Bitters-Infused Old Fashioned Cocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Old Fashioned cocktail enhanced with aromatic bitters to elevate the sharp, herbal bitterness balanced by smooth whiskey. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, dashes angostura bitters, 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 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a rocks glass, combine 2 oz bourbon whiskey with 3 dashes of angostura bitters and 1 tsp simple syrup.
  2. Step 2: Add ice cubes to fill the glass halfway and gently stir for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  3. Step 3: Express the oils of 1 twist of orange peel over the glass by holding it with the peel side down and squeezing firmly, then rub the peel around the rim before placing it in the drink as garnish.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the balanced bitterness and warmth of this classic cocktail.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bitters-Infused Old Fashioned Cocktail 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 Old Fashioned Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover bitters-infused old fashioned cocktail 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 Old Fashioned Cocktail?

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 Old Fashioned Cocktail 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 Old Fashioned Cocktail?

General 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.