This wintery twist on the classic Old Fashioned brings cosy Christmas vibes without going full mulled-wine madness. The warmth of the Whisky, a hint of orange, a touch of spice, and some show-off rosemary.

Ingredients

• 60ml bourbon or rye whisky
• 10ml spiced simple syrup (see below)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dried orange wheel (or fresh orange peel)
• 1 small sprig of rosemary
• Ice

For the spiced syrup (makes a small batch):

• 100ml water
• 100g sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 strip orange peel

Related article: Cocktail Inspo: Blue Cheese Savoury Cocktail Recipes

Method

1. Make the syrup:
   Add the water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and orange peel to a small pan. Warm gently until the sugar dissolves. Leave to cool, strain, and store.
2. Build the cocktail:
   Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes. Add the whisky, spiced syrup, and bitters.
3. Stir it slowly:
   Give it a good 10–15 second stir so it chills and dilutes slightly.
4. Garnish:
   Slide in a dried orange wheel and tuck a rosemary sprig on top.
   Bonus flair: gently torch the rosemary for a smoky aroma.

Warm whisky, baking-spice syrup, citrus, and that forest-floor rosemary smell – it’s basically Christmas in a glass without hitting you over the head with it.

Enjoy,
Nonchalant x

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Nonchalant Magazine

This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.