Stirred Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned
A warming twist on the classic Old Fashioned, infused with fresh citrus zest and a hint of warming spices for depth. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs rye whiskey, simple syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 rye whiskey
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 wide strip orange zest
- 1 small stick cinnamon stick
- 1 large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, pour 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Add 1 small cinnamon stick into the mixing glass and fill with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 4: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds, chilling the mixture without over-diluting.
- Step 5: Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube.
- Step 6: Express a wide strip of orange zest over the surface, twisting to release the oils, then rub it around the rim and rest it on the edge as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stirred Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stirred Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rye whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stirred Citrus-Spiced 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 Stirred Citrus-Spiced 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 Stirred Citrus-Spiced Old Fashioned?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
