Spiced Scotch and Citrus Old Fashioned Cocktail

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

A refined twist on a classic Old Fashioned, featuring Scotch whisky with bright citrus notes and warm spices. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together blended Scotch whisky, 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 160 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 American cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz blended Scotch whisky, 1 tsp simple syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  2. Step 2: Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes to chill the glass.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into the chilled rocks glass over fresh ice cubes.
  4. Step 4: Express the oils of 1 large strip of orange peel over the glass by holding it over the drink and twisting, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 cinnamon stick, allowing the warm spice aroma to infuse while sipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Scotch and Citrus Old Fashioned 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 Scotch and Citrus Old Fashioned Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced scotch and citrus old fashioned 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 Scotch and Citrus Old Fashioned 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 Scotch and Citrus Old Fashioned 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 Scotch and Citrus Old Fashioned Cocktail?

American 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.