Enjoy this spicy twist on one of the most venerable drinks in the cocktail kingdom. Homemade rosemary spiced simple syrup replaces the traditional sugar cube, and when combined with toe-warming bourbon, citrus juices, and a dash of orange bitters, you have the perfect libation for cocktails by the fire.
Rosemary Spiced Bourbon Old-Fashioned
Homemade rosemary spiced simple syrup replaces the traditional sugar cube in this toe-warming twist on an Old-Fashioned. With citrus juices and a dash of orange bitters, the sweetness is delightfully well-balanced.
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the syrup:
- 100 g or ½ c granulated sugar
- 118 ml or 4 oz water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 12 whole cloves
- 1 vanilla pod
- 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- Peeled zest of 1 orange
For the drink:
- 60 ml or 2 oz bourbon
- 30 ml or 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 30 ml or 1 oz orange or clementine juice
- 1–2 dashes of orange bitters
- 30–60 ml or 1–2 oz Rosemary Spiced Simple Syrup
Instructions
To make the Rosemary Spiced Simple Syrup:
- In a medium pot over high heat, bring the sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla pod and ginger to a boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Add the rosemary and orange zest. Let cool; strain
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and orange bitters and Rosemary Spiced Simple Syrup. Shake and strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange slice and rosemary, if desired.
