Orange Zest Old Fashioned with Smoked Cinnamon
A smoky twist on the Old Fashioned, combining bourbon with smoked cinnamon bitters and a bright orange zest for warmth and depth. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs bourbon, dashes smoked cinnamon bitters, demerara syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 3 dashes smoked cinnamon bitters
- 1/2 oz demerara syrup
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass. Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz demerara syrup, and add 3 dashes of smoked cinnamon bitters.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.
- Step 3: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the glass surface by holding it skin side down and giving it a firm twist.
- Step 4: Rub the peel around the rim and rest it elegantly on the edge as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange Zest Old Fashioned with Smoked Cinnamon take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Orange Zest Old Fashioned with Smoked Cinnamon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Zest Old Fashioned with Smoked Cinnamon?
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 Orange Zest Old Fashioned with Smoked Cinnamon 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 Orange Zest Old Fashioned with Smoked Cinnamon?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
