Vanilla-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned
A warm, cozy twist on the classic Old Fashioned, enhanced with vanilla and a hint of warming spices for depth. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together Bourbon, Vanilla 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 190 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
- 1/2 oz Vanilla syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip, for garnish Orange peel
- 1, for garnish Cinnamon stick
- 1 Large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz vanilla syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into the rocks glass over the large ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface, twist it to release oils, then rim the glass with it and drop it inside.
- Step 6: Garnish by resting a cinnamon stick alongside the orange peel for a spiced aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vanilla-Spiced Bourbon 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 Vanilla-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover vanilla-spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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.
