Orange Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Love classic cocktails but want something a little extra? This Orange Cinnamon Old Fashioned takes a traditional favorite and gives it a cozy upgrade with warm cinnamon, clove-infused simple syrup, and a hint of orange. It’s rich, flavorful, and the bruleed orange garnish adds a touch of elegance that feels special without being over the top. Perfect for a night in or a fancy dinner party.
The Old Fashioned has always been a go-to for whiskey lovers, and this version takes it up a notch with festive flavors of cinnamon, clove, and orange. The homemade simple syrup is easy to whip up and keeps well, so you can make a batch ahead for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings. It’s versatile enough for cozy winter nights or outdoor summer parties by the fire pit.
Why you’ll love this Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Bruleed Oranges: Fancy but Not Fussy
Nothing says “I know my way around a cocktail” like a bruleed orange slice. It’s a little extra, but not so extra that you need to buy special equipment (hello, broiler). Plus, it smells amazing while you’re caramelizing that sugar—like a cocktail and dessert rolled into one.
Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Old Fashioned
- Bourbon Whiskey: Use your favorite! A smooth bourbon works best here, but no need to break out the priciest bottle unless you’re feeling fancy.
- Cinnamon and Clove Simple Syrup: This is where the magic happens. Made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, it’s sweet, spiced, and full of cozy vibes.
- Orange Bitters: These add just the right amount of citrusy depth without overpowering the spices or bourbon.
- Fresh Orange Juice: A little splash of freshly squeezed juice brightens everything up.
- Brown Sugar and Orange Slices (for garnish): Caramelizing the sugar brings a rich, smoky-sweet layer that’s almost too good to eat. Almost.
How to make Cinnamon Old Fashioned
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Make the cinnamon and clove simple syrup by simmering water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Let it cool before using.
Brulee the orange slices by sprinkling with brown sugar and using a torch or broiler to melt the sugar.
Combine bourbon, simple syrup, orange juice, and bitters in a glass. Stir to mix.
Add ice and garnish with the bruleed orange slice. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Vanilla Spice: Toss a splash of vanilla extract into the simple syrup, and suddenly your cocktail has dessert vibes. So good.
- Smoky Kick: Feeling adventurous? Go with a smoky bourbon or sneak in a tiny drop of liquid smoke for that cozy campfire feel.
- Maple Bourbon: Swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup in the simple syrup, and boom—you’ve got this rich, earthy sweetness that’s next level.
- Non-Alcoholic: Want to skip the booze? Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative like this one – it still packs all the flavor without the buzz.
- Lemon-Lime Refresh: Not an orange fan? A quick squeeze of lemon or lime gives this drink a bright and zesty twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Appetizers: This drink loves good company, so grab a handful of Spiced Peanuts or put together a quick cheese board. Perfect match!
- Toast with Friends: Whip up a batch for your next dinner party, and let the brûléed orange slices steal the show. You can serve them alongside Eggnog Pudding Shots and become known as the best host in town.
- Perfect Nightcap: Wind down with one of these and your favorite Netflix binge or a good book.
- Holiday Cheers: It’s like this cocktail was made for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Pour one, sit back, and soak up the festive vibes.
- Solo Treat: Long day? Treat yourself to one of these—you’ve earned it.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Cinnamon Old Fashioned?
The simple syrup can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Shake it up before using to mix any settled spices.
- Can I freeze Cinnamon Old Fashioned?
Freeze the simple syrup in ice cube trays for quick single servings. Once frozen, store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Tips & Tricks
- Spice Packet Hack: If using ground spices, tie them up in a coffee filter with twine to keep your syrup smooth.
- Don’t Rush the Syrup: Let it simmer gently to infuse the flavors without reducing too much.
- Chill Your Glass: Stick your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes to keep the drink colder, longer.
- Mix It Your Way: Adjust the sweetness or citrus to suit your taste—cocktails are meant to be personalized!
- Torch or Broiler? If you don’t have a torch, just broil the orange slices. They’ll caramelize beautifully under a hot oven.
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FAQ
Orange Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Spice packet or coffee filter with twine (if using ground spices)
- Strainer
- Baking sheet
- Kitchen torch (or oven broiler)
- 2 Cocktail glasses
Ingredients
Cocktail:
- 4 oz bourbon whiskey
- 2 oz cinnamon and clove simple syrup see recipe below
- 8 dashed orange bitters
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Bruleed Orange Garnish:
- 2 orange slices
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Cinnamon and Clove Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks or 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp whole cloves or equivalent in ground cloves
Instructions
Make the Cinnamon and Clove Simple Syrup:
- Combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a small saucepan. If using ground spices, place them in a spice packet or coffee filter secured with twine.
- Simmer over low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain out the spices and let the syrup cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Prepare the Bruleed Orange Garnish:
- Slice two orange rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle each with ½ tsp brown sugar.
- Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar, or place them under the oven broiler until caramelized. Let cool slightly before adding to the cocktail.
Assemble the Cocktails:
- In two Cocktail glasses, add 1 oz cinnamon and clove simple syrup, 2 oz bourbon, 1 tsp orange juice, and 4 dashes of orange bitters to each glass. Stir well.
- Add 1–2 large ice cubes to each glass. Top with a bruleed orange slice and, optionally, a cinnamon stick. Serve and enjoy!
