Try This Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe With A Southern Twist

Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned

This bourbon old fashioned recipe is smooth, spirit-forward, and just the right amount of sweet with a twist that’ll make your next cocktail hour stand out.

I still remember the first old fashioned I ever ordered. It was one of those date nights where everything feels just a little extra: white linen tablecloths, low lighting, a jazz trio in the corner. I wanted something classic, something that felt like a proper cocktail.

The bartender slid a short glass across the bar with an orange twist and a single cherry resting at the bottom. That first sip was bold, smoky, and just barely sweet. I was hooked.

But when I started making them at home, I realized how many small choices go into getting it just right.

The bourbon REALLY matters.

So do the bitters.

I started experimenting, and the twist I settled on was something a little Southern: a homemade brown sugar cinnamon syrup. It warms up the drink, rounds out the edges, and makes the whole thing feel more inviting.

It’s still a bourbon old fashioned, but with a little porch-sippin’ personality.

Why This Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe Works

The bourbon old fashioned is a cocktail that doesn’t hide. There’s no soda, no fancy foams, no shaker tricks. Just bourbon, a little sweetness, a few dashes of bitters, and a citrus peel. That’s what makes it so appealing. It’s a drink that respects the spirit.

This version keeps all that simplicity, but gives it a warm, approachable feel with brown sugar cinnamon syrup instead of the usual white sugar cube or plain simple syrup.

That extra layer of flavor makes it ideal for cooler evenings, holiday get-togethers, or anytime you want something classic with a little more depth.

Once you get the proportions down, it’s one of the easiest cocktails to mix at home. No special skills needed. And if you’re entertaining, batching these ahead with the syrup makes serving a breeze.

Bourbon Old Fashioned With Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup

Ingredients For Bourbon Old Fashioned

Here’s what you need to make one perfect bourbon old fashioned:

• 2 oz good-quality bourbon
• Twist ingredient: 1/2 oz brown sugar cinnamon syrup (see notes or exclude for classic recipe)
• 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• Large ice cube or sphere
• Optional: Luxardo cherry or a muddled cherry (if you like it a bit fruitier)

Ingredient notes:

• Bourbon: Choose one that’s smooth and well-balanced. Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, or Elijah Craig Small Batch all work beautifully. Avoid overly sweet or overly smoky bourbons.
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup: This is where the twist comes in. Simmer 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1/2 cup water and a cinnamon stick until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. It adds warmth without being overpowering.
• Bitters: Angostura is classic, but you can experiment with orange or cardamom bitters for a unique variation.
• Orange peel: Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to get a good wide peel. Express the oils over the drink by twisting it before dropping it in.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Bourbon Old Fashioned

1. Make the syrup (if you haven’t already): Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, and one cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Simmer until dissolved. Cool completely before using.
2. Add syrup and bitters: In a mixing glass or directly in a rocks glass, add 1/2 oz of the brown sugar cinnamon syrup and 2 to 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
3. Add bourbon: Pour in 2 oz of bourbon. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add ice: Place a large ice cube in the glass. If using a mixing glass, stir the mixture with ice first for 20 seconds, then strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
5. Garnish: Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in. Add a Luxardo cherry if desired, or muddle a fresh cherry with the syrup at the beginning for a fruitier variation.
6. Serve: Sip slowly and enjoy every smooth, spiced, slightly sweetened sip.

Tips:

• Use a jigger to measure your pours so you can recreate the same perfect balance every time.
• Stir gently. You want to chill the drink without over-diluting it.
• A large cube melts slower and keeps your drink colder longer.
  
  

  Bourbon Old Fashioned With A Brown Sugar Cinnamon Twist

  Yield: 1 cocktial

  Prep Time: 5 minutes

  Total Time: 5 minutes

  This smooth and spirit-forward bourbon old fashioned recipe features a homemade brown sugar cinnamon syrup for a warm, Southern twist on the classic cocktail.

  Print

  Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz brown sugar cinnamon syrup
  • 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Large ice cube or sphere
  • Optional: 1 Luxardo cherry or muddled cherry

  Instructions

  1. Combine 1/2 oz brown sugar cinnamon syrup and bitters in a rocks glass or mixing glass.
  2. Add 2 oz bourbon. Stir to combine.
  3. Add one large ice cube to the glass. If using a mixing glass, stir with ice then strain into rocks glass with fresh ice.
  4. Express orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
  5. Garnish with a cherry if desired. Serve immediately.

  Notes

  To make the syrup, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, and one cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How to Serve a Bourbon Old Fashioned

This drink is all about simple sophistication, so serving it right adds to the charm.

Serve your bourbon old fashioned in a short, heavy-bottomed rocks glass. The kind that fits perfectly in your hand and feels substantial. Drop in a single large cube of ice to keep things cold without watering it down too quickly. That big cube also looks pretty sharp against the deep amber color of the bourbon.

For garnishes, stick with a classic orange peel twist. Express it over the glass so those citrus oils hit the surface of the drink. If you like a little extra flair, add a dark cherry. Luxardo if you can swing it, but a homemade bourbon-soaked cherry works just as well.

Now for the setting. This is a porch swing kind of cocktail. A fireside sipper. Perfect for book club with your girlfriends, a quiet night in with something soulful playing, or even a holiday gathering where you want something more grown-up than spiked eggnog.

It also plays well with food. Try it with:

• Smoked meats or barbecue
• Sharp cheeses or charcuterie
• Chocolate pecan pie

Just pour, garnish, and let it shine. No need for fancy glassware or a cocktail shaker.

How To Store & Re-Use Old Fashioned Leftovers

Since this is a stirred cocktail, not a shaken one, it lends itself surprisingly well to batching and storing.

If you’re making drinks ahead of time for a party, you can mix the bourbon, syrup, and bitters together in a pitcher or sealed bottle. Keep it chilled in the fridge for up to a week. Just don’t add the ice or garnishes until you serve.

Tips for prepping in advance:

• Mix everything except ice and garnishes.
• Store in a sealed mason jar or swing-top bottle.
• Stir or shake gently before pouring.
• Add fresh ice and garnish right before serving.

You can also freeze small portions of the mixed drink in silicone ice cube trays. When you’re ready for a cocktail, just pop one cube into a glass, let it melt a bit, then add your garnish.

If you find yourself with leftover syrup, try it in coffee, drizzled over pancakes, or stirred into oatmeal. It keeps for two weeks in the fridge.

Substitutions & Variations For Bourbon Old Fashioned

Once you’ve mastered the basic bourbon old fashioned, it’s easy to make it your own. Here are some ways to mix it up:

• Try a different base spirit: Rye whiskey gives it a spicier edge. Tennessee whiskey brings out more sweetness. Even aged rum can work for a tropical twist.
• Switch up the syrup: Use maple syrup, honey syrup, or a flavored simple syrup like vanilla or orange-clove.
• Explore new bitters: Orange bitters bring a citrus punch. Chocolate bitters add richness. Try a combo for layered flavor.
• Go seasonal: Use cranberry bitters and a sugared rosemary sprig in winter. Add peach syrup and a fresh mint sprig in summer.
• Make it low-sugar: Use monk fruit syrup or just muddle a bit of orange peel for subtle sweetness.

These swaps are great for tailoring your drink to the season, the setting, or just your mood that evening.

FAQs About Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this bourbon old fashioned recipe.

1. What’s the best bourbon for an old fashioned?

A good old fashioned needs a bourbon that stands up to the other ingredients without overpowering them. Look for a mid-range bourbon with a balanced profile. Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and Buffalo Trace are all excellent choices.

You want something with a little caramel, vanilla, and spice, but nothing too sweet. Avoid overly smoky bourbons, as they can dominate the drink and clash with the bitters.

2. Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube?

Absolutely. Simple syrup is easier to mix and gives you more control over the sweetness. In this recipe, we go a step further and use brown sugar cinnamon syrup to add warmth and depth.

If you prefer a classic flavor, a plain 1:1 simple syrup made with white sugar and water will work just fine. Just keep the quantity around 1/2 oz to avoid making it too sweet.

3. How many dashes of bitters should I use in a bourbon old fashioned?

Most recipes call for 2 to 3 dashes of bitters. That’s enough to add complexity without overwhelming the drink. Start with 2 dashes and add a third if you like a stronger bitter bite.

If you’re using flavored bitters, you can mix and match. For example, try 2 dashes Angostura and 1 dash orange bitters for a citrusy spin.

4. What’s the difference between a bourbon and rye old fashioned?

Bourbon is sweeter and smoother, with notes of vanilla and caramel. Rye is spicier, drier, and often packs more of a punch. The choice comes down to personal preference.

If you’re new to the old fashioned, bourbon is a great place to start. If you like a bold, peppery edge, give rye a try. Just adjust the sweetness slightly to balance the spice.

5. Can I make an old fashioned without bitters?

Technically, yes, but it won’t taste quite right. Bitters are what give the old fashioned its distinctive flavor. They bring balance and depth to the sweetness and alcohol.

If you’re out of bitters, you can try muddling a little orange zest or a dash of citrus juice, but it’s worth picking up a bottle of Angostura. It lasts forever and really makes a difference.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved this bourbon old fashioned recipe, here are a few more delicious drinks from the blog:

• The Best Espresso Martini – A smooth, rich cocktail that layers vodka with freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur. Perfect after dinner or when you need a little pick‑me‑up.
• Blackberry Mojito – A refreshing spin on the classic Cuban mojito, made with fresh blackberries, mint, lime juice, and club soda. It’s light and fruity for summer sipping.
• Skinny Raspberry Acai Mint Spritzer – A bubbly, lower‑calorie spritzer that combines raspberry acai juice, mint, soda water, and an optional pour of rum. It’s perfect for casual get‑togethers.

Each one offers its own unique charm and flavor twist. Let these guide your next round of pours and enjoy keeping that bar cart fresh, no matter the season.