An Old Fashioned is one of the most traditional cocktails there is. In fact, it is the first recipe to appear alongside the word "cocktail" in print, dating back to 1806. It is quite literally the drink that started it all. Nearly a century later, the term "Old Fashioned" began to be used to refer to this classic drink in bars all around the United States and later around the world. It is sweeter than most other whisky-based beverages, despite the fact that it has historically been regarded as a strong-jawed spirit-forward alternative. It's a simple cocktail to perfect with just a few basic ingredients.