If you’re looking to bring a little extra magic to your holiday celebrations, the Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe is an absolute game changer. This cocktail takes the classic Old Fashioned, already beloved for its smooth and bold character, and elevates it with cozy, festive spices that instantly conjure the warmth of the season. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of spiced simple syrup, you’ll craft a drink that feels like holiday cheer in a glass, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet winter evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe works together beautifully, creating a cocktail that’s balanced, flavorful, and irresistibly inviting. The bourbon or rye whiskey forms the backbone with its rich depth, while the spiced simple syrup adds that seasonal warmth. Bitters bring complexity, and the garnishes provide both aroma and festive flair.
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey: Choose your favorite for a smooth, warming base with rich flavor.
- 1/4 oz spiced simple syrup: Homemade with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and vanilla to add cozy holiday sweetness.
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters: Adds depth and a hint of spice that complements the syrup perfectly.
- 1 dash orange bitters: Brightens the drink with a fresh, citrusy note.
- Ice cubes: Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail to perfection.
- Orange twist or cinnamon stick for garnish: Provides a wonderful aroma and festive look.
- Optional maraschino cherry: For a pop of color and extra holiday fun.
- For the spiced simple syrup: 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4-5 whole cloves, 1 star anise, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract—all contribute layers of warmth and spice.
How to Make Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Simple Syrup
The magic starts with the spiced simple syrup. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Then, drop in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Simmer gently to release those warm, fragrant spices, letting the syrup steep for about 10 minutes for full flavor development.
Step 2: Cool and Add Vanilla
Once the syrup has steeped, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Strain out the spices and stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a smooth, comforting note. Store this syrup in the fridge, and you can keep it handy for whipping up not only this Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe but also other festive cocktails throughout the season.
Step 3: Assemble Your Cocktail
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill your drink properly. Pour in the bourbon or rye, followed by the spiced simple syrup, aromatic bitters, and a dash of orange bitters. This combination builds layers of flavor that are balanced and complex without being overwhelming.
Step 4: Stir and Strain
Give your cocktail a gentle stir with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds. The goal is to blend the ingredients smoothly while chilling the mixture and slightly diluting the strong flavors to achieve the perfect balance. Then, strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube, which keeps the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish with a beautiful orange twist or a cinnamon stick that not only looks festive but infuses the cocktail with a subtle aroma as you sip. If you’re feeling extra holiday spirited, drop in a maraschino cherry for a classic look and a touch of sweetness. Now, sit back, sip slowly, and relish the comforting flavors that this Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe brings to your glass.
How to Serve Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where the Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe truly shines. An orange twist brightens the drink visually and aromatically, releasing oils that enhance the citrus notes in the bitters. A cinnamon stick adds a festive touch and an inviting scent that welcomes you before your first sip. Whether you choose one or both, garnishes make this cocktail feel like a special holiday treat.
Side Dishes
Since this cocktail is rich and warming, pair it with simple, salty snacks like spiced nuts or savory cheese boards. These sides balance the sweetness and spices in the drink perfectly, creating a delightful mix of flavors that keep your palate excited. Finger foods with seasonal touches—think prosciutto-wrapped figs or cranberry brie bites—also make lovely companions for this Old Fashioned twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra festive flair, serve your Christmas Old Fashioned in vintage-style glasses or mason jars tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary or fresh cranberries. You can also rim the glass with finely crushed gingerbread cookies or a cinnamon-sugar mix to add texture and enhance the holiday vibe. Light some candles and play soft holiday tunes to make the experience even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any spiced simple syrup leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. It’s handy to have on deck for impromptu cocktails or to add a seasonal twist to your coffee or tea.
Freezing
The spiced syrup doesn’t freeze well because of its sugar content, so it’s best to keep it refrigerated instead. As for the cocktail itself, it’s best served fresh, so avoid freezing mixed drinks to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This drink is designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, the spiced simple syrup can be gently warmed if you want to add it to hot beverages like cider or tea — just warm it over low heat until ready to mix in.
FAQs
Can I use a different spirit instead of bourbon or rye?
Absolutely! While bourbon or rye whiskey is traditional and offers a perfect flavor profile for this recipe, you can experiment with spiced rum or even a smooth brandy to create your own twist on the Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe.
How long does the spiced simple syrup last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your spiced simple syrup should last about two weeks. Make sure to check for any changes in smell or appearance before using it after some time.
Can I make this cocktail without bitters?
Bitters add essential depth and complexity to an Old Fashioned, so omitting them will change the overall balance. However, if you don’t have them on hand, the drink will still be tasty but milder. Try to pick up some aromatic and orange bitters when you can—it’s worth it!
Is this cocktail suitable for a big party?
Yes! The spiced simple syrup can be made ahead in batches, making it easy to prepare multiple drinks quickly. Just scale up the recipe, keep the ingredients on hand, and mix drinks during your gathering for a crowd-pleaser.
What’s the difference between this and a classic Old Fashioned?
The Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe adds a spiced simple syrup infused with seasonal flavors like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and vanilla, giving it a warm, festive twist that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. The classic version uses plain simple syrup or a sugar cube without these seasonal notes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe that brings warmth, joy, and a little holiday magic to any occasion. With its blend of fragrant spices and smooth whiskey, it’s a cocktail that invites you to slow down and savor the season. So next time you’re ready to toast the holidays, give this recipe a try—you just might find a new favorite to cherish year after year.
Print
Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Christmas Old Fashioned is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, combining rich bourbon or rye whiskey with a warm, spiced simple syrup infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and vanilla. Enhanced by aromatic and orange bitters, this drink is garnished with an orange twist or cinnamon stick for a seasonal touch, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Christmas Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/4 oz spiced simple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice cubes
- 1 orange twist or cinnamon stick for garnish
- Optional: 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
For the Spiced Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make Spiced Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water and granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add Spices and Simmer: Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and steep the spices for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Strain Syrup: Remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool. Once cooled, strain out the spices and stir in vanilla extract. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Fill Mixing Glass with Ice: Place ice cubes into a mixing glass to chill the drink properly.
- Add Ingredients: Pour bourbon or rye whiskey into the mixing glass along with the spiced simple syrup, aromatic bitters, and orange bitters.
- Stir the Cocktail: Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds to combine the flavors and chill the drink.
- Strain into Glass: Strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes.
- Garnish: Add an orange twist or a cinnamon stick as garnish. Optionally, add a maraschino cherry for a festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sip slowly to enjoy the warm spices and rich flavors of this holiday-inspired cocktail.
Notes
- The spiced simple syrup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Adjust the simple syrup amount to taste for desired sweetness.
- Use a large ice cube to minimize dilution and maintain flavor balance.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute whiskey with non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives or spiced tea.
- This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and cozy winter evenings.
