Muddled Orange Spice Old Fashioned

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring muddled fresh orange and a hint of cinnamon spice. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water), fresh orange slices 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: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, place 2 fresh orange slices and 1/4 oz simple syrup. Muddle gently to release the oils and juice without pulverizing the peel.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
  3. Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute.
  4. Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
  5. Step 5: Garnish by resting a cinnamon stick vertically in the glass and expressing a thin orange peel over the surface, twisting to release oils, then placing it on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Muddled Orange Spice Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Muddled Orange Spice Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover muddled orange spice 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 Muddled Orange Spice 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 Muddled Orange Spice 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 Muddled Orange Spice Old Fashioned?

Cocktails & Beverages 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.