When it comes to cocktails the standards are classic for a reason, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dress them up a bit. Take the old fashioned, this time honored cocktail gets elevated with spicy-sweet simple syrup. This Cinnamon Old Fashioned is easy to make and sure to make any night cozy.
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History of the Old Fashioned Cocktail
The first known definition of the concept of a cocktail dates back to 1806 in upstate New York, where the Federalist Newspaper “The Balance and Repository” defined cocktail as “spirit, sugar, water and bitters”. This looks a whole lot like today’s standard Old Fashioned recipe. Typically an old fashioned is made with whiskey, bourbon or rye; though in Wisconsin they have their own spin on this cocktail in the form of a brandy old fashioned.
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Old Fashioned
For the simple syrup
- Water
- White Sugar
- Cinnamon Sticks
For the cocktail
- Bourbon
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Aromatic or Orange Bitters
- Orange peel
- Ice
How to make a Cinnamon Old Fashioned
To make a cinnamon old fashioned we first start by making a batch of cinnamon simple syrup. This recipe makes about 1.5 cups of simple syrup but will keep in the fridge for about a month or you will have plenty of simple syrup to make a pitcher of cinnamon old fashioneds.
After making the simple syrup this recipe is pretty easy, whether you are making a single cocktail or a bigger batch for a party. Just combine the cinnamon simple syrup, bourbon, bitters ( you can use classic aromatic bitters , orange bitters or cardamom bitters ) and stir together with some ice. Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
If you like this Cinnamon Old Fashioned be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
If you make this Cinnamon Old Fashioned Cocktail please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail jigger
- 1 rocks glass
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4 cinnamon sticks
For the cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes bitters orange or angostura
- orange peel
- ice
For a pitcher of Cinnamon Old Fashioned
- 1/2 cup cinnamon simple syrup
- 2 cups bourbon
- 16 dashes bitters
- orange peel
- ice
Instructions
- For the Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Combine water, sugar and cinnamon in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Cover and remove from heat, allow to steep for at least 20 minutes.
- Transfer into clean glass jars (you can choose to remove the cinnamon sticks now or leave them in the jar for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor). Cool before using in your cocktail.
For the Cinnamon Old Fashioned
- Combine the cinnamon simple syrup, bourbon, bitters and ice in a glass and stir to combine. Squeeze the orange peel to express the citrus oil and add it to the cocktail.
For a pitcher of Cinnamon Old Fashioned
- Combine the cinnamon simple syrup, bourbon, bitters and ice in a glass and stir to combine. Divide between 8 glasses with ice and garnish with an orange peel.
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Andi says
When I ran social media at a bank in SF for a while, the bankers taught me how to make Old Fashions, which we often drank on Fridays. It has been so long and this recipe makes me want to break out the bourbon and try this!
Ann says
I am a huge cinnamon fan, so I had to make this drink! It was so delicious! My new favorite drink to make!
Jamie says
Oh my, this cocktail recipe looks absolutely delicious and very tasty! A great refreshing drink for everyone to enjoy and love! Loving this classic cocktail!
Amy Liu Dong says
I love how easy and tasty this drink is. My sister and I enjoy it so much!