Sweet Potato Pie Old Fashioned Recipe for the Holidays

When the weather cools down and the holidays start creeping onto the calendar, an Old Fashioned with a little extra soul just feels right.

This Sweet Potato Pie Old Fashioned is inspired by the flavors of the classic dessert, built with intention rather than novelty. Warm baking spice, gentle sweetness, and a rich, comforting depth come together in a way that plays beautifully with rye whiskey. It is familiar without being predictable and seasonal without feeling heavy handed.

By pairing El Guapo™ Sweet Potato Syrup with El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters, this cocktail layers flavor the way a great pie does. The syrup brings roundness and body, while the bitters add spice and structure, keeping the drink balanced and unmistakably grown up.

It is the kind of Old Fashioned that belongs at a Thanksgiving table, a Christmas gathering, or any night when you want something festive that still feels polished.

If you are looking for an Old Fashioned that leans into pie spice and warmth rather than dessert sweetness, this one earns its place on the holiday bar.

How the Flavor Comes Together

This cocktail is built around balance and structure. Rye whiskey provides a dry, spicy backbone that keeps the drink structured and spirit-forward.

El Guapo™ Sweet Potato Syrup adds subtle sweetness and body, echoing the warmth of baked sweet potato without turning the drink into dessert. El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters bring the baking spice notes that tie everything together, adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and depth while keeping the finish clean.

Each element has a role, and nothing overpowers the base spirit. The result is an Old Fashioned that feels cohesive, seasonal, and intentional — the kind of drink where every ingredient earns its place.

Sweet Potato Pie Old Fashioned

x Christa Cotton
📸: The Margarita Mum
This recipe makes one serving.

Ingredients

• 2 oz High West Double Rye
• ¹⁄₄ oz El Guapo™ Sweet Potato Syrup
  
• 2 dashes El Guapo™ Sweet Potato Syrup
  
• 1 oz Aquafaba
  
• Dash agave syrup (optional)
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill shaker with ice.
2. Pour all ingredients into shaker over ice and shake vigorously until foam is fully formed.
3. Double strain into your favorite vintage glasses
4. Wait for the foam to settle. Sprinkle with dried edible flowers
5. Serve immediately

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a drier Old Fashioned, reduce the Sweet Potato Syrup slightly and let the rye and bitters lead. For a softer, rounder profile, add a bar spoon more syrup.
• Choose your rye thoughtfully: A high-rye, spice-forward whiskey works best here. The extra spice keeps the drink structured and prevents the holiday flavors from feeling heavy.
• Make it for a crowd: This cocktail scales well for small gatherings. Batch the base ahead of time, store chilled, and stir with ice just before serving.
• Finish with intention: A simple citrus peel or warm spice garnish complements the drink without overpowering it. Skip anything too sweet or decorative to keep the focus on balance.

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 this Sweet Potato Old Fashioned different from a classic Old Fashioned?

This Sweet Potato Old Fashioned keeps the traditional structure of the cocktail but swaps plain sugar for El Guapo™ Sweet Potato Syrup and layers in El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters. The result is a seasonal Old Fashioned with warm spice, subtle sweetness, and a spirit-forward finish.

Is a Sweet Potato Old Fashioned overly sweet?

No. This holiday Old Fashioned is balanced by design. Rye whiskey and bitters provide structure, while the sweet potato syrup adds body without turning the drink into dessert.

Can I use bourbon instead of rye in this Old Fashioned?

Yes. Bourbon will create a softer, slightly sweeter profile, while rye keeps the cocktail spicier and more classic in style. Both work well depending on your preference.

Can this Sweet Potato Old Fashioned be batched for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely. This cocktail can be batched ahead of time for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings. Prepare the base in advance, keep it chilled, and stir with ice just before serving.

What other cocktails are good for Thanksgiving?

Besides this delicious Sweet Potato Old Fashioned, other great Thanksgiving cocktails include Blood Orange Hot Toddys, Cranberry Bourbon Sours, and a warm Spiced Rum Punch.