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Timeless Old Fashioned Recipe with Zesty Orange Bitters

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A classic old fashioned cocktail enhanced with a lively twist of zesty orange bitters, balancing sweet, bitter, and citrusy flavors for a comforting yet exciting drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz bourbon whiskey (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Makerโ€™s Mark)
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
  • 3 dashes zesty orange bitters (e.g., Angostura orange bitters or Regansโ€™ Orange Bitters No. 6)
  • Ice (large cubes or spheres)
  • Orange peel (for garnish)
  • Optional: Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place one large ice cube or a couple of smaller ones into your old fashioned glass to chill it while you prepare the cocktail.
  2. In a mixing glass or directly in your serving glass, add 1/4 oz simple syrup and 3 dashes of zesty orange bitters. Use a muddler or spoon to gently mix until the sugar dissolves slightly and blends with the bitters (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
  3. Pour 2 oz of bourbon into the glass with the syrup and bitters mixture.
  4. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute just enough. If mixing directly in the serving glass, add fresh ice now and stir gently.
  5. Using a peeler or sharp knife, slice a wide strip of orange peel. Hold it over the glass and gently twist to release the oils onto the surface of the drink, then rub the peel around the rim before dropping it in.
  6. Optionally, add a maraschino cherry for a touch of classic sweetness and color.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Use large ice cubes or spheres to keep the drink chilled without watering it down quickly. Muddle sugar and bitters gently to dissolve sugar without making the drink cloudy. Stir instead of shaking to maintain smooth texture. Prepare cocktail just before serving for best freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: old fashioned, cocktail, bourbon, orange bitters, classic cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, whiskey drink, zesty bitters