Experience the warmth of fall spices with this unique take on the classic old fashioned cocktail. This recipe infuses the deep, rich flavors of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla into bourbon, creating a remarkable depth in flavor. The sweetness of maple syrup is used instead of the traditional sugar cube, adding a hint of autumnal sweetness to this beloved whiskey cocktail.
The ingredients for this recipe are mostly common, but you might need to look for star anise, whole cloves, and a vanilla bean if they're not already in your pantry. These spices are usually available in the baking or spices aisle in supermarkets. Also, aromatic bitters, such as Angostura, would be found in the section with cocktail mixers. Note that the quality of bourbon could also make a significant difference in your cocktail.
Ingredients for the Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail
Bourbon: This is the base of your cocktail, choose a good quality one for the best flavor.
Star anise: This spice imparts a licorice-like flavor to the bourbon.
Cinnamon sticks: These will infuse a warm, sweet-spicy flavor into the bourbon.
Whole cloves: These bring a strong, pungent flavor and aroma to the infusion.
Vanilla bean: This will add a subtle sweet, creamy flavor to the bourbon.
Maple syrup: This replaces the traditional sugar cube in an old fashioned, giving a rich, autumnal sweetness.
Water: It helps dilute the cocktail a bit.
Angostura aromatic bitters: These add complexity to your cocktail with their botanical, bitter, and sweet elements.
Ice: Chills the cocktail and slightly dilutes the strong bourbon.
Orange peel: It's used as a garnish and also rubbed around the rim of the glass to impart a fresh, citrusy aroma.
One reader, Evan Smithson says:
This fall-spiced old fashioned cocktail recipe is a game-changer! The infused bourbon with star anise, cinnamon, and cloves adds a delightful warmth. The hint of maple syrup and orange peel gives it a cozy autumn feel. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting, seasonal drink. Cheers to this delightful concoction!
Techniques for Making a Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned
Infusing the bourbon: Combine the bourbon and spices in a glass jar, allowing it to infuse for 24 hours, shaking occasionally, then strain the bourbon into a clean jar. This creates a flavorful base for the cocktail.
Making the cocktail: Combine maple syrup, water, and bitters in an old-fashioned glass, then add ice and the infused bourbon. Stir for about 30 seconds to ensure the flavors are well combined.
Garnishing with orange peel: Rub a piece of orange peel around the rim of the glass and drop it in to add a citrusy aroma and flavor to the cocktail.
How To Make Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail
Bourbon infused with maple syrup and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise makes for an old-fashioned cocktail to enjoy during the fall season.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Infused Bourbon:
- 2cupsbourbon
- 1wholestar anise
- 2wholecinnamon sticks
- 12wholecloves
- 1vanilla bean,split lengthwise
For the Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned:
- 2tspmaple syrup
- 1tspwater
- 4dashesAngostura Aromatic Bitters
- 2ozinfused-bourbon
- ice
- orange peel
Instructions
-
Place bourbon and spices in a glass jar with a lid. Allow infusing for 24 hours, shaking occasionally. Strain the bourbon into a clean jar.
-
Add the maple syrup, water, and bitters to the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add the ice and the bourbon, and stir for about 30 seconds.
-
Rub a piece of orange peel around the rim of the glass and drop it in.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1199.88kcal
- Fat: 0.63g
- Saturated Fat: 0.10g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.24g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.13g
- Carbohydrates: 16.25g
- Fiber: 3.66g
- Sugar: 9.17g
- Protein: 0.68g
- Sodium: 8.07mg
- Calcium: 90.49mg
- Potassium: 109.34mg
- Iron: 1.50mg
- Vitamin A: 1.24µg
- Vitamin C: 0.62mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned
To enhance the flavor profile of your fall-spiced old fashioned cocktail, consider lightly toasting the star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves before adding them to the bourbon for infusion. This will release their essential oils and deepen their flavors, resulting in a more complex and aromatic infused bourbon. Remember to let them cool before adding to the bourbon to avoid any unwanted reactions.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail
Prep ahead: Infuse the bourbon and prepare the cocktail ingredients in advance to save time when you're ready to enjoy the drink.
Batch it: Make a larger quantity of the infused bourbon at once, so you have it ready for multiple cocktails without the need to infuse each time.
Organized setup: Set up a designated cocktail station with all the necessary tools and ingredients to streamline the cocktail-making process.
Efficient workflow: Follow a systematic approach to making the cocktails, from preparing the ingredients to serving, to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
Substitute Ingredients For Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
bourbon - Substitute with rye whiskey: Rye whiskey has a similar depth and spiciness to bourbon, making it a great substitute for the infused bourbon in this recipe.
star anise - Substitute with fennel seeds: Fennel seeds have a similar licorice flavor to star anise and can be used as a substitute in the infused bourbon.
cinnamon sticks - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used instead of cinnamon sticks to infuse the bourbon, providing the same warm, spicy flavor.
cloves - Substitute with allspice berries: Allspice berries have a similar warm and spicy flavor to cloves and can be used as a substitute in the infused bourbon.
vanilla bean - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla bean in the infused bourbon, providing the same rich and aromatic flavor.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup in the fall-spiced old fashioned, adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
angostura aromatic bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters can be used as a substitute for angostura aromatic bitters, adding a citrusy and aromatic flavor to the cocktail.
orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel can be used as a substitute for orange peel, providing a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to garnish the fall-spiced old fashioned cocktail.
Presenting the Perfect Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned
Elevate the glassware: Choose elegant, crystal old-fashioned glasses to showcase the rich, amber-hued cocktail. The presentation should exude sophistication and luxury.
Garnish with precision: Carefully cut and shape the orange peel to create a visually appealing garnish. The peel should be vibrant and fresh, adding a pop of color to the cocktail.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Consider incorporating fall-themed elements such as small decorative pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices as part of the cocktail presentation to evoke the essence of the season.
Utilize ambient lighting: When presenting the fall-spiced old fashioned, ensure the lighting is warm and inviting, enhancing the overall ambiance and highlighting the cocktail's inviting colors.
Pair with complementary snacks: Serve the cocktail alongside small bites such as spiced nuts or artisanal cheese and charcuterie to create a well-rounded and indulgent experience for the judges.
Essential Tools for Crafting a Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned
Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients, available in various sizes for different cooking needs.
Interesting Trivia About the Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed to be one of the first cocktails ever created and is often considered the original cocktail. The fall-spiced Old Fashioned cocktail recipe adds a seasonal twist to this timeless drink, making it perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy nights in. The infusion of bourbon with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise gives the cocktail a rich and aromatic flavor that complements the maple syrup and bitters. This fall-spiced version adds a delightful warmth and depth to the traditional Old Fashioned.
Is Making a Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned at Home Cost-Effective?
This fall-spiced old fashioned cocktail recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The infused bourbon ingredients are relatively affordable, and the yield is suitable for multiple cocktails. The use of maple syrup and spices adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a special occasion. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Fall Cocktail Healthy or Unhealthy?
The fall-spiced old fashioned cocktail recipe is not particularly healthy due to its high alcohol content and added sugar from the maple syrup. While the infused bourbon contains some potentially beneficial spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, the overall nutritional value of the drink is low. The main concerns with this cocktail are:
- High alcohol content: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Added sugar: The maple syrup in the recipe adds extra calories and sugar to the drink, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems if consumed in excess.
- Lack of nutrients: The cocktail does not provide any significant vitamins, minerals, or other essential nutrients.
To make this cocktail healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup or replace it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
- Use a smaller portion of the infused bourbon to lower the overall alcohol content of the drink.
- Incorporate more health-promoting ingredients, such as fresh citrus juice (e.g., orange or lemon), which can provide vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Serve the cocktail with a side of water to help you stay hydrated and minimize the effects of alcohol consumption.
- Enjoy the cocktail in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Editor's Take on the Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
The fall-spiced old fashioned cocktail recipe is a delightful blend of warm, comforting flavors. The infused bourbon adds a rich depth with its hints of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. The maple syrup and aromatic bitters complement the bourbon beautifully, creating a balanced and sophisticated cocktail. The finishing touch of the orange peel adds a refreshing citrus note. This cocktail is perfect for cozy autumn evenings and will surely impress your guests with its unique and inviting taste. Cheers to a well-crafted and flavorful libation!
Enhance Your Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to the Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned
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