The Old Fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters, then adding alcohol, popularly whiskey but sometimes brandy, and finally a twist of citrus rind. It is traditionally served in a short, round, tumbler-like glass, which is called an Old Fashioned glass after the drink. The Old Fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters, then adding alcohol, popularly whiskey but sometimes brandy, and finally a twist of citrus rind. It is traditionally served in a short, round, tumbler-like glass, which is called an Old Fashioned glass after the drink. The Old Fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters, then adding alcohol, popularly whiskey but sometimes brandy, and finally a twist of citrus rind. It is traditionally served in a short, round, tumbler-like glass, which is called an Old Fashioned glass after the drink.