Bitters-Infused Citrus Old Fashioned
A classic Old Fashioned cocktail elevated with aromatic botanicals and a hint of citrus bitterness from handcrafted bitters. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together bourbon whiskey, orange bitters, angostura bitters 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 150 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 whiskey
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 large strip orange peel
- enough for one glass ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 tsp simple syrup into a mixing glass and add 3 dashes of orange bitters plus 2 dashes of angostura bitters. Stir with 2 oz bourbon whiskey and several ice cubes for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 2: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or a few smaller cubes.
- Step 3: Express the oils of 1 large strip of orange peel over the drink by holding it skin-side down and giving it a firm twist, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it in as garnish.
- Step 4: Sip slowly to enjoy the layered bitterness from the bitters and the citrus brightness complementing the warm vanilla notes of the bourbon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bitters-Infused Citrus 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 Bitters-Infused Citrus Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover bitters-infused citrus 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 Bitters-Infused Citrus 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 Bitters-Infused Citrus 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 Bitters-Infused Citrus Old Fashioned?
American 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.
