Expressive Orange Old Fashioned

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-12 · Updated 2026-07-12

A modern twist on the classic Old Fashioned, highlighting fresh orange oils and a subtle balance of sweetness and bitters. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together rye whiskey, demerara syrup, and 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 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Add this recipe to your weekly plan" 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 rye whiskey
• 1/4 oz demerara syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 wide strip orange peel
• 1 large clear ice cube

The shaker and jigger we’d mix this with → Best Bar Tools for 2026: Shakers, Jiggers & Strainers Worth Buying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
2. Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/4 oz demerara syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and lightly diluted.
4. Step 4: Strain the mixture over the ice cube in the rocks glass.
5. Step 5: Express the wide strip of orange peel over the surface by twisting it to release the oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and rest it on top as garnish.