Almond Old Fashioned

Why You’ll Love This

The Almond Old Fashioned blends bourbon, amaretto, and bitters simply. It has soft sweetness, a touch of citrus from the garnish, and the comfort of an Old Fashioned with amaretto.

Some reasons people enjoy this mix

• Simple to prepare
• Uses ingredients you can keep on hand
• Works for gatherings or quiet nights
• Smooth flavor that suits newer bourbon drinkers
• Easy to shape based on your taste
• Needs only a few tools and steps

Once you try it, this almond bourbon drink becomes a steady favorite for calm evenings.

Ingredients

This recipe uses a few ingredients, each playing a clear role in the flavor.

You will need

• 2 oz bourbon, choose a good-quality bottle
• ½ oz amaretto
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters, optional
• orange peel, for garnish
• maraschino cherry, optional, for garnish

The bourbon gives the drink its base. The amaretto adds almond sweetness and smooths the edges. Bitters help keep the drink from leaning too sweet. The orange peel adds a bright scent that pairs well with the almond. The cherry is a simple optional touch.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You don’t need rare bottles, but good ones help this cocktail shine. These choices are steady and dependable.

• Buffalo Trace for a balanced sip
• Woodford Reserve for a richer vanilla note
• Maker’s Mark for a softer, rounder taste
• Disaronno for the classic amaretto flavor
• Luxardo Amaretto for a slightly deeper almond taste
• Use extra Angostura if you skip orange bitters

Any smooth bourbon works. Most almond flavor comes from amaretto, so choose one that’s clean and not too sweet.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few basic tools for an Almond Old Fashioned. Most home bartenders already have what they need.

Helpful items

• Mixing Glass
• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Old Fashioned Glass or
• Rocks Glass
• Strainer
• Peeler for the garnish

A heavy Old Fashioned glass works best, keeping the drink cold and feeling good in your hand. If tools are limited, use a sturdy glass.

How to Make It

Making an Almond Old Fashioned is easy. Stir it cold, then pour over fresh ice.

1. Chill an Old Fashioned glass while you prepare the drink.
2. Add bourbon, amaretto, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Add ice and stir until the drink feels cold.
4. Take your chilled glass from the freezer.
5. Rub an orange peel along the rim for more aroma.
6. Strain the drink into the glass over fresh ice.
7. Add an orange peel twist and a cherry for a softer finish.

A large ice cube slows melting and keeps the drink steady from first sip to last.

Pro Tips

These small details help your Almond Old Fashioned taste cleaner and smell brighter. I’ve tested them at home.

• Stir until the outside of the mixing glass feels cold
• Use a clear, large ice cube if you can
• Add a touch more bourbon for a stronger taste
• Use amaretto that isn’t overly sugary
• Express the orange peel oils right over the drink
• Chill the glass for a crisper sip
• Add one more dash of bitters if you want more depth

Small tweaks make a big difference in this cocktail.

Variations

You can easily adjust this drink to your liking.

• Maple Almond Old Fashioned, add a small splash of maple syrup
• Spiced Almond version, add a cinnamon stick as garnish
• Extra citrus, use a lemon twist instead of an orange
• Lighter version, use one ounce less bourbon

Each change gives you a new take without losing the almond character.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Almond Old Fashioned suits quiet nights, small gatherings, or slow evenings after dinner. Its soft warmth fits cooler months, but the almond keeps it enjoyable year-round.

Some pairing ideas

• Roasted nuts
• Dark chocolate
• Sharp cheeses
• Caramel-based desserts

Almond and bourbon pair well with sweet and salty snacks.

Storage and Serving Notes

This drink tastes best fresh. To prepare ahead, mix bourbon, amaretto, and bitters in a small bottle and chill. When guests arrive, pour over ice and garnish. Don’t add ice early, as it can dilute the drink.

FAQs

Here are a few questions people often ask before trying an Almond Old Fashioned.

Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
Yes, rye adds a sharper spice that cuts the almond sweetness.

Is the cherry required?
No. It adds a touch of sweetness, but the drink stands strong without it.

Can I make this drink sweeter?
Add a little simple syrup if you want it sweeter, but start light since amaretto is already sweet.

Do I need orange bitters?
Orange bitters are optional. They add brightness, but Angostura works fine on its own.

Can I make a batch for a party?
Yes. Mix the base ingredients without ice. Store in the fridge and pour over ice when ready.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy the Almond Old Fashioned, you might like other whiskey-based drinks with calm, warm notes.

• Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned
• Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned
• Oak Smoked Old Fashioned
• Frozen Bourbon Old Fashioned
• Double Cherry Old Fashioned