Caramelized Orange Whiskey Old Fashioned
A rich, warming take on the Old Fashioned with caramelized orange and deep bourbon flavors balanced by bitters and a touch of maple syrup. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 13 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, 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 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 whiskey
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange wheel
- 1 large ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 orange wheel in a small skillet over medium heat and cook until caramelized and fragrant, about 2 minutes per side, then let cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, pour 2 oz bourbon, 1/4 oz maple syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Add the caramelized orange wheel to the mixing glass and gently muddle to release oils and flavor.
- Step 4: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Step 5: Strain into a rocks glass over 1 large clear ice cube.
- Step 6: Garnish with a fresh orange peel expressed over the drink and rested on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Orange Whiskey Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (10 min prep + 3 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Orange Whiskey Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover caramelized orange whiskey 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 Caramelized Orange Whiskey 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 Caramelized Orange Whiskey 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 Caramelized Orange Whiskey 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.
