Cardamom-Spiced Whiskey Old Fashioned
A warming Old Fashioned elevated with aromatic cardamom and a touch of maple syrup for balanced sweetness. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- a pinch ground cardamom
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 0.25 oz maple syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, and a pinch of ground cardamom.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the top and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until chilled but not overly diluted.
- Step 3: Place 1 large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 4: Strain the stirred cocktail into the glass over the large ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by twisting it over the glass, then rim the glass with the peel and place it on the side as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cardamom-Spiced Whiskey Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Cardamom-Spiced Whiskey Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover cardamom-spiced 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 Cardamom-Spiced 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 Cardamom-Spiced 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 Cardamom-Spiced 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.
