Lemon-Brandy Old Fashioned with Spiced Bitters
A twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail featuring brandy, lemon zest, and aromatic spiced bitters for a warm, balanced drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Brandy, Simple syrup, 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 160 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 Brandy
- 1/4 oz Simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large strip Lemon peel
- 1 large Ice cube
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a rocks glass, add 1/4 oz simple syrup and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz brandy and gently stir to combine the syrup and bitters with the spirit for 15 seconds.
- Step 3: Fill the glass with 1 large clear ice cube and stir slowly for another 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Express the oils of 1 large strip of lemon peel over the glass by pinching it skin side down, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Brandy Old Fashioned with Spiced Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Lemon-Brandy Old Fashioned with Spiced Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover lemon-brandy old fashioned with spiced 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 Lemon-Brandy Old Fashioned with Spiced 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 Lemon-Brandy Old Fashioned with Spiced 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 Lemon-Brandy Old Fashioned with Spiced Bitters?
General 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.
