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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
