Old Fashioned Bourbon Citrus Twist
A classic Old Fashioned cocktail with a bright citrus twist, highlighting a smooth bourbon base balanced by orange and bitters. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together 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 bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel
- as needed ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils from 1 large strip of orange peel over the drink by holding it skin side down and giving it a firm twist, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Old Fashioned Bourbon Citrus Twist 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 Old Fashioned Bourbon Citrus Twist?
Refrigerate any leftover old fashioned bourbon citrus twist 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 Old Fashioned Bourbon Citrus Twist?
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 Old Fashioned Bourbon Citrus Twist 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 Old Fashioned Bourbon Citrus Twist?
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.
