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Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned

One of the simplest whiskey cocktails there is – vanilla cinnamon old fashioned will quickly become your favourite! Check our pro tips to make the best Vanilla Old Fashioned!

A glass of vanilla cinnamon old fashioned on a tray with vanilla beans on the side

As a mum, I don’t get to go out for drinks very often. Hence, we call our friends over and make our drinks at home! And with New Year’s right round the corner, I have been experimenting with our mixes this week, and I think I have found the perfect winter cocktail – the Old Fashioned.

I have elevated this classic with a lovely twist that’s perfect for the cold winters With notes of lavender and cinnamon, this is one of those warming drinks that smell like all your favorite things about the holiday season! We love our whiskey here, so believe me when I tell you this version of Old Fashioned is amaze and you need to try it this season 🎄

Why Is It Called Old Fashioned

I always wondered why the cocktail was named Old Fashioned. So I did a bit of googling. Apparently, cocktails were just about gaining popularity in the 1860s. While some people loved to experiment with flavours, others would crave the simple stuff they drank before cocktails became a thing. So they’d say “Hey, can I have it the old-fashioned way?” Old habits die hard?

The Old Fashioned is equally loved by whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. It’s a beautiful and elegant drink, with complex flavours, yet it’s so simple to make! The perfect blend of sweet, bitters and a light spice works almost poetically with the Bourbon whiskey.

Old Fashioned Ingredients

Whiskey – the main ingredient and the base of this recipe. We have used bourbon whiskey for its sweeter, vanilla, oak, and caramel notes. But rye whiskey will work too

Angostura bitters – adds aromatic depth and gentle spice that balance the sweetness of sugar, reduce the intensity of whiskey, and help round up flavors for more depth

Simple syrup – to add a dash of sweetness to the cocktail

Vanilla extract and cinnamon – these aren’t traditional ingredients, but they add a lovely flavor and aroma that makes it sooo perfect for winters!

Orange wedge – the peel and wedge separated to infuse some citrus-y freshness and vibrance

Richa’s Top Tips

  • Good quality ingredients are a must!
  • Don’t use vanilla essence because it has a very synthetic flavour that just doesn’t work. Use pure vanilla extract instead.
  • Bourbon can be substituted with rye whisky.
  • You can add some orange zest while making the syrup to get that citrusy zing and elevate the flavour
  • Use a big cube of ice, that’s how it’s traditionally done!
  • Show off your bartending skills by flaming the orange peel lightly before squeezing it over the cocktail!

Food Pairings

Because of its smoky flavours, the old fashioned goes really well with meat roasts and barbecues.

Closeup of the vanilla cinnamon old fashioned

This might be slightly different than the traditional Old Fashioned out there, but trust me, once you try this version, it’s going to change the game for you! Subtle, sweet, citrus-y and super warming, these are the flavors you just won’t be able to have enough.

If you try this recipe, be sure to send me your recreations over on my Instagram @my_foodstory. It’s always so fun hearing from you guys!

Two glasses of vanilla cinnamon old fashioned served side by side
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Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned

Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic cocktail. This whiskey based drink has warm notes from cinnamon and vanilla and is a delicious winter drink
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 238kcal
Author Richa

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Bourbon Whiskey
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters or Orange juice
  • 30 ml Simple Syrup
  • 1 dash Vanilla Extract
  • 1 stick Cinnamon
  • 1 wedge Orange peel and flesh separated
  • Ice as required

Instructions

  • Squeeze the orange pulp and add along with simple syrup, vanilla extract and bitters to an old fashioned glass and stir to combine.
  • Add ice cubes, orange peel and the cinnamon stick. Pour whiskey into the glass, on the rocks (ice) and mix using a stirrer to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

This article was researched and written by Urvi Dalal.

The post Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned appeared first on My Food Story.

Holiday Cocktails (Yes, They Involve Fire)

The cocktail party is alive and well—especially around the holidays. And as you’d expect, we don’t keep our drinks far from the grill. At BarbecueBible.com, cocktails get the same live-fire treatment as dinner: grilled citrus, smoldering spices, and a little smoke where it counts. Think grilled citrus sangria, smoked eggnog, a Smoky Mary, mezcalinis, and more. These are holiday drinks built for people who’d rather light a fire than shake up something ordinary.

Holiday Cocktails

Grilled Citrus Sangria

This sangria starts where most cocktails stop—over live fire. Grilling the citrus caramelizes the sugars and adds a subtle char that deepens the wine’s natural fruitiness. Mixed with fresh fruit and served cold, it’s a crowd-friendly pitcher drink that still carries a hint of smoke, making it right at home next to the grill during the holidays.

Grilled Sangria

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Smoked Eeggnog

Classic eggnog gets a backyard upgrade with real wood smoke. The smoke softens the richness of the cream and eggs while adding a gentle savory note that balances the sweetness. Served chilled or slightly warm, this is eggnog for people who think the holidays should smell like a fire pit, not just nutmeg.

Smoked Eggnog

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Smoky Mary

The Smoky Mary takes the familiar Bloody Mary and pushes it firmly into barbecue territory. Smoke adds depth to the tomato base, while bold seasoning keeps it savory and assertive. It’s an ideal holiday brunch cocktail—or a smart way to start a long day of winter cooking outdoors.

Smoky Mary

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Mezcalini

Clean, sharp, and unmistakably smoky, the Mezcalini proves that smoke doesn’t have to be heavy-handed. Mezcal brings a natural earthiness that plays beautifully with this minimalist cocktail, making it a great before-dinner drink when you want something simple, bracing, and just a little rebellious.

Mezcalini

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Hot Mulled Wine from Quebec – The Caribou

This traditional Quebec winter warmer blends red wine with spirits, spices, and heat—both literal and figurative. Served hot, it’s designed for cold nights and outdoor gatherings, especially when there’s snow underfoot and a fire nearby. Think of it as mulled wine built for people who refuse to head indoors.

mulled wine

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Dragon’s Breath

Bold, fiery, and unapologetic, the Dragon’s Breath cocktail lives up to its name. This drink leans into heat and smoke, making it a natural fit for adventurous drinkers and late-night holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels right when the grill is still glowing long after dinner is done.

Dragon's Breath Cocktail

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Gibson Cocktail with Smoked Cocktail Onion

A classic Gibson gets its barbecue credentials from a single, transformative detail: the smoked onion garnish. That hint of smoke adds depth and complexity without overpowering the clean, crisp character of the drink. It’s proof that sometimes one smoked ingredient is all it takes to change everything.

Gibson Cocktail with Smoked Cocktail Onion

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Bacon Bourbon

Bacon bourbon is exactly what it sounds like—and better than you’d expect. The smoky, savory fat mellows the bourbon while adding richness and aroma, creating a spirit that’s perfect for slow sipping or serious cocktails. It’s a foundational ingredient that opens the door to a whole new class of fire-friendly drinks.

Bacon Bourbon

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Good cocktails don’t need to be complicated—but they should have character. A little smoke, a little heat, and a live fire nearby go a long way. These holiday drinks are made for cold nights, warm gatherings, and anyone who believes the grill never really goes out.

Holiday Cocktails: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best holiday cocktails for a crowd?
Pitcher drinks and batchable cocktails are easiest for parties—think grilled sangria, a big-batch Smoky Mary mix, or mulled wine kept warm on the side burner. Make the base ahead, then add ice, garnish, or bubbles right before serving.
What makes a cocktail “live-fire” or barbecue-style?
Live-fire cocktails use grilling or smoking techniques—charred citrus, smoked spirits, or fire-kissed garnishes—to add depth and aroma. The goal isn’t to make everything taste like a campfire, but to layer in a subtle smoky edge.
Do I need a smoker to make smoked cocktails?
No. Many smoked drink elements can be made on a grill using a small wood chunk, a foil packet, or a quick smoke step. You can also prep smoked garnishes or smoked spirits ahead so the “smoke” is already built in.
Can I make these holiday cocktails ahead of time?
Yes—most components can be prepped in advance. Grill citrus, make simple syrup, smoke onions or bacon bourbon, and mix bases earlier in the day. Keep everything chilled, then finish with ice and fresh garnishes right before guests arrive.
What foods pair well with smoky holiday cocktails?
Smoke-friendly cocktails pair best with bold flavors: grilled appetizers, smoked salmon, roast ribs, sausages, cheese boards, and rich holiday mains. Bright citrus drinks cut through fatty foods, while spirit-forward cocktails shine with hearty, savory bites.

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The post Holiday Cocktails (Yes, They Involve Fire) appeared first on Barbecuebible.com.

Irish Forbidden Fruit cocktail

By: Swathi

If you are looking for a fruity whiskey cocktail then try this Irish Forbidden fruit cocktail with Irish whiskey, and Aperol garnished with apple. Whiskey’s has reputation of drinking as such most  time. However, whiskey cocktails are delicious and great  for those who do not want to enjoy whiskey alone in their happy hour. What...

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The post Irish Forbidden Fruit cocktail appeared first on Zesty South Indian Kitchen.

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