Ever wondered how our Old Fashioned recipe print came to life?
Go behind the scenes with us as we show you how we illustrated one of the most iconic whiskey cocktails of all time—digitally drawn right here in our small, woman-owned studio in Fort Worth, TX.
🥃 Inspired by classic cocktail culture and timeless elegance, our Old Fashioned recipe artwork captures the perfect balance of bourbon, bitters, sugar, and that signature orange twist. It's a sophisticated nod to the art of traditional mixology and enduring style.
In this video, you'll see our complete digital illustration process—from blank canvas to finished Old Fashioned poster. Every line, shadow, and ingredient detail was meticulously hand-drawn on screen using digital tools that replicate traditional brushstrokes. No AI, no shortcuts—just hours of thoughtful design inspired by our love for classic cocktails and quality craftsmanship.
The Art Behind the Drink (And My Personal Obsession)
I have to confess—the Old Fashioned isn't just a subject for my art; it's my absolute favorite cocktail. Creating this Old Fashioned recipe print was personal because I'm constantly working on perfecting my own bourbon Old Fashioned at home.
I'm always experimenting with different bourbons and whiskeys. Right now I'm really into Stranahan's Original—that Colorado whiskey just works perfectly in an Old Fashioned recipe. But I'm always trying new bottles to see how different spirits change the drink.
Creating this artwork was a journey into both my artistic process and cocktail obsession. I started by sketching the iconic rocks glass, paying careful attention to how the amber whiskey catches the light through the crystal—because I've spent countless evenings studying exactly that view! Then came the detailed work—illustrating each ingredient that makes this cocktail legendary: the rich bourbon with its golden-amber hue, the vibrant orange slice that adds that perfect pop of color, and the classic maraschino cherry with its rich red tone.
I'm pretty particular about my Old Fashioned setup. I have a buddy who supplies me with the most incredible homemade ice blocks—perfectly clear, dense cubes that melt slowly and don't dilute the drink. And don't even get me started on Luxardo cherries—once you've had these dark, syrupy, almost wine-like cherries, there's no going back to the neon red ones.
Working on my iPad with the Apple Pencil in Procreate, I layered each element carefully, drawing from all those evenings perfecting my own recipe. The bourbon got those beautiful warm amber tones, the orange slice needed just the right balance of citrus brightness and realistic texture, and the glass required subtle reflections and highlights to give it that premium crystal feel. The cherry adds that perfect jewel-like accent on top. Every detail was considered—from the way the large ice cube creates realistic refraction in the glass to the elegant script typography that gives the piece its sophisticated finish.
Why Hand-Drawn Matters
In a world of quick digital shortcuts, we believe in the beauty of hand-crafted art. Each stroke in this Old Fashioned illustration was deliberately placed, each color carefully chosen. You can see the personality in every line—the subtle imperfections that make it authentically human-made. This isn't mass-produced corporate art; it's created by real people who care about quality and craftsmanship.
Our Old Fashioned recipe print celebrates both the cocktail's rich history and the timeless appeal of hand-drawn artwork. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, home bartender, or simply someone who appreciates classic design, this piece brings warmth and sophistication to any space.
We love creating wall art that feels both modern and timeless. Whether you're styling a home bar, kitchen, or looking for the perfect gift for a whiskey lover, this Old Fashioned print is a statement piece that never goes out of style.
Every print is produced right here in Fort Worth, Texas on premium 270 gsm cardstock—the same quality you'd find in high-end galleries. Because when you're celebrating something as classic as an Old Fashioned, the presentation matters just as much as the cocktail itself.
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