It’s important to put thought into each component of an old-fashioned. Pick a whiskey that has a present flavor, like Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, or Maker's Mark.
Then, decide on the sugar. An Old-Fashioned is usually made with a teaspoon-sized sugar cube, but you can substitute this with cane sugar or a homemade simple syrup.
You also need a few shakes of aromatic bitters, whether it be the popular Angostura or any other kind. Garnish with an orange peel to bring out the orange flavor.
If you are going to garnish with a cherry instead, consider using cocktail cherries. Finally, use a large whiskey ice that melts slower to not dilute your drink as much.
To make an old-fashioned, you only need a whiskey tumbler and a way to measure your whiskey, such as a jigger. If you want a large whiskey ice cube, you also need a mold.
Common mistakes you should avoid include pouring the cherry liquid or orange juice into the drink, going crazy with the sugar, and forgetting to express the orange essence.