Toasted Cardamom Dark Horse Old Fashioned
A warming twist on the Old Fashioned featuring smoky bourbon with toasted cardamom and a hint of rich maple syrup. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon, maple 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 195 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
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 pods toasted cardamom pods
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly crush 2 toasted cardamom pods in a mixing glass to release their flavor.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz maple syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters to the mixing glass filled with large ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twisting to release oils, then rim the glass and rest it on the ice as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Toasted Cardamom Dark Horse Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Toasted Cardamom Dark Horse Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover toasted cardamom dark horse 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 Toasted Cardamom Dark Horse 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 Toasted Cardamom Dark Horse 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 Toasted Cardamom Dark Horse 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.
