Smoky Spiced Popular Old Fashioned

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned using spiced rum and a hint of cinnamon to evoke warmth and complexity. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together spiced rum, demerara syrup, 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 180 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz spiced rum, 1/2 oz demerara syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  2. Step 2: Add large ice cubes to the mixing glass and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
  4. Step 4: Express the oils of 1 large orange peel over the surface by holding it over the glass and twisting firmly.
  5. Step 5: Rub the rim of the glass with the orange peel and rest it inside the glass.
  6. Step 6: Finish by placing 1 cinnamon stick upright into the glass as a fragrant garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Spiced Popular Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Smoky Spiced Popular Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover smoky spiced popular old fashioned 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 Smoky Spiced Popular 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 Smoky Spiced Popular 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 Smoky Spiced Popular Old Fashioned?

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.