Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

A cozy seasonal twist on the timeless Old Fashioned, this cocktail blends smooth bourbon with warm winter spices, bright orange oils, and aromatic bitters—perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Drink

• Rich and warming – Bourbon paired with cinnamon and star anise creates deep seasonal flavor.
• Elegant yet simple – Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect winter cocktail – Ideal for holidays, fireside sipping, or after-dinner relaxation.
• Customizable sweetness – Adjust syrup or use a brown sugar cube to taste.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 tsp simple syrup
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 whole star anise
• 1 orange wheel
• Ice cubes (preferably large)
• Brown sugar cube (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the glass
Place a large ice cube (or several smaller cubes) in an Old Fashioned glass. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise.

Add sweetener and bitters
Pour in the simple syrup and Angostura bitters. Gently muddle the star anise just enough to release aroma without crushing it.
Optional: Muddle a brown sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water until dissolved.

Pour and stir
Add the bourbon or rye over the ice. Stir smoothly for about 30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.

Express the orange oils
Hold an orange wheel over the glass and gently twist or squeeze to release citrus oils onto the surface.

Garnish and serve
Drop the orange wheel into the drink, keeping the cinnamon stick upright for presentation. Serve immediately.

Notes & Tips

• Choose a quality bourbon or rye—the spirit is the main flavor.
• Large ice cubes melt slowly and keep the drink balanced.
• Avoid crushing the star anise to prevent overpowering licorice notes.
• Charring the cinnamon stick lightly adds a subtle smoky depth.
• Adjust sweetness with more syrup or brown sugar if desired.

Quick Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Dietary: Alcoholic, Gluten-Free

Perfect Occasions

• Holiday gatherings
• Winter dinner parties
• Fireside evenings
• Quiet nightcap moments

Final Thought:
The Winter Spiced Old Fashioned keeps the elegance of the original cocktail while layering in comforting seasonal aromas—making it a simple yet sophisticated drink for the coldest months of the year.