress your friends or just treat yourself to a delicious drink.
2. Woodford Reserve Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup
Rating: 8.7/10
The Woodford Reserve Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup, Cherry, Orange, Bitters Flavoured is your shortcut to a fantastic Old Fashioned. This syrup brings all the key flavors together in one easy-to-use bottle. You get the sweet taste of natural cherry and orange, perfectly blended with the subtle kick of bitters. It’s all sweetened with raw demerara sugar, giving it that classic cocktail taste.
What We Like:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, making an Old Fashioned is now as simple as pouring. You just add bourbon, stir, and enjoy.
- Great Flavor: The cherry, orange, and bitters flavors are well-balanced. It tastes like a professionally made cocktail.
- Convenient: No need to buy separate ingredients like bitters, sugar cubes, and fruit garnishes. This syrup has it all.
- Consistent Results: Every drink you make will taste the same, a perfect Old Fashioned every time.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Made with natural flavors and good quality sugar.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price: While convenient, it might be a bit pricier than buying individual ingredients if you already have them.
- Less Control: You can’t adjust the sweetness or bitterness as much as you can when making it from scratch.
This syrup makes crafting a delicious Old Fashioned incredibly simple. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a classic cocktail without the fuss.
3. Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Old Fashioned Syrup – More Complex than Bitters & Simple Syrup
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to shake up your home bar with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This isn’t just another syrup; it’s a handcrafted cocktail mixer made by bartenders for serious flavor. It brings complexity to your drinks that simple syrup and bitters just can’t match.
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by Bartenders: Made with real ingredients by people who know cocktails.
- Award-Winning Taste: Recognized by Garden & Gun and the Specialty Food Association for its quality.
- Bourbon Barrel Aged: Aged in Willett bourbon barrels, adding deep flavors and oak notes.
- Super Easy to Use: Just add your favorite aged spirit and stir for a perfect Old Fashioned.
- No Artificial Stuff: Uses natural ingredients like gentian root, cinchona bark, and fresh orange peel.
- Versatile for Mocktails: Can also be used to create delicious non-alcoholic drinks.
- Makes Lots of Cocktails: One bottle makes 17 or more delicious drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price Point: While high quality, it might be more expensive than standard mixers.
- Availability: May not be found in every local store.
Bittermilk No.1 truly elevates the Old Fashioned, offering a sophisticated taste with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to impress your friends with bar-quality cocktails at home.
4. Smokeshow Cocktail Syrup – 64 Servings (16 oz
Rating: 9.2/10
Whip up amazing Old Fashioned cocktails with Smokeshow Cocktail Syrup! This syrup comes in two delicious flavors: classic Old Fashioned and sweet Maple Pecan. Each 16-ounce bottle gives you 64 servings, so you can enjoy many drinks.
What We Like:
- It uses great ingredients like organic cane sugar and natural bitters.
- It makes making cocktails super easy. Just add whiskey and stir!
- You get perfect, tasty Old Fashioneds every time.
- It’s great for parties or just chilling at home.
- You get a lot of servings from each bottle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if the bottles are recyclable.
- It would be nice to know if there are other flavors coming soon.
Smokeshow Cocktail Syrup makes enjoying a classic drink simple and delicious. It’s a fantastic way to impress your friends or treat yourself to a quality cocktail.
5. Proof Syrup Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix – Made with Real Bitters & Cane Sugar – Traditional Old Fashion Flavor – Fast
Rating: 9.2/10
If you love Old Fashioned cocktails but don’t want the fuss of gathering all the ingredients, Proof Syrup’s Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix is a game-changer. This premium mix uses real bitters and cane sugar to give you that classic, delicious Old Fashioned taste. It’s made to make your home bartending a breeze, letting you whip up a fantastic drink in no time.
What We Like:
- Made with real bitters and cane sugar for an authentic taste.
- Handcrafted quality makes your drinks taste special.
- Super easy to use – just add your favorite whiskey!
- Works for both alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails.
- The 16oz bottle gives you plenty of syrup for many drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might prefer to control the exact amount of bitters themselves.
- The sweetness level might not be perfect for everyone without trying it first.
Proof Syrup’s Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix is a fantastic shortcut to enjoying a well-made Old Fashioned. It’s the perfect way to elevate your at-home drink game effortlessly.
The Sweet Spot: Your Guide to Old Fashioned Syrup
Old fashioned syrup is a simple but essential ingredient for many delicious drinks and treats. It’s not just for cocktails! This guide helps you find the best syrup to sweeten your life.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for old fashioned syrup, keep these things in mind:
- Sweetness Level: Some syrups are very sweet, while others have a more subtle sweetness. Think about how you plan to use it. For a strong sweet kick in a cocktail, you might want a sweeter syrup. For drizzling on pancakes, a less intense sweetness might be better.
- Flavor Profile: Pure old fashioned syrup is just sugar and water. However, many brands add subtle flavors like vanilla or a hint of spice. Read the ingredient list to see if any added flavors appeal to you.
- Clarity and Color: Good quality syrup should be clear and have a nice, golden color. Cloudy syrup might mean it’s not made with the best ingredients or wasn’t filtered properly.
Important Materials
The best old fashioned syrups are made with just a few simple ingredients:
- Sugar: This is the main ingredient. Cane sugar is often preferred for its clean, sweet taste. Some syrups use beet sugar or corn syrup. Cane sugar usually makes for a higher quality product.
- Water: Pure water is essential for creating a smooth syrup.
That’s it! Simple ingredients usually mean a better tasting syrup.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one syrup better than another?
- Sugar Type: As mentioned, cane sugar often leads to a better flavor. Syrups made with refined sugars are generally clearer and taste cleaner.
- Ratio of Sugar to Water: The most common and traditional ratio is 1:1 (equal parts sugar and water). This creates a classic simple syrup. A 2:1 ratio (sugar to water) makes a rich simple syrup that is thicker and sweeter. A richer syrup can be great for cocktails, as it adds sweetness without watering down the drink too much.
- Filtering: High-quality syrups are filtered to remove any impurities. This results in a clear, smooth syrup. Unfiltered syrups might have a slightly cloudy appearance.
- Added Ingredients: While some added flavors can be nice, artificial flavors or preservatives can reduce the natural sweetness and quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Old fashioned syrup is incredibly versatile.
- Cocktails: It’s a star player in classic drinks like the Old Fashioned cocktail, Sazerac, and Whiskey Sour. It dissolves easily, making your drinks perfectly balanced.
- Sweetening Beverages: Use it to sweeten iced tea, coffee, or lemonade. It mixes in much better than granulated sugar, especially in cold drinks.
- Baking and Desserts: Drizzle it over cakes, pancakes, or waffles. You can also use it to moisten cake layers or create simple glazes.
- Healthier Options: Some brands offer syrups made with natural sweeteners like agave or monk fruit. These can be good alternatives if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Old Fashioned Syrup FAQs
Q: What is old fashioned syrup?
A: Old fashioned syrup, also known as simple syrup, is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water. It is a key ingredient in many cocktails and other sweet applications.
Q: What is the difference between 1:1 and 2:1 simple syrup?
A: A 1:1 simple syrup uses equal parts sugar and water. A 2:1 simple syrup uses two parts sugar to one part water, making it richer and sweeter.
Q: Can I make old fashioned syrup at home?
A: Yes, you can easily make old fashioned syrup at home by combining sugar and water in a saucepan and heating until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
Q: What kind of sugar is best for old fashioned syrup?
A: Cane sugar is generally considered the best for its clean, sweet taste. Granulated white sugar also works well.
Q: How long does old fashioned syrup last?
A: Properly stored old fashioned syrup can last for several weeks in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use old fashioned syrup in coffee?
A: Yes, old fashioned syrup is excellent for sweetening coffee and other hot or cold beverages. It mixes in smoothly.
Q: Are there flavored old fashioned syrups?
A: Yes, you can find flavored old fashioned syrups with additions like vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus. You can also infuse your own syrup with spices or fruit peels.
Q: What makes a good quality old fashioned syrup?
A: A good quality syrup is clear, made with simple ingredients like cane sugar and water, and has a smooth, clean taste.
Q: Is old fashioned syrup the same as maple syrup?
A: No, old fashioned syrup is not the same as maple syrup. Maple syrup comes from maple trees and has a distinct flavor, while old fashioned syrup is a simple sugar and water mixture.
Q: Where can I buy old fashioned syrup?
A: Old fashioned syrup can be found in most grocery stores, liquor stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.