Toasted Cinnamon Old Fashioned

If you’re from the Upper Midwest like me, you know what an Old Fashioned looks like. This isn’t that…sorry to disappoint.

But, if you like bourbon and fall flavors like toasted cinnamon and sweetness, then, this IS that.

Recipe first, b.s. story about why bourbon is special to me later.

Toasted Cinnamon–Orange Syrup

Ingredients

• 2 parts sugar (e.g., 1 cup)

• 1 part water (e.g., ½ cup)

• 1–2 cinnamon sticks

• Zest of 1 orange (avoid the bitter white pith)

Instructions

1. Toast the cinnamon:

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.

• Add the cinnamon stick(s) and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Don’t let them burn.

2. Make the syrup base:

• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.

• Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.

3. Infuse flavor:

• Add the toasted cinnamon stick and orange zest to the syrup.

• Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

• Let the syrup steep for 20–30 minutes for maximum flavor.

4. Strain & store:

• Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle.

• Discard solids.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Toasted Cinnamon Orange Old Fashioned

You’ll need:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 0.5 oz toasted cinnamon–orange syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel for garnish

Steps:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, syrup and bitters.

2. Add ice, stir 10–15 seconds.

3. Express an orange peel over the glass, drop it in.

I love bourbon. I don’t have 100 bottles, I can’t blind taste ryes. But, I do refuse to use the word ‘smooth’ when describing a bourbon, so I guess that counts for something.

I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is about two hours north of Green Bay, WI - I know, geography, amirite. Up there, Old Fashioned’s are everywhere - and, they are full of alcohol, muddled orange, bitters and often times lemon lime soda.

That was all I knew until I moved to Texas and saw what them city folk were drinking. I still love my Green Bay Old Fashioned and now I love this kind too.

My focus here is really on the syrup, as anyone closely aquatinted with the bar could pick apart all of things I did wrong with this drink. Still, it tasted good and I hope the syrup can do the same for you. Cheers. Justin.