If you are looking for a cozy addition to your Christmas whiskey cocktail recipes, this cinnamon old fashioned cocktail recipe is here to delight. It combines the classic elegance of an old fashioned with the warm spice of cinnamon, making it the perfect companion for chilly evenings or festive holiday gatherings. You can prepare it in just a few minutes at home, even if you do not have a fully stocked bar. By balancing the sweet and smoky notes of whiskey with homemade brown sugar cinnamon syrup and a hint of orange, this drink offers a memorable twist on a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey (choose a smooth option that you enjoy)
- ½ ounce cinnamon simple syrup (homemade brown sugar syrup is recommended)
- 2–4 dashes of bitters (Angostura or other varieties)
- 1 orange peel (for expressing fresh orange oil)
- 1 cinnamon stick (lightly burned for extra smokiness, if you like)
- Ice cubes or large ice sphere (for serving)
- Optional garnish: brandied cocktail cherries
Directions
- Prepare your glass: Choose a sturdy rocks glass or an old fashioned glass. If you like a smoky note, gently burn the tip of a cinnamon stick using a lighter or stove flame, then set it aside.
- Combine in a mixing vessel: If you have a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the whiskey, cinnamon simple syrup, and bitters. If not, use any tall glass or even a highball glass.
- Stir with ice: Fill the mixing vessel with ice and stir for about 20 seconds. This both chills and slightly dilutes the drink for a smooth finish.
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared rocks glass over fresh ice. If you do not have a cocktail strainer, you can gently pour the drink from one glass to another, using a spoon or mesh strainer to hold back the ice.
- Express the orange oil: Take a fresh orange peel and twist it over the drink, allowing the fragrant oils to fall onto the surface.
- Add your cinnamon stick: Place the lightly burned cinnamon stick in the glass to enhance the aroma. If you want to garnish with a brandied cherry, thread it on a small skewer or drop it in at this time.
Tips & Variations
- Large batch method: For a crowd, scale up the ingredients. Try combining six ounces of bourbon, two ounces of cinnamon syrup, and 8–12 dashes of bitters. Stir the batch with ice, then divide into individual rocks glasses and top with a flame-kissed cinnamon stick and orange peel in each.
- Apple Butter Old Fashioned: Swap the cinnamon syrup for a spoonful of bourbon apple butter and add a splash of ginger beer or club soda. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an apple slice for a fall harvest vibe.
- Other bitters: Experiment with flavors like chocolate or cardamom bitters to complement the warmth of cinnamon.
- Whiskey options: If bourbon is not your style, try rye for a spicier edge or scotch for a lightly smoky finish.
Nutrition facts
Exact nutritional content will vary depending on the type and amount of whiskey, syrup, and bitters you use. If you are watching calories or sugar intake, check the labels on your ingredients and measure precisely for the most accurate numbers.
Final thoughts
Embracing the cozy flavors of cinnamon is a wonderful way to put a holiday spin on a time-honored drink. From the warm aroma of a lightly burned cinnamon stick to the bright pop of expressed orange oil, this cinnamon old fashioned cocktail recipe brings plenty of festive flair to your home bar. Share it with friends and family during holiday celebrations, or enjoy a quiet moment savoring its comforting sweetness on a cold night.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I skip burning the cinnamon stick?
Absolutely. Burning the stick adds a smoky aroma, but you can drop in a regular cinnamon stick if you prefer a milder scent. -
What if I do not have a jigger or bar spoon?
You can substitute a shot glass for measuring and use a standard dinner spoon for stirring. The key is to measure accurately and stir your drink long enough to chill it properly. -
Do I need to use homemade cinnamon syrup?
Homemade brown sugar cinnamon syrup gives a richer flavor, but you can use store-bought cinnamon syrup if time is short. Just taste as you go to ensure your cocktail is not overly sweet. -
Can I substitute the orange peel?
If you do not have fresh oranges on hand, you can add a drop of orange bitters or even a small sliver of dried orange peel. It will not be exactly the same, but you will still get that citrusy note. -
How do I store leftover simple syrup?
Keep homemade cinnamon syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about one to two weeks, but always check for any off smells or color changes before using.
