Do you love the rich, smoky taste of a perfect Old Fashioned but find making one at home a bit of a hassle? That classic cocktail, with its simple yet sophisticated blend of whiskey, sugar, and bitters, is a true icon. But getting those ingredients just right can sometimes feel like a chore, especially when you are hunting down quality bitters or the perfect sugar cubes.
Choosing the right Old Fashioned kit can be tricky. You want quality ingredients that taste great, but the market is flooded with options. Some kits lack the essential elements, while others include things you don’t really need. It’s frustrating when you just want to mix a fantastic drink without all the guesswork.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore what makes a truly great Old Fashioned kit. You will learn what to look for in bitters, sweeteners, and tools so you can easily pick a kit that delivers that perfect, balanced sip every time. Get ready to upgrade your home bar!
Top Old Fashioned Kit Recommendations
- Rich and Smokey Flavor – Indulge in the rich and invigorating flavor created by our Cocktail Smoker kit. The cold smoke infuses a tender and captivating smoky flavor into your food and spirits, elevating your culinary and drinking experiences to new heights. The natural wood aroma adds an element of sophistication and luxury to your senses.
- Complete Kit – Our premium Cocktail Smoker kit includes everything you need for a perfect smoking experience. From a high-end oak wood smoke top, a torch lighter without butane, six different natural wood chip flavors, ice molds, metal filter, two glasses, to a beautifully presented gift box, we give you the complete package to enhance your at-home bar and kitchen.
- Perfect Gift – Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Smoker Kit is the ultimate gift for whiskey, bourbon, and cocktail enthusiasts. The elegant gift box adds an extra touch of luxury and sophistication to your gift-giving. It is perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Easy-to-Use – Our Cocktail Smoker kit is extremely user-friendly. You can easily prepare the smoker by igniting the chips and letting the cold smoke infuse into your drink or food. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create perfectly flavored drinks and dishes with this innovative product.
- Versatile Tool – Our Cocktail Smoker kit is not just for cocktails, and is a versatile tool that can enhance the flavors of almost anything. Use it to infuse natural flavors into meats, cheese, dried fruits, BBQ, and more. Its compact size makes it perfect for use at home, in the kitchen or bar, or for outdoor activities like picnics, hiking, and fishing.
- COMPLETE OLD FASHIONED BUNDLE KIT – Everything you need to craft the perfect cocktail at home. Includes Amarena cherries, dried orange slices, and premium Old Fashioned syrup—a complete Old Fashioned mix for effortless, bar-quality results every time.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS, BAR-QUALITY FLAVOR – Enjoy the rich, complex taste of Italian Amarena cherries and fragrant dehydrated orange slices, perfectly balanced with our smooth Old Fashioned cocktail syrup. Consistent flavor, simple preparation, no mess.
- THE ULTIMATE WHISKEY GIFT SET FOR MEN – A premium cocktail kit designed for whiskey lovers, dads, husbands, and mixology fans. Beautifully packaged and ready to gift for birthdays, holidays, or Father’s Day. A unique, high-end cocktail gift they’ll actually use.
- EASY HOME MIXOLOGY – JUST POUR, STIR & SIP – No bartending experience needed. This mixology set for men makes it simple to impress guests or enjoy a relaxing nightcap. Create a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned cocktail in minutes with zero hassle.
- ELEVATE EVERY OCCASION – From casual evenings to special celebrations, this Old Fashioned mix kit transforms any moment into a refined experience. The ideal blend of quality, convenience, and sophistication for those who appreciate great taste.
- Rich and Smokey Flavor – Indulge in the rich and invigorating flavor created by our Cocktail Smoker kit. The cold smoke infuses a tender and captivating smoky flavor into your food and spirits, elevating your culinary and drinking experiences to new heights. The natural wood aroma adds an element of sophistication and luxury to your senses.
- Complete Kit – Our premium Cocktail Smoker kit includes everything you need for a perfect smoking experience. From a high-end oak wood smoke top, a torch lighter without butane, six different natural wood chip flavors, metal filter, to a beautifully presented gift box, we give you the complete package to enhance your at-home bar and kitchen.
- Perfect Gift – Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Smoker Kit is the ultimate gift for whiskey, bourbon, and cocktail enthusiasts. The elegant gift box adds an extra touch of luxury and sophistication to your gift-giving. It is perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Easy-to-Use – Our Cocktail Smoker kit is extremely user-friendly. You can easily prepare the smoker by igniting the chips and letting the cold smoke infuse into your drink or food. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create perfectly flavored drinks and dishes with this innovative product.
- Versatile Tool – Our Cocktail Smoker kit is not just for cocktails, and is a versatile tool that can enhance the flavors of almost anything. Use it to infuse natural flavors into meats, cheese, dried fruits, BBQ, and more. Its compact size makes it perfect for use at home, in the kitchen or bar, or for outdoor activities like picnics, hiking, and fishing.
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixer.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry bitters or orange bourbon bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- 1 - 11 oz jar of Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries
- 1 - 2 oz bottle of Woodford Reserve Orange Bitters
- 1 - 16oz bottle of Woodford Old Fashioned Syrup
- Craft Cocktails Anywhere: The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit brings mixology to your fingertips with all the essentials. Perfectly packaged for travel, this kit makes it easy to enjoy a classic old fashioned cocktail wherever you go
- Gifts for Him and Her: Delight whiskey lovers with this ideal drink kit, perfect for groomsmen gifts or simple men's gifts. Packed with bitters and old fashioned cubes, it's a thoughtful present for those who appreciate quality cocktails
- Travel-Friendly Mixing: Explore new destinations with the convenience of a plane cocktail kit. This old fashioned travel kit is designed for portability, making it a must-have companion for flights, camping trips, or any adventure
- Moments to Savor: Create unforgettable memories with the old fashioned maker kit that includes everything needed for the perfect drink. Whether for casual gatherings or special occasions, this kit transforms every sip into a celebration
- Versatile Cocktail Mastery: Elevate your cocktail-making skills with this bourbon cocktail kit that combines style and functionality. From a lightweight camping bar kit to a sophisticated party supply, it adapts to every setting and occasion
- High Quality: The cocktail smoker kit is made of high-quality oak wood, which is durable. Cocktail Smoker Kit includes a Spoon, a Pliers, a a triple flame refillable premium torch, six different flavors of Wood Chips, six Stone Ice Cubes, two Metal filters, a Cleaning brush, an Ice Ball Mold, a Wooden smoker with lid. This is a beautiful gift box set, a gift for father or son (Butane is not included).suitable fathers day gifts
- Multi-Use Smoking Kit: Whiskey smoker is suitable for DIY, you can make natural flavored drinks according to your own taste, also infuse wine, meats, cheese, dried fruits, BBQ and more! Furthermore smoke infuser allow you to create the perfect mood for any occasions include kitchen, bar, or outdoor use like picnic, hiking, fishing and so on.gifts for men
- Ignite The Senses: The Cocktail Smoker kit can ignite your senses. When cold smoke is absorbed by food, a tender smoky flavor develops quickly. You can clearly feel the smell of smoky natural wood travel
- How To Use: Hand-held smoker is very simple to operate, prepare the smoking gun, mixed wine and cup, use smoking gun to ignite chips which need fully burn, smoke top for cocktails and shake it slightly, stand for a few minutes, flavored drink is made
- The Ideal Gift: Surprise your loved ones with this thoughtful and unique gifts for boyfriend, groomsmen, dad, or any special men in your life. Whether it's for Father's Day, boyfriend's birthday, anniversaries, Christmas, house warming or any special occasions, our Whiskey Smoker Kit is sure to impress. Let him indulge in the art of cocktail making and explore new flavors with this unique kind gift
The Definitive Buying Guide for Your Old Fashioned Kit
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, strong, and delicious. Getting the right ingredients and tools makes a huge difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect Old Fashioned kit.
Key Features to Look For in a Kit
A great kit should have everything you need to start mixing right away. Look for these important parts:
Essential Tools
- Muddler: This tool helps you crush sugar cubes or muddle fruit. A solid, wooden muddler works best. Avoid soft plastic ones.
- Jigger (Measuring Tool): Accurate measuring is key to a good drink. Look for a double-sided jigger (measuring ounces and milliliters).
- Bar Spoon: You need this long spoon to stir your drink properly. A spoon with a twisted handle helps you stir smoothly.
Ingredient Quality
The best kits include high-quality mixers. These items make the flavor shine.
- Bitters: Angostura bitters are standard. Check if the kit includes a decent-sized bottle. Bitters add depth and spice.
- Sugar: Some kits include sugar cubes. Sugar cubes provide a more traditional experience than simple syrup.
- Garnish: Look for dehydrated orange slices or high-quality cocktail cherries (like Luxardo style). Fresh fruit is always better, but quality dried options are great for a kit.
Important Materials: What Makes a Kit Last?
The materials used determine how long your tools last and how good your drinks taste.
Tool Construction
For muddlers and spoons, stainless steel is often the best choice. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. If the muddler has a plastic head, make sure it is hard plastic, not soft rubber. Soft rubber can break down or impart strange flavors over time.
Glassware (If Included)
If your kit includes glasses, look for heavy, lowball glasses, often called Old Fashioned or rocks glasses. Thick glass keeps your drink colder longer. Thinner glass can crack easily if you add a large ice cube.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one kit better than another? It often comes down to the details.
Quality Boosters
- Recipe Cards: A well-written recipe card instantly improves the experience, especially for beginners. Clear instructions are very helpful.
- Presentation Box: A nice wooden box makes the kit feel premium. This is important if you plan to give the kit as a gift.
- Specialty Bitters: Some advanced kits include a second type of bitters, like orange or chocolate bitters. This lets you experiment with flavors.
Quality Reducers
Avoid kits that look too cheap. Tools made from very thin metal bend easily. If the kit only provides tiny sample-size bottles of bitters, you will run out very fast. Also, flimsy plastic muddlers break quickly when pressing down on sugar cubes.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new kit.
For the Beginner Home Bartender
If you are new to cocktails, choose a comprehensive kit. It should include basic tools, bitters, and clear instructions. This lets you start mixing immediately without buying five separate items.
For the Experienced Drinker
If you already own tools, you might want a “refill kit.” These kits focus only on high-end ingredients, like rare bitters or gourmet cherries. This lets you upgrade your pantry.
Gifting
Old Fashioned kits make excellent gifts for holidays or birthdays. For gifting, focus on kits with beautiful packaging and durable, attractive tools. A well-presented kit shows thoughtfulness.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Old Fashioned Kits
Q: Do I really need a special muddler for an Old Fashioned?
A: Yes. You need a sturdy muddler to properly crush sugar cubes and release the oils from citrus peels. A wooden or stainless steel muddler works best.
Q: What is the most important ingredient in the kit?
A: The bitters are arguably the most important ingredient after the whiskey. They provide the essential aromatic complexity to the drink.
Q: Can I use regular sugar instead of sugar cubes?
A: You can, but sugar cubes offer a more traditional method. If you use granulated sugar, you will need simple syrup, which is just sugar dissolved in water.
Q: How do I know if the jigger measures correctly?
A: High-quality jiggers are usually marked inside with precise measurements (like 1 oz, 1.5 oz, 2 oz). Check product descriptions to confirm they offer standard measurements.
Q: Are these kits only for making Old Fashioneds?
A: No. Most tools, like the muddler and bar spoon, are useful for many other cocktails, such as Mojitos or Smashes.
Q: Should I buy a kit that includes whiskey?
A: Usually, no. Whiskey spoils or dries out, and shipping alcohol is often difficult or expensive. It is better to buy your favorite whiskey separately.
Q: What is the difference between a good and bad bar spoon?
A: A good bar spoon has a long, twisted handle. This design helps you stir the drink slowly and evenly without splashing, which is important for chilling and dilution.
Q: How do I clean the stainless steel tools?
A: Most stainless steel tools are dishwasher safe, but handwashing with warm, soapy water is often recommended to keep them looking shiny.
Q: Do I need the orange peel garnish?
A: Yes. The oils from the orange peel, expressed over the drink, are a required part of the Old Fashioned flavor profile. Kits with dried peels are helpful.
Q: If I am giving this as a gift, what material should the box be?
A: A wooden box provides the best presentation. It looks classy and keeps the tools protected when not in use.