How to Pick the Best Old Fashioned Gift

The Old Fashioned is my kind of cocktail—whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a citrus twist. It’s been a go-to since way back in the 1800s, and I love that it’s still a thing. So when people ask me about gifting something with that classic feel, I’ve got thoughts. Picking the best old fashioned gift isn’t a cakewalk though—you’ve got to sift through some flops to find the good ones. Here’s how I figure it out, and yeah, I’ll admit I’m biased toward what we do at GiveThemBeer. Bear with me—I think you’ll see why.

Why an Old Fashioned Gift Feels Special

There’s just something about an Old Fashioned gift that clicks. It’s more than a drink; it’s like handing someone a little ritual. I caught this stat from the Distilled Spirits Council last year—35% of U.S. drinkers still love whiskey cocktails like the Old Fashioned. That’s real staying power. Problem is, a lot of gifts out there slap “Old Fashioned” on the box and skimp on what matters—like whiskey—or toss in mixers that taste like regret. For me, a solid old fashioned gift has to feel legit, not like a knockoff.

What I Look For

Whiskey’s the starting line. If there’s no whiskey, I’m out—why make someone hunt for it? I lean toward names like Woodford Reserve or Bulleit Rye that don’t mess around. Bitters and garnishes are next; without them, it’s not a kit, just a bottle. The box has to look decent too—nobody wants a flimsy throwaway. And if you can add a personal twist, like a note or engraving, that’s gold. Oh, and those Etsy kits with dinky syrup bottles? Pass. They’re more decoration than drink.

Some Options I’ve Seen

I like Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s The Bar Book (on Amazon)—it’s got recipes and history that a cocktail nerd would eat up. Not a full gift though; you’d need more. Pair it with tumblers from Norlan (Norlan Glass) maybe—they’re pretty slick, but whiskey’s still on you to supply. It’s decent, just not the whole package.

Where We Come In

Okay, here’s where I’m upfront—I work at GiveThemBeer, so I’m partial to our Classic Old Fashioned Kit. I think it’s a contender for the best old fashioned gift, and not just because it’s ours. We pack in eight 50ml bottles—Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Bulleit Rye—so the whiskey’s covered. Add Bittermilk mixer, dried oranges, and cherries, and you’re set, no extra shopping. The box has this Old Fashioned theme that doesn’t suck, and you can throw in a personal message at checkout. It’s $89, ships nationwide, and yeah, I’d give it myself. It beats those kits out there missing the booze or piling on junk extras. We’ve even got corporate gift ideas if you’re thinking work stuff—people seem to like it for that too.

DIY’s a Pain

I’ve tried piecing together a bottle and bitters on my own, but it’s a chore—finding the right stuff, making it look good. Our kit saves me the headache and still feels like a real gift. Sure, a $30 bourbon’s okay, but it doesn’t say “I put thought into this” like a set does.

My Take

A great old fashioned gift should be something someone’s excited to crack open, whether they’re mixing solo or with a crew. I’m obviously rooting for our Classic Old Fashioned Kit at GiveThemBeer—it’s got the goods, it’s easy, and it’s got that classic edge I’d want in a gift.