Spiced Popular Old Fashioned

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming, classic-inspired cocktail with a hint of spice and smooth bourbon notes, perfect for sipping slowly. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, rich simple 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 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Drinks cuisine 210 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1/2 oz rich simple syrup and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and 1 whole clove to the mixing glass.
  3. Step 3: Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture over a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
  5. Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it skin side down and twisting firmly, then rim the glass and rest the peel on the edge.
  6. Step 6: Allow the clove to float on top as an aromatic garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Popular 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 Spiced Popular Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover 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 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 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 Spiced Popular Old Fashioned?

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.