Recipe: Vanilla Spice Old Fashioned

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love a cozy, seasonal cocktail, but this one has a special story behind it. Old fashioned drinks have always been one of my husband’s all-time favorites, so when fall rolled around, we thought it would be fun to create a cozier, slightly sweeter version that captures all the warm, comforting flavors of the season.

We played around with a few ingredients, adjusted the spices and taste-tested (several times, of course). After a few tweaks, we finally landed on this Vanilla Spice Old Fashioned, and let me tell you, it is good.

This drink is the perfect combination of bold bourbon, warm vanilla, aromatic bitters and cozy spices like nutmeg and cloves. Every sip feels like fall in a glass because it’s smooth, rich, warm and beautifully balanced. If you’re looking for an easy fall bourbon cocktail or a cozy spiced old fashioned recipe to serve at holiday gatherings or date night at home, this one checks every box.

Creating this cocktail with my husband made it extra special, and now it’s become one of our favorite drinks to enjoy together. It’s cozy, aromatic, beautifully spiced and a delicious twist on a classic. Cheers.

Vanilla Spice Old Fashioned

Serves: 1

Ingredients

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• 2 oz bourbon (¼ cup)
• 1 orange peel twist
• 3 whole cloves
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• 4-6 dashes aromatic bitters
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: orange slices + cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

• In a lowball glass, add the orange peel, cloves, simple syrup and vanilla.
• Gently muddle to release the aromas without crushing the cloves.
• Pour in the bourbon and add the bitters. Stir to combine.
• Fill the glass with ice and sprinkle the nutmeg on top.
• If desired, garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy.

Recipe notes

Nutrition information (1 serving): calories 178, carbohydrates 12 grams, protein 0 grams, fat 0 grams, saturated fat 0 grams, fiber 0 grams, sugar 10 grams, sodium 1 milligram.

Andrea Mathis is a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. For more great recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.