Old-Fashioned with Orange Zest and Cherry
A timeless old-fashioned cocktail combining rich bourbon with bitters and a bright orange zest, served over a single large ice cube. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, simple syrup (1:1 sugar 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 orange peel strip
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters into the glass.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly without losing clarity.
- Step 4: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it skin-side down and twisting firmly to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel before resting it on the rim.
- Step 5: Skewer a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick and lay it across the top of the glass as garnish.
- Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy the warming aromas.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Old-Fashioned with Orange Zest and Cherry take to make?
Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 with Orange Zest and Cherry?
Refrigerate any leftover old-fashioned with orange zest and cherry 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 with Orange Zest and Cherry?
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 with Orange Zest and Cherry 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 with Orange Zest and Cherry?
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.
