Smoky Orange and Black Pepper Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned combining orange bitters with cracked black pepper for a bold, warming sip. This recipe, ready in about 6 minutes, brings together bourbon, simple syrup, orange 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 210 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
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 1 pinch cracked black pepper
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 large clear ice cube
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 pinch of cracked black pepper in a mixing glass. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes orange bitters.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the top and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over 1 large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it skin-side down and twisting firmly.
- Step 5: Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and rest it elegantly on the edge as garnish.
