Spiced Bourbon Bitters Cocktail

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

A deeply aromatic drink highlighting bourbon's complexity with bitters and a subtle spice note. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together bourbon, Angostura bitters, pure maple syrup 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 165 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 & Drinks cuisine 165 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, add 2 oz bourbon, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, 1/2 oz pure maple syrup, 1/16 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 dash orange bitters. Stir with a single ice cube for 30 seconds until chilled and flavors meld.
  2. Step 2: Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Express lemon twist oils over the drink by twisting it above the glass, then drop it in as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Bourbon Bitters Cocktail 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 Spiced Bourbon Bitters Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced bourbon bitters cocktail 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 Spiced Bourbon Bitters Cocktail?

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 Spiced Bourbon Bitters Cocktail 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 Spiced Bourbon Bitters Cocktail?

Cocktails & Drinks 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.

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