Vanilla-Infused Bourbon Old Fashioned
A rich bourbon Old Fashioned enhanced with homemade vanilla syrup for a smooth, aromatic finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, vanilla 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 200 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
- 3/4 oz vanilla simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3/4 oz vanilla simple syrup and 3 dashes Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Place a single large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 5: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice cube.
- Step 6: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it with the outer skin facing down and twisting to release oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and rest it inside the glass as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vanilla-Infused Bourbon Old Fashioned 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 Vanilla-Infused Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover vanilla-infused bourbon 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 Vanilla-Infused Bourbon 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 Vanilla-Infused Bourbon 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 Vanilla-Infused Bourbon 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.
