Kentucky Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail
A classic bourbon cocktail with a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, showcasing Kentucky's signature spirit. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together Kentucky bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, 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 150 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 Kentucky bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 oz (1/2 tsp) simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel
- as needed ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey with 1/4 oz simple syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Add enough ice cubes to fill the glass halfway and stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express the oils from 1 large strip of orange peel over the drink by holding it skin-side down and twisting it, then rub the peel around the glass rim and drop it in as garnish.








