Cinnamon Vanilla Vodka Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

If you’re into warm, inviting flavors, you’re in the right place. My Cinnamon Vanilla Vodka Old Fashioned recipe puts a cozy spin on the classic by blending sweet vanilla and punchy cinnamon with vodka.

It’s simple enough to whip up at home—no need for fancy skills or bar tools. This one’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re just craving something a bit different.

Let’s get into what you’ll need and how to pull it all together. Ready for a new favorite? Here’s the rundown.

Cinnamon Vanilla Vodka Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

There’s just something about cinnamon and vanilla that gives this old fashioned a sweet, slightly spicy vibe. It’s easy, but the flavor is rich—think brown sugar warmth, a hint of orange zest, and a little kick from bitters.

Equipment

• Rocks glass (old fashioned glass, if you want to sound fancy)
• Jigger for measuring
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Muddler (to press that orange peel)
• Cocktail strainer (helpful, not required)
• Ice cube tray (big cubes are best, but regular ones work)

I usually lay everything out before starting—makes life easier. Using the right glass and a decent jigger helps nail the balance.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (go for something smooth, trust me)
• 1 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1/2 oz vanilla extract or vanilla syrup
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 small orange peel (for zest and garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish and stirring)
• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice cubes

Homemade cinnamon syrup is my go-to, but store-bought works if you’re in a hurry. Brown sugar’s optional, but it does add a nice depth.

Instructions

• Drop the brown sugar and cinnamon syrup into your rocks glass.
• Toss in the orange peel and gently muddle to release those oils.
• Pour in the vodka and vanilla syrup (or extract).
• Add a couple dashes of orange bitters.
• Fill the glass with ice, preferably a big cube if you’ve got one.
• Stir it up with a bar spoon until it’s nicely chilled.
• Finish with a cinnamon stick and a twist of orange peel on top.

Don’t over-stir, or you’ll end up with a watery drink—just enough to mix and chill.

Notes

If you like it sweeter, just add a bit more brown sugar or swap in vanilla syrup instead of extract. Want more cinnamon? Let that cinnamon stick hang out in the glass a little longer.

Sometimes I switch out the vodka for bourbon or rye if I’m feeling adventurous, but vodka keeps things light. That orange peel really makes the citrus pop, so don’t skip it.

Big ice cubes are worth it—they melt slower and keep your drink cold without diluting it too fast. Oh, and the cinnamon syrup can be made ahead and stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks. Easy.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, there’s this warm and sweet cinnamon right up front. The vanilla shows up next, adding a creamy, smooth hint that mellows out the spice.

The vodka? Clean and crisp. It doesn’t steal the spotlight, but kind of ties everything together.

Cinnamon and vanilla together remind me of something fresh out of the oven. There’s a coziness, but it’s not heavy—more like a hug than a blanket.

A twist of orange peel sneaks in and brightens things up. That little citrus zing keeps the drink from leaning too sweet.

The aftertaste? Gentle, with a bit of spice trailing off. I like how the flavors hang around just enough without being clingy.

Over ice, the whole thing changes a bit. The cold wakes up the vanilla even more, while the cinnamon stays in the background—kind of comforting, honestly.