Experience the festive spirit with a delightful twist on a timeless classic: the Spiced Old Fashioned. This seasonal cocktail infuses a traditional Old Fashioned with a homemade cinnamon thyme syrup, creating an irresistible beverage perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass.
As the holiday season draws near, there’s an undeniable blend of excitement and busyness in the air. For many, it’s a cherished time to gather loved ones, enjoy heartfelt moments, and create lasting memories. Amidst the hustle and bustle, a thoughtfully crafted drink can elevate any celebration, transforming a simple gathering into an extraordinary event.
Each year, I enjoy crafting a unique beverage to serve during this special time. While holiday traditions evoke a sense of nostalgia, I find immense joy in reimagining classic recipes with a seasonal touch. This year, my inspiration led me to the venerable Old Fashioned cocktail, a staple in the world of mixology. However, this isn’t just any Old Fashioned; it’s a Spiced Old Fashioned, designed to perfectly capture the essence of the holidays with its warm, aromatic flavors.
Why Choose a Spiced Old Fashioned for Your Holiday Celebrations?
During the festive season, certain flavors instantly transport us to a cozy, joyous place. Cinnamon, orange, and thyme are among those magical ingredients that resonate deeply with holiday cheer. Their comforting aromas and delightful tastes are universally loved, making them ideal for crafting a memorable holiday cocktail. The Spiced Old Fashioned artfully combines these elements, offering a sophisticated yet inviting drink that appeals to almost everyone.
The secret to this exceptional cocktail lies in its homemade cinnamon thyme syrup. This simple syrup is surprisingly easy to prepare and yields enough to create multiple batches of cocktails, making it perfect for intimate family gatherings or larger holiday parties. The infusion of rich cinnamon and fragrant thyme transforms a standard Old Fashioned into something truly special, an experience that embodies the warmth and spice of the season.
The Art of the Old Fashioned: Classic vs. Spiced
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail icon, renowned for its elegant simplicity and robust flavor profile. Traditionally, it consists of bourbon or rye whiskey, a sugar cube (or simple syrup), a few dashes of Angostura bitters, a splash of water, and a garnish of an orange peel and a maraschino cherry. It’s a drink that respects its history while offering endless possibilities for innovation.
Our Spiced Old Fashioned takes this beloved classic and infuses it with seasonal charm. Instead of plain simple syrup, we introduce a custom cinnamon thyme syrup that brings an earthy warmth and subtle sweetness. The aromatic bitters complement these new spice notes beautifully, and the garnishes of a cinnamon stick, fresh thyme sprig, and orange peel not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the overall aromatic experience. This thoughtful twist elevates the classic, making it an ideal choice for fall and winter celebrations.
Commonly Asked Questions About Crafting the Spiced Old Fashioned
Can I use a sugar substitute for the syrup?
While I haven’t personally experimented with sugar substitutes for this specific syrup, it might be possible to use a 1:1 sugar replacement. If you decide to try it, I recommend choosing a product that is designed for a direct swap to ensure the correct sweetness level and consistency. Please let me know how it turns out if you give it a try!
Crafting Your Perfect Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail
Creating this festive cocktail is a two-step process, both straightforward and rewarding, ensuring a perfectly balanced and flavorful drink every time.
How do you make a Spiced Old Fashioned?
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cinnamon Thyme Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add in the cinnamon sticks, fresh thyme stems, and cardamom pods. Allow this aromatic mixture to steep for at least 30 minutes. This steeping process is crucial for infusing the syrup with all the wonderful holiday flavors.
- After steeping, strain the syrup to remove the solids. Transfer the infused syrup into an airtight bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for several weeks, ready for your next cocktail creation.
Assembling the Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail
- To a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add 2 ounces of your chosen bourbon or rye whiskey, along with ½ ounce of your freshly prepared cinnamon thyme syrup, ½ ounce of water, and 2 dashes of aromatic bitters.
- Stir these ingredients gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds. This chilling and mixing process ensures the flavors are well combined and the drink is adequately diluted without being watered down.
- Pour the expertly mixed cocktail into a rocks glass (or a champagne glass for a touch of elegance). For the perfect festive finish, garnish with a cinnamon stick, a sprig of fresh thyme, and an orange peel. The aroma from the garnishes will enhance the drinking experience.
Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Spiced Old Fashioned
To embark on your journey to craft this exquisite Holiday Old Fashioned, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients, thoughtfully chosen to deliver optimal flavor:
To make a Spiced Old Fashioned you will need…
- **For the Cinnamon Thyme Syrup:**
- Water
- Brown sugar (for its rich, caramel-like notes)
- Cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon for a milder, complex flavor)
- Fresh thyme stems (for an herbaceous, aromatic depth)
- Cardamom pods (for a fragrant, slightly citrusy spice)
- **For the Cocktail:**
- Bourbon or rye whiskey (choose a quality spirit you enjoy drinking neat)
- Homemade cinnamon thyme syrup
- Water (a small amount helps open up the flavors)
- Aromatic bitters* (Angostura or a similar high-quality brand)
- Orange peel, cinnamon stick, and a sprig of fresh thyme for garnish (optional, but highly recommended for presentation and aroma)
Bourbon or Rye: Choosing Your Base Spirit
The choice between bourbon and rye whiskey significantly impacts the character of your Spiced Old Fashioned. Bourbon, with its sweeter, vanilla, and caramel notes, creates a smooth and mellow cocktail, allowing the spice and herb flavors of the syrup to shine. Rye whiskey, on the other hand, offers a spicier, bolder profile with hints of pepper and fruit, adding a delightful kick that complements the cinnamon and thyme beautifully. Experiment with both to discover which spirit best suits your palate for this festive rendition of the classic Old Fashioned.
How is this Spiced Old Fashioned different from the traditional old fashioned cocktail?
The key differentiator lies in the syrup and the accompanying aromatic profiles. A traditional Old Fashioned relies on a simple sugar syrup or muddled sugar, often with Angostura bitters, finished with an orange slice or peel and a maraschino cherry. Its flavor is primarily driven by the whiskey and the slight sweetness and bitter balance.
Our Spiced Old Fashioned elevates this by replacing the simple syrup with a complex, homemade cinnamon thyme syrup. This infusion introduces warm, inviting notes of cinnamon, the herbaceous freshness of thyme, and the delicate spice of cardamom right into the drink’s core. The typical maraschino cherry is swapped for a cinnamon stick and a sprig of fresh thyme, further enhancing the seasonal aroma and visual appeal. It’s a holiday-centric evolution of a beloved classic.
Scaling the Recipe: Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable for any size gathering. If you’re hosting a larger holiday party or simply want to have enough syrup on hand for multiple rounds of cocktails throughout the season, feel free to double, triple, or even quadruple the quantities as needed. Just ensure you use a sufficiently large saucepan for the syrup and adjust your cocktail shaker/mixing glass size or make cocktails in smaller batches to maintain quality.
Tips for Your Best Spiced Old Fashioned
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Start with good quality bourbon or rye whiskey that you genuinely enjoy. The spirit is the backbone of the cocktail, so don’t skimp.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: For the syrup, always opt for fresh thyme. Dried thyme won’t deliver the same vibrant, aromatic essence.
- Don’t Rush the Steep: Allow the cinnamon thyme syrup to steep for the full 30 minutes (or even longer if time permits) to extract maximum flavor from the spices and herbs.
- Proper Dilution: The half-ounce of water in the cocktail recipe is important. It helps to open up the flavors of the whiskey and syrup without over-diluting. If you’re stirring with ice, you might adjust the water amount slightly based on your preference for dilution.
- The Right Glassware: While a rocks glass is traditional, a sophisticated champagne coupe can add an elegant touch, especially for holiday entertaining.
- Garnish for Impact: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish. An orange peel, cinnamon stick, and fresh thyme sprig not only look beautiful but also add an aromatic dimension to each sip. Expressing the oils from the orange peel over the drink before dropping it in will enhance the citrus notes.
- Make Ahead Syrup: The cinnamon thyme syrup can be made days or even a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making cocktail preparation quick and easy when guests arrive.
Products I love when making this old fashioned cocktail…
This recipe for a Spiced Old Fashioned is incredibly straightforward and utterly delicious. If you’re like me during the holiday season, you might already have some of these items on hand. Or perhaps you’re venturing into cocktail crafting for the first time and feel a tad nervous – rest assured, you’re going to love the result! I’ve curated a list of my essential tools and ingredients that make crafting this festive drink an absolute breeze.
- brown sugar (for that rich, deep flavor in the syrup)
- cinnamon sticks (essential for the spicy aroma and garnish)
- cardamom pods (adds a unique, fragrant spice to the syrup)
- aromatic bitters (a crucial component for balancing flavors)
- shaker (or a mixing glass for combining ingredients)
- rocks glass (the classic choice for serving an Old Fashioned)
- champagne glass (for an elevated, elegant presentation)
- saucepan (for preparing the homemade syrup)
More Holiday Cocktail & Beverage Inspiration
If you savor this Spiced Old Fashioned recipe, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other festive drinks perfect for the holiday season. Each link below leads to an easy, printable recipe to inspire your next gathering!
Check out this recipe
Check out this recipe
Check out this recipe
Check out this recipe
Check out this recipe
Check out this recipe
Your Best Holiday Old Fashioned Awaits!
If you cherish this recipe for a Holiday Flavored Old Fashioned as much as I do, please take a moment to leave a five-star review. Your feedback helps others discover this festive delight! And don’t forget to share your creations and this recipe with friends and family on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Substack, FB, Pinterest, IG, Email Subscription
Rate this Recipe
Spiced Old Fashioned
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Thyme Syrup
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 10 thyme stems
- 4 cardamom pods
For the Cocktail
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- ½ ounce cinnamon thyme syrup
- ½ ounce water
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters*
- Orange peel and cinnamon stick for garnish optional
Instructions
Make the Cinnamon Thyme Syrup
-
In a small saucepan, combine the water and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar is fully dissolved.
-
Remove from the heat, add in the cinnamon, thyme, and cardamom and allow it to steep for 30 minutes.
-
Transfer to an airtight bottle or jar and keep refrigerated between uses.
Make the Cocktail
-
Add bourbon or whiskey along with cinnamon thyme syrup, water, and aromatic bitters to a shaker and stir them gently with a spoon.
-
Pour into a rocks (or champagne) glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick, sprig of thyme, and orange peel if desired.
Notes
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.