Craving a holiday cocktail that’s rich, flavorful, and full of tradition? The Christmas Old Fashioned takes the classic bourbon-based drink and adds a seasonal twist with holiday spices and citrus. Discover how to make this easy yet elegant cocktail that will impress your guests this holiday season.
Equipment
For making the Christmas Old Fashioned, gather the following tools:
- Cocktail shaker: Useful for mixing ingredients.
- Muddler: Required for crushing cranberries or other garnishes.
- Jigger: Ensures precise measurement of liquids.
- Mixing glass: Helps in combining the cocktail smoothly.
- Strainer: Necessary for pouring the drink without the solid ingredients.
- Stirring spoon: Used to stir and blend the elements.
Using appropriate equipment ensures consistency and enhances the final presentation.
Ingredients
These ingredients offer the unique flavors of the Christmas Old Fashioned:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- Small pinch of cinnamon
- Small pinch of cardamom
- 2–3 dashes bitters
- Splash of lemon juice
- Splash of orange juice
- Orange peel for garnish
- Cocktail cherries (optional)
- Ice cubes
Adjust the maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter or drier profile, and add citrus to taste for brightness.
Instructions
Follow these steps to craft your festive beverage:
- Add bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, cinnamon, cardamom, lemon juice, and orange juice to a mixing glass.
- Fill with ice and stir until thoroughly chilled and blended.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.
- Garnish with cherries or a cinnamon stick for extra holiday aroma.
These steps create a cocktail with rich spice, warm sweetness, and bright citrus notes.
Tasting Notes
The Christmas Old Fashioned delivers a cozy, warming profile anchored by bourbon’s depth.
Maple syrup adds gentle sweetness, while cinnamon and cardamom bring soft holiday spice.
The lemon and orange juice add a lively citrus lift that balances the richness and makes every sip feel festive.
Serve cold to appreciate the layered aromas and seasonal flavors. The garnish enhances both fragrance and presentation, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy the Christmas Old Fashioned, consider these alternatives:
- Cranberry Mule: Features vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer.
- Holiday Manhattan: Uses spiced vermouth for a winter touch.
- Spiced Hot Toddy: Combines whiskey with hot water and spices.
These drinks complement the Old Fashioned’s festive flavor palette.
History
The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 19th century and is considered one of the original classic cocktails.
Traditionally made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters, it grew in popularity throughout the 1800s as bartenders experimented with flavor variations.
The Christmas version continues this tradition by incorporating warm spices, maple syrup, and citrus for a seasonal interpretation.
Quick Pro Tips
- Chill your glassware: Enhances the overall experience.
- Experiment with bitters: Use flavored bitters to find your perfect match.
- Use large ice cubes: Prevents quick dilution and keeps the cocktail cold.
When to Serve
Serve this cocktail during holiday parties, winter gatherings, or cozy nights at home.
Its warm spice and citrus notes make it ideal for Christmas, New Year’s, or festive dinners.
Offer it as a welcome drink to set a cheerful mood, or pair it with holiday desserts and savory bites for a memorable seasonal treat.
