Every season needs a cocktail and this Winter Spiced Old Fashioned does just the trick!
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
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.
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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:
Kombucha Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess
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