Description
This Christmas Old Fashioned Cocktail is a festive twist on the classic bourbon cocktail, combining bourbon, fresh orange juice, pure maple syrup, angostura bitters, and a ginger beer topper for a warm, spicy, and refreshing holiday drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 ginger beer (to top)
Garnishes
- 1 orange slice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Fresh cranberries
- Sprig of rosemary
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a tall glass or cocktail shaker, add the bourbon, fresh squeezed orange juice, pure maple syrup, and angostura bitters.
- Mix Cocktail: Stir the mixture well with a long spoon or shake for 10 seconds in a cocktail shaker to blend all flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare Glass: Pour the mixed cocktail into a rocks glass, preferably chilled with a large ice cube to keep the drink cold without diluting it quickly.
- Top and Garnish: Top the drink with ginger beer to add sparkling spice, then garnish with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic festive presentation.
- Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Christmas Old Fashioned cocktail immediately.
Notes
- You can mix this drink directly in a glass with a spoon or use a cocktail shaker for more thorough blending.
- Do not add ice until ready to pour to avoid diluting the cocktail too early.
- For best results, chill the rocks glass by rinsing with cold water and placing in the freezer for 10 minutes before use.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing maple syrup to 1.5 tablespoons for a sweeter drink or reducing to 1 teaspoon for less sweetness.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for optimal flavor, though store-bought can be used.
- Use a strong, spicy ginger beer to add warmth and depth; adjust quantity based on your preferred ginger intensity.
- This cocktail can be made in larger batches in a pitcher or punch bowl, allowing guests to top with ginger beer individually.
