The Perfect Old Fashioned: Tips For Customising It
The Old Fashioned is a study in balance: whiskey, sweetness, bitters, dilution and citrus must work together without one element taking over. Its compact recipe leaves little room for careless choices, yet that simplicity makes it wonderfully adaptable for different palates and occasions.
For Australian drinkers, the cocktail can feel familiar and fresh at the same time. A Melbourne whisky enthusiast may prefer a dry, spirit-forward version, while someone enjoying a warm evening in Brisbane might favour extra orange, a larger ice cube and a slightly lighter finish. The right customisation depends on the mood, the whisky and the pace of the evening.
At 31TEN Lounge on Main Street in Santa Monica, the Old Fashioned fits naturally into a setting built around craft cocktails, lounge seating and table service. It can be enjoyed during happy hour from 6 PM to 8 PM, or as part of a late-night visit from Thursday to Saturday, when the venue remains open until 2 AM.
The best version is not necessarily the strongest or sweetest pour. It is the one that feels polished from the first aroma to the final sip, whether served at home, ordered at a bar or paired with small plates and a relaxed lounge atmosphere.
| Customisation | What It Changes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon | Softer, sweeter and rounder | Newcomers and easy sipping |
| Rye whiskey | Spicier, drier and more energetic | Spirit-forward drinkers |
| Demerara syrup | Rich, dark sweetness | Autumn evenings and bold flavours |
| Orange bitters | Brighter citrus complexity | A fresher aromatic profile |
| Large clear ice | Slow dilution and a clean finish | Long, unhurried drinks |
Choose The Right Whiskey Base
Bourbon is the most approachable starting point because its natural notes of vanilla, caramel and toasted oak create a generous foundation. It works well with a classic sugar cube or simple syrup and tends to appeal to guests who enjoy a smoother, rounder drink.
Rye whiskey gives the cocktail more lift and structure. Its peppery grain character cuts through sweetness and makes the bitters feel more pronounced. Canadian rye can offer a softer interpretation, while an American rye often brings a drier, spicier edge. For a dinner party in Sydney or Adelaide, serving both styles can make a simple cocktail station feel considered without becoming complicated.
Australian whisky is also worth exploring. Bottles from Tasmania and Victoria may bring malt, dried fruit, smoke or coastal character to the glass. Since local distilleries have developed a strong reputation in the Australian market, an Old Fashioned made with Australian whisky can provide a distinctive regional touch.
Balance Sweetness With Precision
Sugar should support the whiskey rather than turn the drink into a dessert. A standard starting point is 5 to 7 millilitres of rich simple syrup, or a single sugar cube carefully dissolved with bitters and a small splash of water. Demerara syrup contributes molasses-like depth, while raw sugar gives a slightly rustic sweetness.
Maple syrup can be effective with a smoky whisky, although it should be used sparingly. Honey syrup brings floral notes and softens a high-rye pour. When using a sweeter syrup, reduce the quantity first; it is easier to add another small measure than to rescue an overly sugary cocktail.
Australian serving habits also matter. Many guests prefer a drink that is less sweet than classic American recipes, particularly when it accompanies savoury food. Taste after stirring and adjust in small increments, keeping the drink balanced enough to pair with grilled meats, salty snacks or a well-made charcuterie board. This charcuterie guide offers useful pairing inspiration for a lounge-style gathering.
Use Bitters As Your Accent
Angostura bitters provide the familiar aromatic backbone: spice, herbs and a gentle bitterness that keeps sweetness in check. Two or three dashes are usually enough, but the ideal amount depends on the whisky and syrup.
Orange bitters create a brighter, more lifted drink, while chocolate bitters suit rich bourbon and dessert-adjacent flavours. Aromatic bitters with coffee, walnut or cardamom notes can add interest, though using several varieties at once may blur the cocktail’s structure.
A practical approach is to change one variable at a time. Keep the whiskey, sugar and dilution consistent, then test a different bitters combination. This makes it easier to identify what has improved the drink instead of relying on guesswork.
Control Dilution And Temperature
Ice is an ingredient, not a decoration. A large, dense cube melts slowly and keeps the drink cold without watering it down too quickly. Smaller cubes chill faster but can produce excessive dilution, especially if the cocktail sits on a table during a long conversation.
Stir the whiskey, syrup and bitters with ice for roughly 20 to 30 seconds. The aim is a silky texture, gentle chilling and enough water to open the whiskey’s aroma. If the drink tastes hot or closed, it may need more stirring; if it feels thin, use colder, denser ice and shorten the mixing time.
For an Australian summer gathering in Perth or Brisbane, pre-chilling the glass is especially useful. A chilled rocks glass helps preserve the drink when indoor cooling is working hard or guests are moving between a lounge and an outdoor terrace.
Refine The Garnish And Presentation
An orange twist is the classic finishing touch. Express the peel over the surface so its oils perfume the drink, then rub the peel lightly around the rim before placing it in the glass. This creates a stronger citrus impression without adding unnecessary juice.
A brandied cherry can provide a richer, fruitier accent, but bright red cocktail cherries may overwhelm a carefully built drink. A dehydrated orange wheel, lemon twist or small sprig of rosemary can create a more contemporary presentation, especially when the garnish reflects the whisky’s character.
Glassware should remain simple. A heavy rocks glass communicates substance and keeps the focus on the liquid. At 31TEN Lounge, table service and VIP options make presentation part of the experience, so a well-placed garnish and clear ice can elevate the drink without turning it into a theatrical display.
Build A Personal House Style
Once the basic proportions are reliable, customisation becomes a way to express personal taste. A smoky whisky with demerara syrup and orange bitters creates a dark, warming profile, while bourbon with honey syrup and aromatic bitters feels softer and more approachable.
For a lounge party, offer two or three variations rather than an oversized menu. Guests can compare a classic bourbon version, a spicy rye interpretation and a modern Australian whisky option. Keep water, plenty of ice and non-alcoholic drinks available so everyone can enjoy the occasion comfortably.
Entertainment can remain low-key between rounds, with music, conversation and a few casual game ideas suited to a relaxed gathering. The cocktail should complement the atmosphere rather than compete with it.
Recommendations For A Better Pour
- Start with a quality bourbon or rye before experimenting with unusual ingredients.
- Measure the syrup and bitters so each drink remains consistent.
- Use one large, cold ice cube and stir until the cocktail is properly chilled.
- Match the garnish to the whiskey instead of treating it as decoration alone.
- Taste the drink with its intended food pairing before making final adjustments.
An Old Fashioned also works beautifully as part of a broader drinks experience. Guests who prefer a lighter option can explore a curated wine selection, while whiskey drinkers can stay with a carefully tailored cocktail. This flexibility is useful for mixed groups, particularly when a long evening includes food, conversation and different drinking preferences.
Australian guests should also remember that alcohol service is governed by state and territory laws, including responsible service requirements and rules around intoxication. Licensed venues apply these standards to protect guests, and planning a rideshare, taxi or designated driver is part of enjoying a late-night drink responsibly. In California, the same principle applies: pace yourself and make the journey home part of the plan.
For a polished Old Fashioned in Santa Monica, reserve a table at 31TEN Lounge and settle into its lounge-style setting from happy hour through the evening. With craft cocktails, food, wine and VIP table options available, it is an inviting place to enjoy a classic recipe customised to your taste.