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Recipe

Wholesome Old Fashioned Recipe

A cozy, slightly gentler Old Fashioned with warm spice, bright citrus, and just enough sweetness to feel like a hug in a rocks glass.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A real photo of a cozy Old Fashioned in a rocks glass with a big clear ice cube, an orange peel twist, and a cinnamon stick on a wooden table with warm, soft lighting
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If you love an Old Fashioned but sometimes want something a little more comforting and a little less “I just walked into a dim bar and made eye contact with the bartender,” this one is for you.

This wholesome Old Fashioned keeps the classic vibe (spirit, sweetness, bitters, citrus oils), then nudges it into cozy territory with real orange, a touch of maple, and warm spice. It’s still grown-up, still sippable, but softer around the edges. Think: cardigan energy.

Bonus: it’s approachable. No obscure syrups, no fancy tools, and you can make it a little gentler with tea or a splash of water without sacrificing that unmistakable Old Fashioned depth.

A real photo of hands expressing an orange peel over a mixed Old Fashioned in a rocks glass with ice

Why It Works

  • Cozy flavor without being sugary: Maple syrup adds round sweetness and a hint of caramel, so you need less of it.
  • Bright, not sharp: Fresh orange oils and aromatic bitters keep the drink lifted.
  • Gentler option built in: A splash of brewed black tea gives body and warmth, like a subtle “slow down” button.
  • Easy to scale: Make one glass, or batch the base for friends and just pour over ice.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Old Fashioneds are best fresh, but you can absolutely get ahead of yourself in the best way.

If you mixed the base (no ice)

  • Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a jar.
  • If using tea: add cooled tea, seal tightly, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days for best flavor.
  • If not using tea: you can refrigerate the base up to 3 days (still sealed tight).
  • To serve: pour 3 to 4 ounces over a large ice cube and add fresh orange peel. Fresh peel makes it taste alive.

If it’s already poured over ice

  • It will dilute as it sits, so it is best within 20 to 30 minutes for peak flavor.
  • If it gets too watery, rescue it with a small splash of bourbon and a new orange twist.

Common Questions

What makes this “wholesome”?

It’s still a cocktail, so it is not pretending to be a green juice. “Wholesome” here means real ingredients (maple instead of neon syrup), a gentler option (tea or a splash of water), and a flavor profile that leans warm, mellow, and cozy.

Does the tea make it lower-proof?

Slightly. Adding 1/2 oz tea (or water) dilutes the drink a bit, so it sips softer and feels less intense. It is not a huge drop in strength, but it is a noticeable “gentler” shift.

Can I make it alcohol-free?

Yes. Swap the bourbon for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative (many are spice-forward and work well), or use strong black tea as the base (unsweetened), plus a tiny touch of apple cider vinegar for bite. Start with a few drops, taste, then work up to about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon if you like it. Keep the bitters if you are okay with trace alcohol, or use alcohol-free bitters.

Is maple syrup better than simple syrup?

For this vibe, yes. Maple adds caramel and woodsy notes that play really nicely with bitters and orange. If you only have simple syrup or honey, you can still make a great drink.

What bourbon should I use?

Use something you like sipping. Mid-range is perfect. If your bourbon is very high proof, use the tea option or add an extra barspoon of cold water to keep it smooth.

Why the big ice cube?

Slower melt, less dilution panic. It keeps your drink tasting intentional instead of gradually turning into “bourbon LaCroix.”

I love a classic Old Fashioned, but I do not always want the full heavyweight version. Sometimes I want something that feels like turning the kitchen lights low, putting on a playlist, and letting dinner take its sweet time. This is the drink I make when I am cooking something cozy and I want a sip that matches the mood. Maple, orange oils, bitters, and a little tea (or water) to take the edge off. It is familiar, but softer. Like the cocktail version of borrowing a hoodie that actually fits.