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This Winter Old Fashioned combines bourbon with a cozy, spiced simple syrup made from rosemary, real maple syrup and cinnamon. It’s a warm twist on the classic Old Fashioned—perfect for holiday gatherings or any evening you want a seasonal bourbon cocktail.
What’s an Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned is a simple, classic cocktail dating back to the 19th century. It’s built from four basic components: sugar (or simple syrup), water, bitters and a base spirit—typically bourbon or rye whiskey. Unlike many mixed drinks, the Old Fashioned is stirred, not shaken, which keeps the texture smooth and allows the flavors to integrate.
Traditionally you dissolve a small amount of sugar in a splash of water in a rocks glass, add a couple dashes of Angostura bitters, pour in bourbon, then stir with ice. The drink is usually finished with an orange peel and a cherry. This winter variation swaps the plain sugar for a rosemary-maple-cinnamon simple syrup to introduce seasonal spice and aroma.
Ingredients for a winter spiced cocktail
To make the winter version, you’ll prepare a spiced simple syrup and then combine it with bourbon and bitters. Use real maple syrup for the best flavor. Here’s what you need:
- Winter spiced simple syrup:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs — fresh herbaceous sprigs yield the best flavor
- Real maple syrup — avoid pancake syrups for this one
- Cinnamon sticks
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Bourbon — choose a mid-range bourbon you enjoy for cocktails
- Angostura bitters — adds depth and balances sweetness
How to serve and garnish
Old Fashioneds are often served over one large ice sphere or a single large ice cube. Larger ice melts more slowly and minimizes dilution so the drink stays balanced longer. If you don’t have a mold, regular ice cubes are perfectly fine.
Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a cinnamon stick for a festive aroma and an attractive presentation. While the garnishes aren’t typically eaten, they add a lovely seasonal touch.
For more drink recipes, check out:
- Peach Bourbon Slush
- Spicy Peach Margaritas
Tag me on Instagram @themarblekitchenblog if you make this, and please leave a rating and comment below. Enjoy!
Winter Old Fashioned
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Ingredients
Winter Spiced Simple Syrup
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Winter Old Fashioned
- 3 teaspoons winter spiced simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks for garnish optional
Instructions
Winter Spiced Simple Syrup
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Combine the maple syrup, granulated sugar, water, rosemary and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
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When cool, remove and discard the rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks. Strain the syrup if any small bits remain. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Winter Old Fashioned
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In a rocks glass, combine 3 teaspoons of the winter spiced simple syrup with 2 ounces of bourbon and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Add ice and stir until chilled and slightly diluted. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Notes
- The spiced simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for one to two weeks when stored in a sealed container, like a mason jar.