Mix. Drink. Enjoy.
Discover amazing cocktail recipes and elevate your mixology game
Fancy Free
Posted: July 18, 2026
Categories
About
The Fancy Free is a pre-Prohibition bourbon Old Fashioned variation that swaps regular sugar for Maraschino liqueur, producing something more nuanced and fruit-forward than the classic template. Maraschino — the clear Italian cherry liqueur made from Marasca cherries — brings a subtle floral, nutty sweetness that lifts the bourbon rather than just sweetening it. Two types of bitters add complexity. Found in various vintage cocktail books from the early 20th century, it's a reminder that cocktail creativity predates the modern craft era by at least a century — and that the Old Fashioned has always invited tinkering.
Ingredients
1 dash Angostura Bitters
2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
2 dash Orange Bitters
0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, Maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled and diluted.
- Strain over a large ice cube into a chilled rocks glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a Maraschino cherry.