Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned

Cozy up with a Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned. Swap out the sugar cube or simple syrup in your favorite old fashioned recipe for a splash of cinnamon syrup to add a hint of spice and sweetness to the bourbon. A couple of dashes of orange bitters and a thin orange slice round out the flavors.

It’s a simple three ingredient drink, which is exactly why I like it. The cinnamon isn’t overpowering here, it just adds a warm flavor to the bourbon (think fireplace, but in drink form). Add a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary for garnish and it’s ready for any holiday party.

Why You’ll Love This

This old fashioned is easy to make and full of seasonal flavor.

• Only three main ingredients
• Warm cinnamon spice without being too sweet
• A classic that bourbon lovers already know
• Stirred and ready in a couple of minutes
• Great for fall and winter
• Easy to adjust the sweetness

This is also a good drink to share with bourbon skeptics, since the cinnamon tones down the bourbon a touch.

Tasting Notes

Expect the bourbon to jump out first, and you’ll get notes of caramel, vanilla and oak, then cinnamon syrup will follow close behind with a sweet, warm spice that lingers on the finish. You’ll also catch whiffs of citrus from the orange bitters and a lovely fresh scent from the orange slice. And if you add a cinnamon stick and sprig of rosemary you’ll get even more scent, which is cozy and woodsy. This is a smooth, spiced drink that begs to be sipped slowly.

Ingredients

Here’s what goes into this simple cocktail.

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 dashes orange bitters
• 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
• 1 thin orange slice, for garnish
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
• Rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Since bourbon is the star, pick a bottle you’d happily sip neat.

• Woodford Reserve
  Rich and balanced, a great old fashioned bourbon.
• Elijah Craig Small Batch
  Lots of caramel and spice that pair well with cinnamon.
• Bulleit Bourbon
  A higher rye bourbon with a little extra spice.
• Angostura Orange Bitters or Regans’ Orange Bitters
  Both are easy to find and work great.
• Store bought cinnamon syrup
  A handy shortcut if you’re short on time.

Rye whiskey also makes a great swap if you like a drier, spicier old fashioned.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need just a few bar tools.

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Large ice cube

A large ice cube melts slowly and keeps the drink from getting watered down.

How to Make It

An old fashioned is stirred, not shaken, so it stays smooth and silky.

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the bourbon, orange bitters and cinnamon syrup.
2. Stir well to mix and chill.
3. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a thin orange slice.
5. Add a cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig if you like.
6. Serve right away.

Stir for about 20 to 30 seconds. That’s enough to chill the drink and add just a little dilution.

Pro Tips

These tips will help you make a great cinnamon old fashioned.

• Make your own cinnamon syrup. Simmer equal parts water and sugar with a cinnamon stick until fragrant, then cool and strain.
• Express the orange. Squeeze the orange slice over the glass to release its oils.
• Adjust the syrup. Use a little more for a sweeter, spicier drink.
• Use a big ice cube. It keeps the drink cold without watering it down.
• Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring.
• Don’t skip the bitters. They balance out the sweetness.

Homemade cinnamon syrup keeps for about two weeks in the fridge, and it’s great in coffee too.

Variations

Here are a few fun ways to change it up.

• Maple Cinnamon Old Fashioned
  Use half maple syrup and half cinnamon syrup.
• Smoked Old Fashioned
  Smoke the glass with a torched cinnamon stick before pouring.
• Rye Old Fashioned
  Use rye whiskey for more spice.
• Chai Old Fashioned
  Swap the cinnamon syrup for a chai syrup.
• Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
  Make the syrup with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

The smoked version takes a few extra seconds and makes the drink feel like something from a fancy bar.

When to Serve and Pairings

This is a great drink for cooler weather and cozy nights.

• Thanksgiving dinner
• Holiday parties
• After dinner drinks
• Fireside nights
• Date nights
• Christmas Eve

Food pairings that work especially well include:

• Steak
• Smoked meats
• Pecan pie
• Dark chocolate
• Candied pecans

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions.

Should I shake or stir an old fashioned?
Stir it. Shaking makes it cloudy and adds too much water.

Can I use ground cinnamon?
It won’t dissolve well, so a cinnamon syrup works much better.

What’s the best glass?
A rocks glass, also called an old fashioned glass.

Are the garnishes required?
Only the orange slice. The cinnamon stick and rosemary are optional.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned, here are a few more to try.

• Maple Butter Old Fashioned
• Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
• Campfire Old Fashioned
• Eggnog Old Fashioned
• Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour