What more can be said about the Old Fashioned? In many ways, it’s the quintessential cocktail. It wasn’t the first mixture of an alcoholic spirit, with a sweetener and ice, but the term cocktail originally referred to a mixture of spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. Sound Familiar?

But, the Old Fashioned is also the perfect template to create fun and new flavor combinations. For some professional tips, we spoke with Lynn House, Spirited Award Winner, Heaven Hill’s National Brand Educator, and Host of Elijah Craig’s Old Fashioned Week. Here’s what she had to say about the “first cocktail.”

So how did you become an expert on the Old Fashioned?

I have been associated with the hospitality industry for 30-plus years. I entered the industry putting myself through college at Miami University. My degree is in Theatre with a minor in Arts Management. I worked at a local restaurant in Oxford, Ohio called Attractions. I felt like I had met my people.

After graduation, I moved to Chicago to pursue a career in theatre. In between acting gigs, I worked in restaurants and hotel bars. I started to develop a passion for this industry during that time. In the mid 2000’s the Renaissance of the Cocktail began.

I was very fortunate at that time to be working at one of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants and to enroll in the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service. Our instructor was Bridget Albert. She would later become a constant mentor and good friend. However, at graduation, she told me that I had a natural knack and talent in regard to cocktails and that I should pursue this as a full-time career. Which I did. I entered competitions and won. I continued to study not only the history of spirits but their construct as well.

Eventually, I would take the lead in high-profile programs. My greatest joy was running the beverage program at the famed Blackbird Restaurant. Following three years there, I had the opportunity to become part of the Heaven Hill Brands Family as the National Brand Ambassador for PAMA Liqueur. My role within the company has continued to grow over the past 10 years. I stepped into my current role as National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist three years ago.

How has the Old Fashioned been able to maintain its popularity in the cocktail canon for so long? Why do people still love it?

The recipe for the Old Fashioned is literally the definition of what makes a cocktail a cocktail. Sprits, Bitters, Sugar and Water. A simple formula that has not only stood the test of time, but has given birth to many other classic cocktails: The Manhattan, Negroni, and Vieux Carre for example. People love this cocktail because it works. All of the ingredients work harmoniously together to create a gorgeous liquid experience.

In your opinion, what qualities define the ideal Old Fashioned?

2 oz whiskey, .25 oz rich simple syrup, bitters, and ice. Stirring the cocktail ahead of service is key. Serve over fresh ice. Garnish with the expressed zest of an orange and finish with a cherry. Not the dayglow kind.

What are some common mistakes that home bartenders make when mixing Old Fashioneds?

I think the most common mistake home bartenders make when making an old fashioned is to either not follow a recipe and just guess on measurements and to not stir the cocktail first. Proper dilution is key when making this cocktail. Water is one of the four essential ingredients.

Do you have any tips for making better Old Fashioneds at home?

Start with a classic recipe. Invest in good bitters. You should at least have Angostura and Orange Bitters on hand. Have the proper tools. A mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, and strainer.

Can you recommend any ways that home bartenders can tweak the classic Old Fashioned formula in fun ways?

My number one tip for people to tweak their Old Fashioned is to play around with the sugar component. Something as simple as switching the simple syrup out for maple syrup will make a big difference. My hack is using jams and jellies. I can make a quick flavored syrup by mixing equal parts jam to hot water. Play around with bitters. Chocolate and Creole are some of my favorite go-to’s. Changing those simple ingredients will make a huge impact on an Old Fashioned.

A bit more about Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week:

This year, Elijah Craig has committed to contributing $1 for each Old Fashioned sold up to $100,000 to Southern Smoke Foundation, which works to fund individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. Throughout the week, bars around the country will offer Old Fashioneds – including world-renowned spots such as Broken Shaker in Chicago and Miami, Birdie G’s in Los Angeles, Cure in New Orleans, Julep in Houston, LA Jackson in Nashville, Leyenda in Brooklyn, R&D in Philadelphia, Silver Lyan in Washington, D.C., and hundreds more.