A Festive Twist: Creating a Christmas Old Fashioned

When it comes to Christmas cocktails, the Old Fashioned is a classic worth celebrating with a seasonal twist. This simple yet sophisticated drink provides a perfect base for festive creativity. 

With a few carefully chosen ingredients, you can elevate this timeless favourite into a Christmas masterpiece that’s sure to delight your guests. And yourself, of course!

The Base: Classic Old Fashioned Ingredients

The traditional Old Fashioned consists of:

Whisky: A good bourbon or rye whisky forms the backbone of the drink.

Sugar: A sugar cube or simple syrup adds the sweetness.

Bitters: A few dashes of Angostura bitters bring complexity.

Orange Peel: A garnish that ties the flavours together with a citrusy finish.

This simplicity is what makes it so adaptable. To create a Christmas Old Fashioned, we’ll add festive flavours and decorations while respecting the integrity of the original.

The Christmas Twist

1. Choose a Seasonal Whisky

For a Christmas vibe, a spiced or smoky whisky works wonderfully. Alternatively, opt for a whisky with rich, caramel and vanilla undertones to complement festive flavours.

2. Infuse Your Syrup

Swap the plain sugar cube for a homemade spiced syrup. Here’s a quick recipe:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

4 cloves

1 star anise

Orange peel

Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool, then strain into a jar. This syrup will infuse your Old Fashioned with the warm spices of Christmas.

3. Add Festive Bitters

Experiment with bitters that evoke the season. Orange, gingerbread, or cranberry bitters are excellent options. These are widely available online or at specialty stores.

4. Garnish with Festive Flair

The garnish is where the Christmas magic shines:

Cranberries: Skewer a few fresh or sugared cranberries for a festive pop of red.

Rosemary Sprig: Use a sprig of rosemary to mimic the look and scent of a Christmas tree.

Orange Zest: Add a freshly peeled twist of orange for that classic aroma.

The Recipe: Christmas Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

50ml bourbon or spiced whisky

1 tsp spiced syrup (or more, to taste)

2 dashes of Festive bitters

Ice cubes

Cranberries, rosemary, and orange zest for garnish

Instructions:

Place the spiced syrup and bitters in a rocks glass.

Add a large ice cube or a handful of smaller cubes.

Pour in the whisky and gently stir until well combined.

Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a skewer of cranberries, and a twist of orange zest.

Serve and enjoy the festive cheer!

Why It Works

The warm spices, citrusy notes, and aromatic garnish transform the Old Fashioned into a celebration of Christmas in a glass. It’s simple enough for a home mixologist yet impressive for a party. Plus, the customisable elements let you adjust the sweetness, spice, and whisky profile to your liking.

This Christmas Old Fashioned is perfect for sipping by the fire, sharing with friends, or accompanying a holiday feast. Cheers to making your festive season even more delicious!