Fall Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail

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Everyone needs a signature cocktail, and this Fall Spiced Old Fashioned should totally be yours. 

You might think that an Old Fashioned is an old man’s drink, but you’d be wrong. This classic cocktail has been around since the late 1800s gaining its fame at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, and it continues to be a favorite all around the world.

Originally made with sugar, whisky, bitters, and lemon, we’ve kicked up the flavor and made this Old Fashioned new again. You won’t hesitate to serve this at your next dinner party or as you relax by the fireplace this fall. #cozycocktails along with this Peach Bourbon Smash or Bailey’s White Russian.

Why You’ll ♡This

• Easy to Make – the simple syrup is easy to make and stores well so you can always have a cocktail at the ready. 
• Full of Flavor – This Cinnamon Spiced Old Fashioned is loaded with aromatic spices that will leave you feeling warm and toasty all over. 
• Crowd Pleaser – On its own, bourbon can be powerful but mixed it’s delicious and inviting and everyone will love it. See our FAQs for some ideas to please the kids, too.  

Tools Needed

• Saucepan.
• Glass or mason jars for serving.

Ready to make this smoky, cinnamon old fashioned cocktail? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Make An Old Fashioned Cocktail With Fall Spices

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Combine the simple syrup ingredients, bring to a boil and let them steep on the stove for 30 minutes. 
2. Strain the syrup and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. Combine the cinnamon spice simple syrup with water, bitters and bourbon in an ice-filled glass.
4. Top with orange peel and a cinnamon stick for serving. 

Expert Tips

• Strain your simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before refrigerating. 
• But don’t toss those spices! Add the leftover spices and some sliced citrus to a small pot filled with water and simmer on your stove for a wonderful and frugal simmering potpourri. 
• Combine all of your cocktail ingredients in a glass and give them a stir. Then add the ice last. 

Delicious Variations

This Cinnamon Old Fashioned Cocktail is on point as is, but here are a few suggestions for mixing things up a bit;

• Use Whiskey – A nice rye whiskey is a perfect replacement for the bourbon in this recipe.
• Add Cider – Replace the water in the cocktail with apple cider for an extra boost of fall flavors. 
• Try Rosemary – replace the sprigs of thyme with a few sprigs of rosemary when making the simple syrup for a Winter Spiced Old Fashioned. Garnish with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.

Make Ahead And Storage

• Make Ahead – The simple syrup will keep for up to 7 days, so make it ahead and it will be ready for cocktails when you are.
• Store – This recipe makes more simple syrup than you’ll need, so you can store it in the fridge for up to 7 days. 

FAQs

Can I Make This Kid Friendly or Without Alcohol?

If you’ve got kids or you prefer not to drink alcohol, everyone can still enjoy this essence of this fall cocktail. Combine a bit of simple syrup with sparkling water and top it with a piece of orange rind, a maraschino cherry, and a splash of the cherry juice from the jar. Serve it in a glass with a fun straw. 

What’s the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon

Bourbon tends to be slightly sweeter and a little smokier than whiskey, and although the process for distilling both whiskey and bourbon is similar there are some key differences.

Bourbon has to be derived from at least 51% corn. It also must be produced and stored in new charred-oak barrels within the United States for a minimum of 4 years. Whiskey can be made anywhere in the world and while it must also be stored in oak barrels, they do not need to be new or charred barrels.

Shaken or Stirred?

Ah, the age-old question popularized by James Bond. An Old Fashioned is a stirred cocktail, as is most any cocktail that contains only spirits. Juice cocktails are usually shaken. We do recommend that you combine all the ingredients in your glass before adding the ice for optimal flavor. 

Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Roasted Almonds.
• Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip.
• Fruit Tray.
• Air Fryer Feta Cheese Appetizer.

More Recipes You May Like

• Peach Bourbon Smash.
• Bailey’s White Russian.
• Cranberry Orange Mimosa.
• Bourbon Lemonade.
• Instant Pot Orange Mulled Wine.
• Pomegranate Martini.
• Jamaican Rum Punch.
• Sorrel Drink.
• Spiced Gin Apple Pie Cocktail.
• White Russian Cocktail.
• Easy Festive Fruit Punch.

Weight Watchers Points 

There are 3 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog. 

Get The Fall Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail And Fall Spiced Simple Syrup Recipe