Citrus-Spiced Scotch Old Fashioned
A classic Old Fashioned reimagined with Scotch whisky, orange bitters, and a hint of warming spice for balanced complexity. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together blended Scotch whisky, simple syrup, orange 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 150 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 blended Scotch whisky
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 twist orange peel
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz blended Scotch whisky, 1/4 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes orange bitters, and 1 dash Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils of 1 orange peel twist over the drink by holding it skin-side down and giving it a firm squeeze, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.
- Step 5: Serve and savor the warming citrus and spice notes combined with the Scotch’s smoky character.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Scotch Old Fashioned 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 Scotch Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-spiced scotch 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 Citrus-Spiced Scotch 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 Citrus-Spiced Scotch 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 Citrus-Spiced Scotch 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.
