Ginger Cardamom Old Fashioned
A warming old fashioned with spicy ginger and aromatic cardamom notes, enhanced by dark rum and bitters. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together dark rum, ginger syrup, dashes 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 195 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 dark rum
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- 3 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 cardamom pod
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly crush 1 cardamom pod in the palm of your hand and add it to a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz dark rum, 1/2 oz ginger syrup, and 3 dashes angostura bitters into the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Add ice cubes to fill the glass halfway and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill without diluting.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a single large ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface, twist it, then rim the glass with the peel before resting it on the edge as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger Cardamom 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 Ginger Cardamom Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger cardamom 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 Ginger Cardamom 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 Ginger Cardamom 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 Ginger Cardamom Old Fashioned?
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.
