Smoked Cherry and Cinnamon Old Fashioned
A rich, smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, balanced with sweet cherry syrup and warm cinnamon notes. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs Bourbon, Smoked cherry syrup, Cinnamon stick for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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
- 1 oz Smoked cherry syrup
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip Orange zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz smoked cherry syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Muddle 1 cinnamon stick in the shaker until fragrant, then add the orange zest strip and twist it to release oils.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the tin is frosty cold. Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 4: Garnish with a thin lemon wheel floated on the surface and a cinnamon stick tucked behind it.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Cherry and Cinnamon Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Smoked Cherry and Cinnamon Old Fashioned?
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 Smoked Cherry and Cinnamon 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 Smoked Cherry and Cinnamon 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 Smoked Cherry and Cinnamon Old Fashioned?
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.
