There’s something about a simple Old Fashioned that just feels right when the holidays roll around.
The way the rich flavors and a bit of sweetness come together? It’s cozy, whether you’re curled up at home or hosting a bunch of friends.
I’ve pulled together my favorite Christmas takes on the Old Fashioned. Think maple, cinnamon, cranberry, even a hint of peppermint here and there.
Each one brings its own holiday vibe but doesn’t mess with what makes the drink a classic.
If you’re in the mood for something bold, sweet, or with a spicy kick, there’s probably something here that’ll hit the spot.
1) Classic Old Fashioned with Orange Twist
I always come back to the Classic Old Fashioned during the holidays—there’s just something about it. The orange twist gives it a pop of brightness that feels just right for Christmas, honestly.
Here’s how I do it. I drop a sugar cube in a short glass, splash in a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a little water, then muddle until the sugar’s gone.
Next, in goes a big ice cube. I pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and give it a slow stir, just enough to mix but not melt the ice too fast.
For the garnish, I cut a strip of orange peel, twist it over the glass to get those oils, and toss it in. That citrusy aroma? It really lifts the drink.
It’s a tiny detail, but I swear it makes the whole thing taste fresher.
I don’t go overboard with the garnish. Just the orange twist—simple, festive, and not fussy.
This one’s easy to scale up, too. If I’ve got company, I just repeat the steps for each glass.
It’s classic, but with a little sparkle from the orange. The bourbon keeps it bold, but it never feels heavy.
2) Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
The Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned is one of my favorites for winter. There’s a warmth and smoothness to it that just fits a chilly evening, and the maple syrup brings a gentle sweetness that isn’t cloying.
I usually start with 2 ounces of bourbon—something with a little smoke to it. Then I add about half an ounce of pure maple syrup.
A few dashes of Angostura bitters go in next. I stir gently so everything blends together just right.
I always use a large ice cube here. It chills the drink without watering it down too quickly.
For garnish, I twist an orange peel over the glass and drop it in. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra festive, I’ll add a cinnamon stick.
You end up with a drink that’s smooth, a little sweet, and has a subtle spice from the bitters. The maple and bourbon just work together.
It’s quick to make, which is perfect if you’ve got friends over or just want to unwind after a long day.
Another plus: I almost always have the ingredients on hand. No need for fancy syrups or complicated prep.
Whenever I serve this, people pick up on the maple twist right away. It’s a small change, but it makes the drink feel way more seasonal.
This is a great slow-sipper. The flavors shift a bit as the ice melts, which I kind of love.
If I want it less sweet, I’ll cut back the maple syrup. For more sweetness, I just add a touch more. Super easy to adjust.
One thing I’ll say—use real maple syrup if you can. That natural sweetness makes a world of difference.
This is one of those go-to holiday cocktails for me—easy, tasty, and festive without being flashy.
3) Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned is one of those drinks that feels like the holidays in a glass. It’s got the warmth of the classic, but the cranberry adds a tart twist and the spices make it feel extra festive.
First, I make a quick cranberry syrup—just simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, water, and a bit of cinnamon and cloves until they pop. Then strain out the solids.
For the cocktail, I pour 2 ounces of bourbon into a glass, add about ½ ounce of the cranberry syrup, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters keep it from getting too sweet.
I fill the glass with ice and stir until it’s nice and cold. I like using a big ice cube so it melts slowly.
For garnish, I’ll twist an orange peel over the top and drop in a couple of sugared cranberries. They look cheerful and add a fresh scent.
The drink ends up slightly sweet, lightly spiced, and super easy to sip.
If I want more spice, I let the syrup simmer a bit longer with extra cinnamon. If I want it lighter, I just use less syrup.
I usually make the syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Makes mixing up a drink quick when people pop by.
I like serving this in a sturdy little glass—it looks classic but still feels festive.
4) Gingerbread Old Fashioned
A Gingerbread Old Fashioned is such a fun way to bring holiday flavors to an old favorite. It’s still got that whiskey base, but the gingerbread syrup adds a sweet, spicy twist.
I use bourbon or rye whiskey—whatever I have on hand. Then I add a little gingerbread syrup for that molasses and spice flavor. The syrup’s easy enough: brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves simmered together.
Stir the whiskey and syrup with ice until it’s chilled, then toss in a few dashes of aromatic bitters. That helps keep the drink from getting too sweet.
For garnish, I go with an orange peel twisted over the glass. Sometimes I’ll add a piece of candied ginger if I want extra zing.
It’s smooth, a touch sweet, and just spicy enough for winter. I love sipping it while the Christmas lights are on.
If I’m making these for friends, I whip up the syrup ahead so mixing is a breeze.
It works for single drinks or a batch—just keep the whiskey, syrup, and bitters ratio the same.
5) Apple Cider Old Fashioned
The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is such a simple twist, but it really feels like the holidays. Bourbon and apple cider together? It’s cozy and festive, perfect for a crowd or just hanging out by the fire.
I mix 2 ounces of bourbon with 1 ounce of fresh apple cider and toss in a dash of bitters. The cider brings a soft sweetness that pairs with the bourbon’s oakiness.
I stir it with ice until it’s chilled, then strain into a short glass with a big ice cube.
For garnish, I’ll use a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick—both add a nice aroma. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top if I’m feeling fancy.
It’s great for small parties or a quiet evening. If I’m expecting guests, I’ll mix up the cider and bourbon ahead of time and just add ice and garnish when it’s time to serve.
The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is balanced—sweet, a little spicy, and rich. Not too strong, but still has that classic feel.
6) Pecan Old Fashioned
A Pecan Old Fashioned is one of those drinks that just screams holiday comfort. It’s got a nutty twist that feels right at home with winter desserts and gatherings.
I start with bourbon as the base, then add a splash of pecan syrup. That roasted, nutty flavor really blends into the whiskey.
A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters keeps the sweetness in check. I stir it all with ice until it’s cold.
For garnish, I’ll go with a toasted pecan or an orange peel. The citrus aroma works surprisingly well with the nutty notes.
If pecan syrup isn’t handy, I just simmer sugar, water, and crushed pecans for a few minutes, strain, and cool it.
This one’s best in a short, heavy glass with a big ice cube to keep it cold without too much dilution.
The pecan flavor is subtle but makes the drink feel extra festive. It’s a small change, but it really stands out.
I like making this when friends come over since the syrup can be done ahead. Then it’s just a quick pour and stir.
It’s smooth, a little sweet, and that nutty depth is perfect with things like pecan pie or cookies.
If you’re into bourbon cocktails, this is a super easy way to make it feel seasonal. Quick, flavorful, and honestly, just right for a night in.
7) Blood Orange Old Fashioned
I really enjoy making a Blood Orange Old Fashioned for the holidays. It’s got this pop of citrus and that deep red color—honestly, it just looks festive.
I usually start with a solid bourbon as my base. Then I’ll splash in some fresh blood orange juice, which brings a sweet, slightly tart kick.
The drink ends up smoother and a bit fruitier than your standard Old Fashioned. Still, I stick with the classic sugar cube and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
I muddle those together until the sugar melts away. After that, I pour in the bourbon and blood orange juice right over a big ice cube.
For garnish, I’ll toss in a slice of blood orange and sometimes a sprig of rosemary. The rosemary smells amazing with the citrus, and it just makes the drink look extra seasonal.
If I’m in the mood for something warmer, I might swap the rosemary for a cinnamon stick. It’s a tiny change, but it makes the drink feel cozier, especially if it’s chilly out.
I keep the recipe simple, so it’s not a hassle if I’m making a few for guests. It only takes a couple minutes, but the fresh juice and colors make it feel a little fancy.
If I’m expecting a crowd, I’ll squeeze the blood oranges ahead of time. That way, I’m not scrambling when people want a refill.
8) Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned
Making a Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned is one of my favorite things to do around the holidays. It’s rich, smooth, and just sweet enough without being over the top.
Chocolate and cherry together just feel festive, you know? But it doesn’t get too heavy.
I always use bourbon as my base—it gives that warm, slightly spicy vibe. Then I add a splash of cherry liqueur for a bit of fruit and sweetness.
For the chocolate part, I’ll use a few drops of chocolate bitters. They blend right in and really bring out the cherry. I try not to overdo it; just enough so you notice.
I stir everything with ice until it’s nice and cold. Then I strain it into a short glass, always over a big ice cube.
For garnish, I like adding a Luxardo cherry and a little piece of dark chocolate. It looks good and gives you a treat at the end.
If I’m craving more chocolate, sometimes I’ll rim the glass with cocoa powder. It’s easy, but it makes the drink feel a bit more special.
This cocktail is great for small get-togethers. It’s simple to make one at a time, and the ingredients are pretty easy to keep around.
I like that it’s not overly sweet—the bourbon still comes through, so it stays balanced.
When I serve these, people usually comment on how smooth the flavors are. The cherry gives it some brightness, and the chocolate adds depth.
It’s festive, but not fussy or complicated. You can throw it together in just a few minutes.
Honestly, it feels like a winter drink even without a bunch of seasonal spices. The flavors are just cozy.
I think it goes really well with holiday desserts, especially brownies or chocolate cake. The flavors play off each other perfectly.
If you’re into bourbon and want a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, you should give this one a try. It’s simple, tasty, and works for a quiet night or a party.
9) Cinnamon Maple Old Fashioned
I’m a big fan of the Cinnamon Maple Old Fashioned when it’s cold out. It’s warm, smooth, and the maple syrup brings just enough sweetness.
The cinnamon gives it that cozy spice—perfect for winter.
I always start with bourbon as my base. Then I add a little bit of pure maple syrup for that sweet, earthy flavor.
A few dashes of aromatic bitters help balance everything out. The cinnamon flavor comes from a cinnamon stick.
I like to let the cinnamon sit in the drink for a minute or two before serving. It gives just enough spice without taking over.
A big ice cube is a must for me. It chills the drink but melts slowly, so your cocktail doesn’t get watered down too quickly.
For garnish, I go with an orange peel. I twist it over the glass to get those oils out, then drop it in. The citrus works really well with the maple and cinnamon.
If I’m making these for a few friends, I’ll do a small batch in a pitcher and let the cinnamon sticks infuse the flavor.
If you want a stronger cinnamon kick, you could use cinnamon-infused bourbon. I’ve tried it, and it definitely makes things bolder.
I usually serve this in a short rocks glass. It just feels right for an Old Fashioned.
10) Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned
There’s something about a Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned that just feels extra cozy. The vanilla and bourbon together—so smooth and warm.
It’s super simple, but it somehow feels like a treat during the holidays.
I start by infusing bourbon with real vanilla bean. I split the bean, scrape out the seeds, and let them soak in the bourbon for a day or two.
It gives the drink a natural, mellow sweetness. When I’m ready to mix, I muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters in my glass.
Once the sugar starts to dissolve, I pour in the vanilla-infused bourbon and stir with ice until it’s chilled.
For garnish, I like to use an orange peel. The citrus oil brightens up the vanilla, and sometimes I’ll toss in a cherry for a little extra color.
The vanilla makes it feel extra cozy, but it’s still easy to sip. It’s a great option if you want something classic but just a little bit different.
11) Smoky Maple Old Fashioned
Whenever I’m craving a winter cocktail, I reach for a Smoky Maple Old Fashioned. The maple syrup and smoky flavors just work so well together, especially when it’s cold outside.
It’s a simple twist on the classic, but it feels like something special.
I use my favorite bourbon as the base. Pure maple syrup is the way to go—definitely skip the pancake stuff.
To get that smoky note, I’ll use a few drops of smoked bitters. If I’m out, sometimes I’ll add a splash of peated Scotch instead.
I stir the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice until it’s cold. Then I strain into a short glass over a big ice cube.
For garnish, I twist an orange peel over the drink and drop it in. Sometimes I’ll add a cinnamon stick if I want a little more holiday aroma.
The maple syrup brings just enough sweetness without making it heavy. The smoky element makes it feel festive and a bit different from the usual Old Fashioned.
I like serving this at small gatherings. It’s easy to make one at a time, or you can mix up a batch and keep it chilled until you’re ready.
If you want to go all out with the smoke, you can use a cocktail smoker or torch a piece of wood for the glass. I only bother with that for special occasions, honestly.
This drink goes really well with snacks like roasted nuts or cheese. The maple and bourbon just pair nicely with savory stuff.
12) Clove and Orange Old Fashioned
A Clove and Orange Old Fashioned is one of my favorite things to make for the holidays. The clove brings a gentle spice, and the orange keeps everything bright.
It’s easy to throw together, but it feels special enough for a Christmas gathering.
I start by muddling a sugar cube with a few dashes of orange bitters in my glass. Then I add a pinch of ground clove—sometimes just a whole clove if I want it softer.
The smell is instantly inviting. Next, I pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and stir gently with ice.
I never shake this one—I want it clear and silky. For garnish, I go with a fresh orange peel.
I twist it over the drink to release those oils and drop it in. Sometimes I’ll add a clove-studded orange slice if I want a stronger aroma.
The flavor is rich and lightly spiced, with a good hit of citrus. The clove gives just enough holiday feel without being too much.
I like serving it in a short, heavy glass with a big ice cube. It keeps the drink cold and just looks classic.
If I’m making a few, I’ll prep the sugar, bitters, and clove in each glass ahead of time. Then all I have to do is add bourbon and ice when it’s time to serve.
This recipe is easy to tweak. More clove for extra spice, or less if you want the orange to stand out.
13) Chestnut Old Fashioned
I absolutely love making a Chestnut Old Fashioned when the holidays roll around. It’s got this smooth, nutty vibe that just screams cozy winter night.
The chestnut flavor gives the classic drink a warm, almost nostalgic twist. Honestly, it’s become a bit of a tradition for me.
So, here’s how I do it: I start with bourbon as the base. Then I pour in some chestnut syrup for that sweet, earthy depth.
A few dashes of aromatic bitters—gotta have those to keep things balanced. I stir everything up with ice until it’s nice and chilled.
Next, I strain it into a short glass over a big ice cube. That way, it stays cold but doesn’t get watered down too quickly.
For the garnish, I usually go with an orange peel. I twist it over the glass to get those oils out before dropping it in.
Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a roasted chestnut on a cocktail pick. It looks festive and, well, why not?
The chestnut syrup is actually super easy to whip up at home. I just simmer chopped roasted chestnuts with sugar and water until it thickens a bit.
Once it’s strained, it’s good to go for cocktails or even coffee. Not gonna lie, it’s pretty versatile.
This drink is great for small gatherings. You can even prep the base ahead of time, just don’t add the ice until you’re ready to serve.
Guests can pour it over fresh ice themselves. It makes things feel a little more interactive, you know?
I really enjoy how the rich, nutty flavor plays with bourbon’s caramel notes. It’s not too sweet, which is a big plus for me.
If I’m craving something lighter, I just dial back the syrup and add a touch more bitters. The chestnut comes through, but it’s more subtle.
The Chestnut Old Fashioned is such a simple way to dress up a classic. It’s a welcome break from the usual holiday drinks.
14) Peppermint Old Fashioned
I’ve got a soft spot for the Peppermint Old Fashioned when December hits. It’s a pretty simple twist on the classic, but the minty flavor just feels right for the season.
The peppermint makes it festive, but thankfully, it doesn’t get too sweet. That’s always a risk with holiday drinks, isn’t it?
I start with bourbon as the foundation. Instead of regular sugar, I add a little peppermint syrup—just enough for a refreshing kick.
It actually pairs really well with the whiskey. I still toss in a few dashes of aromatic bitters because, well, that’s non-negotiable.
Bitters help mellow out the sweetness from the syrup. I stir it all with ice until it’s properly chilled.
For serving, I pour it over a big ice cube in a short glass. The garnish? Usually a peppermint stick or a mini candy cane.
It looks cute and, as it melts, adds a bit more mint. Not a bad deal.
The drink itself is smooth and just sweet enough, with a cool mint note that stands out. I find it works whether I’m just hanging out or having a few friends over.
If I want to amp up the mint, sometimes I’ll crush a peppermint candy and rim the glass. It looks fun and adds a little crunch.
This recipe is quick, doesn’t need much, and is honestly one of my go-tos for something seasonal but still classic.
15) Fig and Walnut Old Fashioned
Honestly, I’m a big fan of how this Fig and Walnut Old Fashioned puts a cozy, nutty spin on the classic. The figs sneak in just the right amount of sweetness, and those walnut bitters? They add this earthy depth that really works.
It just feels right for a chilly night in. Maybe even better if there’s a blanket involved.
When I make it, I usually start by muddling up some dried figs with a splash of simple syrup. That seems to coax out their sweetness and gives the drink a bit of texture.
If I spot fresh figs at the market, I’ll grab those, but honestly, dried figs do the job just fine. No need to overthink it.
After that, I pour in bourbon and a dash of walnut bitters. The walnut flavor kind of melts into the bourbon’s caramel notes, which is pretty satisfying.
I give it a good stir with ice until it feels cold and smooth. There’s something satisfying about that part.
Then I strain it into a short glass over one big ice cube. That keeps things chilled without watering the drink down too quickly.
Plus, a giant ice cube just looks cool, doesn’t it?
For garnish, I’ll sometimes go with a fig slice or a little chunk of walnut. It’s a nice touch and makes the whole thing look more inviting.
If I’m in the mood for something a bit sweeter, I’ll toss in more fig syrup. On the other hand, if I want it bold, I’ll ease up on the syrup and go heavier on the bitters.
It’s all about tweaking it to fit your vibe that day.
The combo of fig and walnut brings out a flavor that’s both festive and kind of comforting. I like serving this one to friends, especially around the holidays.
