Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned with Cardamom Bitters
A warming twist on the classic Old Fashioned, combining rich bourbon with bright citrus notes and aromatic cardamom bitters for complexity. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water), dashes cardamom 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
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 3 dashes cardamom bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel
- enough for mixing and serving ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1/4 oz simple syrup and 3 dashes of cardamom bitters into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well-chilled but not overly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of a large orange peel over the surface by holding it over the glass and twisting to release the citrus oils, then rub the rim with the peel and rest it inside the glass as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned with Cardamom Bitters 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 Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned with Cardamom Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-spiced old fashioned with cardamom bitters 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 Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned with Cardamom Bitters?
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 Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned with Cardamom Bitters 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 Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned with Cardamom Bitters?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
