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

Print

Old Fashioned Cocktail with Black Walnut Bitters

A new take on a classic old fashioned cocktail using black walnut bitters & maple syrup; it's is a flavor profile not to be missed!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword bourbon cocktail, old fashioned

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 cocktail

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes black walnut bitters
• 2 oz bourbon
• orange peel, cinnamon stick and/or fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

• 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. 
• 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.
• Sip and enjoy!

Notes

• 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.

The post Old Fashioned Cocktail with Black Walnut Bitters appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

An Old Fashioned cocktail is my personal favourite but I’ve changed things up with a cozy, warming spiced simple syrup.

With just a couple of ingredients you can be sipping one by the fireside in no time.

If you like bourbon-forward cocktails, I think you will love this cocktail.

Even for those of you who are not bourbon-drinkers but are adventurous, you’ll want to give this a try!

What goes in an Old Fashioned

A classic Old Fashioned is made with: bourbon or rye whiskey; a sugar cube; and bitters. In many Old Fashioned cocktails you’ll also find an orange peel

What makes this spiced Old Fashioned cocktail recipe different is the addition of the spiced simple syrup which takes the place of the sugar cube.

The spiced simple syrup has a hint of sweetness mixed with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Mixed with the warmth of the bourbon you get a delightful sip that’s perfect for enjoying at home or during an evening with friends.

What do you need to make this Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

• Cocktail glasses
• Bourbon
• Spiced Simple Syrup
• Orange peels
• Agnostura or Orange Bitters
• One large ice cube per cocktail or a handful of smaller ice cubes

Print

Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

This spin on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail uses a spiced simple syrup that brings lovely warming notes to this Wintery sip.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword bourbon cocktail

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 1 cocktail

Author Jess

Ingredients

For the Spiced Simple Syrup

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced or 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 inch piece orange peel
• one large pinch ground cloves or ground nutmeg

For the Cocktails

• 1 ounce spiced simple syrup
• 2 dashes agnostura or orange bitters
• 2 ounces bourbon
• ice cubes

To Garnish

• orange peel
• cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Spiced Simple Syrup

• To make the spiced simple syrup. In a small pot bring 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, orange peel and cloves or nutmeg to a boil. Boil 3 minutes then remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes to infuse and cool. This syrup makes enough for 6-8 drinks.
• Remove the cinnamon sticks, ginger and orange peel from the simple syrup and store in the fridge until ready to use. *You can store simple syrup in the fridge for a couple of weeks.*

Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

• To make one cocktail add spiced simple syrup, bitters, bourbon and ice to a cocktail glass. Stir for at least 20 seconds and up to one minute.
• 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 cinnamon stick as well if you desire.

What bourbon to buy 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. 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.

I picture sipping this cocktail by a cozy warm fireplace, with the Christmas tree beautifully lit, holiday music on and a few friends over. It’s really perfect for the season!

More Winter cocktails to love from the blog:

Easy Mulled Wine

Kombucha Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Citrus Vodka Crush

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post Winter Spiced Old Fashioned appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.