OldFashioned
The Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned proves that some of the best cocktails are also some of the simplest. Built around smooth, rich blended malt Scotch, it's a classic serve that rewards good ingredients and a little attention to detail.
Pour, stir, twist and enjoy.
Monkey Shoulder brings a smooth, approachable character to the Old Fashioned, balancing sweetness, bitterness and citrus in a drink that feels timeless without being intimidating. For a more relaxed approach, there's the Lazy Old Fashioned: a batched version designed to be prepared ahead of time and poured whenever the moment calls for it.
Whether you're introducing friends to whisky cocktails or revisiting a favourite classic, the Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned strikes the balance between depth of flavour and easy enjoyment. Familiar, versatile and endlessly rewarding, it's a serve worth having in your repertoire.Ready to make your own? Discover how to create a Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned at home and bring a classic cocktail into your rotation.
Easy
8 min
Short
Spare glass
bar measure
barspoon
155 people voted
Make it at home
Ingredients
Method
1
Add Monkey Shoulder, sugar syrup and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass.
2
Add ice and stir until chilled and smooth.
3
Strain into a short glass over fresh ice.
4
Twist orange zest over the drink, drop it in and serve.
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155 people voted
Bartender tips & tricks
How To Make Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is one of the easiest cocktail ingredients to make at home. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Allow it to cool before bottling and storing in the fridge. For a richer syrup, increase the ratio of sugar to water. For a lighter style, add more water.
Why Bigger Ice Works Better
A large ice cube does more than elevate the presentation. Because it melts more slowly than smaller or crushed ice, it chills your Old Fashioned while helping preserve the balance and character of the whisky. Less dilution means more flavour in every sip.
Getting the Most from Your Orange Garnish
Cut a thumb-length piece of orange zest and gently twist it over the drink to release the citrus oils. Run the zest around the rim of the glass before adding it as a garnish. It's a simple step that adds aroma, brightness and depth to the serve.
The Barspoon
Designed for stirring cocktails, the barspoon helps combine ingredients smoothly while maintaining the right amount of dilution. If you don't have one, don't worry. A chopstick or any long, slender kitchen utensil can do the job just as well.
Looking for a Bolder Take?
For a richer, more robust twist on the classic, explore the Smokey Old Fashioned. Built on the same foundations, it brings an extra layer of depth and complexity to the serve.
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