How to Make a Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned

Looking for a sophisticated cocktail to impress your guests or elevate your own at-home happy hour? The Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned is a warm, aromatic twist on the classic Old Fashioned. This cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the festive notes of cinnamon and rosemary, making it an ideal drink for the colder months or any time you want a cocktail that’s both elegant and comforting.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to craft this delicious drink from scratch, including a homemade cinnamon-rosemary simple syrup that adds a fragrant, spicy sweetness to the mix. Let’s get started!

• 2 oz bourbon (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 oz cinnamon-rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel (for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

The secret to this cocktail’s unique flavor is the homemade cinnamon-rosemary simple syrup. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it infuse for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain out the cinnamon and rosemary, then pour the syrup into a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Take an Old Fashioned glass and fill it with ice cubes to chill. Let it sit for a moment while you prepare the cocktail.

In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 1/4 oz of the homemade cinnamon-rosemary simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Add a handful of ice cubes and stir for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.

Discard the ice in your Old Fashioned glass. Strain the bourbon mixture into the glass over fresh ice cubes.

Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a good twist. Drop the peel into the glass for added aroma. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an extra touch of elegance.

• Use High-Quality Bourbon: The bourbon is the star of this cocktail, so choose a high-quality one that you enjoy sipping on its own.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your Old Fashioned on the sweeter side, you can add a bit more of the cinnamon-rosemary simple syrup to taste.
• Get Creative with Garnishes: You can also add a few cranberries or a splash of cranberry juice for a festive, holiday twist.
• Make it Smoky: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly torch the rosemary sprig before garnishing for a smoky aroma.

The Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned is a sophisticated, seasonal cocktail that combines the warmth of cinnamon and the herbal notes of rosemary with the smoothness of bourbon. Perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings, this drink is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game.

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