Old Fashioned Cocktail with Black Walnut Bitters

This black walnut bitters cocktail is a new take on a classic bourbon old fashioned.

The combination of black walnut bitters, bourbon and a touch of maple make for the most divine, warming sip.

It’s a simple and straight-forward drink that’s sure to be enjoyed during the cooler months.

If you love my winter spiced old fashioned, this old fashioned with black walnut bitters is for you.

A classic Old Fashioned is made with: bourbon or rye whiskey; a sugar cube; and bitters. In many Old Fashioned recipes you’ll also find an orange peel. What makes this old fashioned cocktail recipe different is the addition of the black walnut bitters and maple syrup which takes the place of the sugar cube.

The addition of black walnut bitters brings a nutty flavor profile along with notes of cocoa. Combined with maple syrup and the bourbon, it’s a cocktail recipe you don’t want to miss out on.

If you haven’t used bitters in a cocktail, they’re an essential ingredient you’ll find in many modern craft cocktails. Cocktail bitters are made with alcohol and infused with aromatic botanicals, herbs, fruits, spices and tree bark for a variety of different flavours.

Why you’ll love this black walnut bitters old fashioned

• You only need three key ingredients to make this take on a classic old fashioned.
• It’s a unique twist on a classic cocktail for the Fall & Winter season!
• Simple to make with seasonal ingredients!
• If you love manhattan cocktails, you’ll enjoy this one too!

There are many versions of old fashioned cocktails but this black walnut old fashioned has become a new favorite cocktail for me.

Ingredients needed to make these delicious cocktails

Bourbon: you’ll need a favourite bourbon or rye whiskey as a base for this good cocktail

Maple syrup: in a classic old fashioned you might use a sugar cube or simple syrup, however, in this cocktail we use maple syrup which goes beautifully with the black walnut bitters

Black walnut bitters: a delightfully nutty flavoured bitters that goes wonderfully with the bourbon and brings a complexity to the drink, you’ll need about three dashes of black walnut bitters

Ice cube: for an old fashioned you’ll need one large ice cube per cocktail or if you don’t have a large ice cube, a handful of small ice cubes would work too

Garnishes: orange peel, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs

Step by step process to make this black walnut bitters cocktail recipe

Step 1: To make one cocktail add maple syrup, 2-3 dashes of black walnut bitters, bourbon and ice to a cocktail glass. Stir for at least 20 seconds and up to one minute.

Step 2: Spritz an orange peel over the glass to release its oils by giving the orange peel a twist and then add to the glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig as well if you desire.

Step 3: Sip and enjoy!

Expert tips

• Make sure to add no more than the recommended 2-3 dashes of bitters as more than that amount of bitters can affect the balanced taste of the old fashioned.
• If you have large ice cubes, use them; a large ice cube melts more slowly and keeps the cocktail cold and balanced.
• Make sure to stir this cocktail, with a cocktail spoon if you have one; it’s meant to be stirred not shaken in a cocktail shaker like a martini.
• Use a low Old Fashioned cocktail glass if you have one; these fit the large ice cubes perfectly.

Common Questions

What bourbon should I use to make an old fashioned?
The bourbon you use will have a great deal to do with how this cocktail tastes. Bulleit is my personal favourite bourbon for an Old Fashioned but some other favourite’s to try are Knob Creek or Four Roses. Whichever bourbon you choose, make sure you enjoy it in other drinks too.

Where can I find black walnut bitters?
Cocktail bitters can generally be found at local liquor stores and specialty cocktail stores in your community. My favorite are Fee Brothers black walnut bitters.

​How to store this black walnut bitters cocktail

This cocktail is best enjoyed as soon as it’s made!

More bourbon cocktails to love from the blog:

Apple Cider Bourbon Fizz

Kombucha Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Winter Spiced Old Fashioned