Ginger-Spiced Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters
A warming twist on the classic old fashioned, layering rich bourbon with fresh ginger and aromatic orange bitters for a balanced, spicy profile. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together Bourbon whiskey, Simple syrup, dashes 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 210 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 whiskey
- 0.5 inch piece, peeled and sliced Fresh ginger root
- 0.25 oz Simple syrup
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 piece for garnish Orange peel
- 1 large Ice cube
- 1 tsp Water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 0.5 inch peeled and sliced fresh ginger root with 0.25 oz simple syrup and 1 tsp water until fragrant and the ginger releases its spicy aroma, about 20 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey and 2 dashes of orange bitters, then fill the glass with ice and stir gently for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture over 1 large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Step 4: Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass by holding it skin side down and giving it a firm twist, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink.
- Step 5: Sip slowly to enjoy the layered warmth and spice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Spiced Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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-Spiced Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger-spiced 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 Ginger-Spiced 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 Ginger-Spiced 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 Ginger-Spiced Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters?
American 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.
