Julius Caesar’s Spiced Old Fashioned

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail pays homage to Julius Caesar with warming spices and a touch of honey. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together rye whiskey, honey syrup (1:1 honey to water), 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 190 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing glass, add 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.25 oz honey syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, and a pinch of clove powder.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and integrate the flavors without over-diluting.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube.
  5. Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it skin side down and giving it a sharp twist.
  6. Step 6: Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and rest it on the ice as an aromatic garnish.
  7. Step 7: Serve and savor the warm spice notes inspired by Caesar’s legacy.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Julius Caesar’s Spiced Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Julius Caesar’s Spiced Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover julius caesar’s spiced 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 Julius Caesar’s Spiced 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 Julius Caesar’s Spiced 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 Julius Caesar’s Spiced Old Fashioned?

Cocktails 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.