A Complete Holiday Old Fashioned Recipe with Old Fashioned Bitters

Cheers to making it through another week! Our complete guide will show you how to master this essential holiday Old Fashioned recipe and discover the secret to its festive flavor: our signature Old Fashioned bitters. This traditional cocktail is elevated with a hint of warm, seasonal spice, making it the perfect drink for gathering with friends and family. Enjoy our traditional Holiday Old Fashioned, or switch up the bitters for a more summery take on this classic.

How to Make a Holiday Old Fashioned

This recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a delicious, festive result.

Makes one cocktail

Ingredients

• 3 oz bourbon (we used @13thcolony)
• 0.5 oz El Guapo® Creole Orgeat
• 8 dashes El Guapo® Holiday Pie Bitters
• 1 large rock
• 2 Luxardo cherries, yard flowers and leaves, to garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine & Stir: In a lowball glass, combine the El Guapo® Holiday Pie Bitters, El Guapo® Creole Orgeat, and bourbon. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients.
2. Add Ice: Place one large ice cube or rock in the glass. Stir again for about 15-20 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
3. Garnish & Serve: Garnish the drink with two Luxardo cherries and any other desired garnishes. We chose yard flowers and a tropical leaf for a creative twist. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why These Old Fashioned Bitters Are Perfect for the Holidays

The key to a truly phenomenal holiday Old Fashioned recipe is a quality bitter. A traditional Old Fashioned uses bitters to provide aromatic complexity. Our El Guapo® Holiday Pie Bitters are crafted to deliver a unique blend of warm baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This single ingredient provides the perfect aromatic complement to the rich flavor of bourbon and the nutty sweetness of orgeat, transforming a classic cocktail into a festive drink that evokes the comforting flavors of the holiday season.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a cocktail "holiday"?

A cocktail is considered a "holiday" drink when it incorporates flavors and spices typically associated with the season, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, or cranberry. These ingredients add a sense of warmth and festive cheer to the drink.

What is the difference between Old Fashioned bitters and regular bitters?

"Old Fashioned bitters" is not a recognized category of bitters. The term simply refers to the bitters used in an Old Fashioned cocktail. While the most common choice is Angostura, our Old Fashioned bitters are specialty bitters like El Guapo® Holiday Pie Bitters that have a unique flavor profile designed to complement the specific ingredients in the drink.

Can I use a different type of whiskey in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with a high-quality rye whiskey. The spicy notes of the rye will complement the holiday bitters and creole orgeat, creating a similar but more robust flavor profile.