Citrus-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-19 · Updated 2026-05-19

A warming twist on the classic Old Fashioned featuring bright orange zest and a hint of warming cinnamon spice. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together bourbon, simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water), 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 180 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
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water)
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 small stick cinnamon stick
• 1 wide strip orange peel

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Place 1 small cinnamon stick and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass.
2. Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and 1/2 oz simple syrup into the mixing glass, then fill the glass with large ice cubes up to the top.
3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute without losing clarity.
4. Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
5. Step 5: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the glass to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel and rest it on the ice for garnish.
6. Step 6: Place the cinnamon stick in the glass alongside the ice as a fragrant stirrer.