Best Cocktail Garnishes to Elevate Your Old-Fashioned

The cocktail garnish serves a dual purpose: it embellishes the drink while enhancing the taste. The proper garnish adds aroma, color, and flavor. It completes the cocktail.

In a spirit-forward classic like the Old-Fashioned, where simplicity reigns, the garnish is particularly important. Whether you’re a purist or an experimenter, the garnish can highlight bourbon’s natural sweetness, offset its spice, or add some warmth. Keep reading as we explore classic and creative ways to elevate your Old-Fashioned.

Why Garnishes Matter

Taste begins before the first sip. The aroma of citrus oil. The scent of cherry. The faint spice of cinnamon. It all prepares the palate for what’s to come. For whiskey cocktails, the garnish balances the spirit’s depth with a hint of freshness.

In the Old-Fashioned—where bourbon, bitters, and sugar steal the show—a garnish does the quiet work of refinement. It’s the bridge between boldness and balance. It’s the first impression and the final note.

Classic Garnishes for the Old-Fashioned

Orange Peel or Twist

Perhaps the most recognizable Old-Fashioned garnish, the orange peel delivers both aroma and flavor. Expressing the oils (by twisting the peel over the drink) releases a citrus mist that brightens bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes. A wide, thin peel is ideal—too much pith can add bitterness. For extra depth, some bartenders flame the peel, creating a smoky, caramelized accent.

Maraschino Cherry

A single cherry adds color and a hint of sweetness to balance the bourbon. But not all cherries are created equal. Traditional neon-red maraschinos add nostalgia, while darker, syrupy versions like Luxardo bring rich, authentic flavor. Whichever you choose, the cherry is the final flourish.

Together, the orange twist and cherry form the Old-Fashioned’s signature look and taste. Bright citrus up front, subtle fruit on the finish. It’s a pairing that has stood the test of time for good reason.

Creative Twists

Tradition aside, garnishes offer room for creativity. If you like to experiment, try one of these modern updates:

  • Smoked Orange Peel: Adds aroma and visual drama, perfect for cooler evenings.

  • Grapefruit Peel: Offers a sharper, aromatic brightness that pairs well with spicier bourbons.

  • Blood Orange Twist: Adds a richer color and a berry-like sweetness.

  • Cinnamon Stick or Star Anise: Introduces warmth and spice, ideal for fall gatherings.

  • Lemon Twist: Offers a lighter, more floral brightness for summer sipping.

  • Candied Ginger: Brings subtle heat and a sweet, modern contrast to bourbon’s depth.

  • Rosemary Sprig (lightly torched): Adds a woodsy fragrance that pairs well with bourbon.

  • Candied Bacon Strip: A bold, savory-sweet garnish ideal for brunch or smoky bourbons.

  • Dark Chocolate Shavings: Enhances richness and pairs well with higher-proof bourbons.

These options prove that garnishes can be playful without betraying the Old-Fashioned’s character. The key is enhancement, not distraction.

Presentation Tips

The garnish depends on freshness and presentation. Use a clean peel, a large clear ice cube, and a sturdy rocks glass to let the drink’s amber color shine. Always garnish after pouring to preserve aroma, and position it thoughtfully. A citrus peel, for example, can lay across the ice cube or be twisted and secured by a cocktail pick. Small choices like these elevate your Old-Fashioned cocktail.

The Effortless Old-Fashioned

Not every evening calls for muddling, measuring, and cleanup. Our award-winning Old-Fashioned, Truitt’s, delivers the craftsmanship of a handmade cocktail in a ready-to-pour bottle. Made with 5-year bourbon, Grade A maple syrup, Madagascar vanilla, citrus, and bitters, every pour is balanced and smooth.

To elevate your Old-Fashioned, serve Truitt’s over a large ice cube with a Maraschino cherry and a fresh orange twist. Order a bottle online or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on all things Soldier City Spirits—including discounts, events, swag, new releases, and more.