Name: Fancy Free
Prep time: 2 min
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon; 0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur; 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters; 1 Dash Orange Bitters; Orange Peel Twist, for garnish

Everything You Need to Know About The Fancy Free

While the Old Fashioned gets all the glory in the world of spirit-forward whiskey classics, the Fancy Free is its sophisticated, slightly bolder cousin. Dating back to the 1930s—originally appearing in Crosby Gaige’s Cocktail Guide and Ladies' Companion—this forgotten gem swaps out simple syrup for Maraschino liqueur. The result is a drink that retains the rich, oaky weight of a classic bourbon build while layering in complex nutty, cherry-bark sweetness and a sharp herbal spine.

Fancy Free

Prep Time2 min

Yield1 Cocktail

Base SpiritBourbon

Ingredients

2 oz Bourbon
0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
1 Dash Orange Bitters
Orange Peel Twist, for garnish

The Fancy Free Is the Old Fashioned Upgrade You Need to Try

Instructions

Combine Ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
Stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
Strain into a chilled double rocks glass over one large ice cube.
Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface of the drink and drop it in.

Pro Tip

Don't be shy with the proof. Because Maraschino liqueur is intensely aromatic and carries a dense sweetness, using a high-proof bourbon ensures it won't be overwhelmed by the liqueur.

Fancy Free Riff

Swap bourbon for rye whiskey and orange bitters for a dash of Peychaud's. Known as a Rye Fancy Free, this twist leans heavily into baking spices and black pepper, cutting through the rich maraschino for a dry, angular finish.

The Fancy Free Is the Old Fashioned Upgrade You Need to Try

Everything You Need to Know About The Fancy Free