When October shows up, I can’t help but want to mix something a little special for my friends. One of my go-tos is a Classic Halloween Old Fashioned cocktail.
This easy bourbon cocktail adds a spooky twist to a classic drink, making it perfect for any Halloween party.
It’s kind of amazing how simple ingredients can come together and turn into a festive Halloween cocktail. The rich taste of bourbon mixes with bitters and orange, and with just a little garnish, it really looks the part for Halloween.
Making a Halloween Old Fashioned at home is quick and honestly pretty fun, even if you’re not a pro bartender. With just a handful of ingredients and a few tools, anyone can whip up this classic Halloween cocktail.
Classic Halloween Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Let’s talk about what you really need for a standout Halloween Old Fashioned. This drink depends on a few trusty tools, classic ingredients, and some simple steps.
Equipment
- Rocks glass: I always use this for serving the cocktail over ice.
- Cocktail shaker or mixing glass: If I want it extra cold or want the flavors to blend more, I grab a shaker.
- Bar spoon: Perfect for stirring and making sure everything’s combined.
- Jigger: Makes measuring bourbon and syrup a breeze.
- Peeler or small knife: I use this for a strip of orange peel—can’t skip the garnish.
- Ice: Big cubes are best since they melt slower.
- Strainer: Handy if you shake the drink and don’t want the ice in your glass.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey: I usually reach for a classic bourbon for smoothness, but rye adds a little spicy kick.
- ½ oz simple syrup: Just enough to balance things out.
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters: For that warm, spicy depth.
- 1 dash orange bitters: Brightens up the whole drink.
- 1 orange peel: I use this to garnish and rim the glass—makes a big difference.
- 1 maraschino cherry: Adds a little Halloween color.
- Optional: Splash of fresh orange juice for extra brightness.
- Optional: Pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for more fall vibes.
Instructions
- Pour bourbon (or rye) into a mixing glass or shaker.
- Add simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and orange juice if you want.
- Toss in some ice and stir for about 30 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
- Strain it into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Squeeze the orange peel over the drink to get those oils out, then drop it in.
- Top with a maraschino cherry, and if you’re feeling fancy, a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
I’m pretty picky about bourbon or rye—go for the good stuff if you can. Large ice cubes really do make a difference, keeping things cold without watering it down too fast.
If I’m feeling extra, I’ll squeeze in a little more orange juice or toss in more orange bitters. Sometimes I’ll use Halloween-themed cherries or a cinnamon stick that looks like a tiny broomstick—just for fun.
Sweetness is easy to tweak; just adjust the simple syrup to your taste. And if you don’t have a shaker, you can stir everything right in the glass.
There’s something about using a classic rocks glass—the aroma from the orange peel and bitters is just so good.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 orange peel for garnish and aroma
- 1 maraschino cherry garnish
- Optional: 0.25 oz fresh orange juice
- Optional: cinnamon stick or pinch of ground cinnamon
- Ice cubes for mixing and serving
Instructions
- Add bourbon (or rye), simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and optional orange juice to a mixing glass or shaker.
- Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Optional: add a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of cinnamon for fall flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tasting Notes
First sip? It’s a smooth blend of bourbon and bitters, with that sweet-bitter balance and a hint of spice from the bitters and orange peel.
I love watching the orange oils rise when I twist the peel over the glass. The fresh citrus scent really wakes up the drink.
Sometimes I’ll drop in a piece of dry ice for a smoky effect. The fog rolls out of the glass and, honestly, it’s like a cool autumn night in a cup.
Dry ice doesn’t change the taste, but it sure makes things more dramatic.
Key Flavors I Notice:
- Sweet bourbon
- Gentle spice
- Bright orange
- Slight smoky edge (just from the effect, not flavor)
How It Feels:
- Smooth as it goes down
- A little warmth from the bourbon
- That cool, swirling smoke from the dry ice
Every sip has that nice balance of sweet and spice. It’s a classic, but the smoky touch gives it just enough Halloween magic.
Substitute
Every so often, I just want to shake up my Halloween Old Fashioned a bit. There are plenty of ways to tweak the flavor and keep things interesting.
Ingredients I sometimes swap in:
- Caramel syrup brings a sweet twist instead of simple syrup.
- Maple syrup or honey syrup—they’ve got that natural vibe I like.
- Apple cider or even a spoonful of pumpkin puree for that unmistakable fall feeling.
- Cherry syrup or pomegranate juice if I’m craving something fruity.
- Chocolate bitters or a little dark chocolate—why not go rich sometimes?
- Lemon juice adds a tart punch, if that’s your thing.
- Ginger can sneak in a bit of bite.
- Chambord or cherry brandy for a berry note that pops.
- Fresh or muddled blackberries—I mean, why not?
- Cinnamon whiskey gives it a spicy, warm kick that just feels right in October.
For a non-alcoholic take, I might try:
- Swapping out the whiskey for a mix of apple cider and sparkling water.
- Blending in something playful, like witches brew, Halloween punch, or even butterbeer if I’m feeling nostalgic.
