Smoky Vanilla Bourbon Old Fashioned
A smooth bourbon cocktail enhanced by a hint of smoky vanilla and balanced sweetness, served over a large ice cube for a slow melt. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, vanilla 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz vanilla syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- pinch smoked sea salt
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a pinch of smoked sea salt in a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and 1/2 oz vanilla syrup to the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twisting it to release the aroma, then rub the peel around the rim and rest it on the ice as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Vanilla Bourbon Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Vanilla Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky vanilla bourbon 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 Vanilla Bourbon 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 Vanilla Bourbon 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 Vanilla Bourbon 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.
