Cambridge Spice Old Fashioned

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

A warming twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring spiced maple syrup and a hint of orange to evoke the refined yet comforting character of Cambridge. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes brings together rye whiskey, spiced maple syrup, dashes 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 195 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: 4 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 195 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/2 oz spiced maple syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly into the glass.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, melding flavors.
  4. Step 4: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface by twisting it firmly to release essential oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and rest it on the ice.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy the layered spice and citrus aroma.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cambridge Spice Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 Cambridge Spice Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover cambridge spice 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 Cambridge Spice 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 Cambridge Spice 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 Cambridge Spice 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.