Paul Kushner
The Winter Spice Old Fashioned is a bold, complex drink with warm winter spices and bittersweet notes. The combination of bourbon, Cynar, and a spiced simple syrup gives this cocktail a robust, festive flavor reminiscent of gingerbread. A garnish of star anise adds an aromatic touch, making it a perfect drink for cozy winter nights.
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- ½ ounce Cynar
- ½ ounce cardamom and clove simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
- Pour in the bourbon, Cynar, and cardamom and clove simple syrup.
- Add three dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixture.
- Stir the cocktail until it is well-chilled and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a star anise for a warm, aromatic finish.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a homemade cardamom and clove simple syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar with a few cardamom pods and whole cloves. Strain and cool before using.
- If you prefer a slightly less bitter drink, reduce the Cynar to a quarter-ounce for a more balanced flavor.
- Chilling the coupe glass beforehand keeps the cocktail cold longer and enhances the sipping experience.
Tasting Notes
The Winter Spice Old Fashioned combines the richness of bourbon with the herbal bitterness of Cynar, balanced by the warmth of spiced syrup. The cardamom and clove bring a festive, gingerbread-like quality, while the Angostura bitters add depth and complexity. Each sip is a layered experience, with bittersweet and spiced notes that make it a comforting, flavorful choice for the holiday season.
