Balkan Walnut Old Fashioned
A rich and warming cocktail that highlights the nutty flavors reminiscent of Balkan traditions, using walnut liqueur balanced by bourbon and aromatic bitters. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, walnut liqueur, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz walnut liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz walnut liqueur, and 1/4 oz simple syrup into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and stir gently for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide orange peel strip over the surface by twisting it, then rim the glass with the peel and rest it on the rim as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Balkan Walnut Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Balkan Walnut Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover balkan walnut old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Balkan Walnut Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Balkan Walnut Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Balkan Walnut Old Fashioned?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
