Hardware Hammer Old Fashioned
A robust twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring smoky notes and a hint of spice inspired by the rugged charm of hardware stores. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs bourbon, maple syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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. 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
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- a pinch smoked paprika
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 large ice cube
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz maple syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes to just cover the liquid.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils from 1 wide strip of orange peel over the drink, twist it to release the aroma, then rim the glass and drop it in as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hardware Hammer Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Hardware Hammer 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 Hardware Hammer 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 Hardware Hammer 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 Hardware Hammer Old Fashioned?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
