Cognac Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refined twist on the classic Old Fashioned, where maple syrup adds depth and orange bitters elevate the cognac's richness. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together Cognac, Pure maple 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 160 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a rocks glass, add 2 oz cognac, 1/2 oz pure maple syrup, and 2 dashes orange bitters.
  2. Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the syrup dissolves completely and the mixture is well combined.
  3. Step 3: Add a large ice cube, stir gently for 20 seconds until the glass is frosty, and garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cognac Old Fashioned with Orange 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 Cognac Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters?

Refrigerate any leftover cognac old fashioned with orange 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 Cognac Old Fashioned with Orange 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 Cognac Old Fashioned with Orange 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 Cognac Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters?

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.

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