Half Measure Old Fashioned
A half-sized twist on the classic Old Fashioned with a balanced blend of bourbon and bitters, perfect for a lighter yet flavorful sip. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes pairs bourbon, simple syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 oz bourbon
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 1 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes to the brim and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils of a wide strip of orange peel over the surface by twisting it firmly, then rub the peel around the glass rim and rest it inside as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half Measure Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 4 minutes (4 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half Measure Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half Measure 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 Half Measure 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 Half Measure 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.
