Clove and Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

If you’re after a fresh spin on a classic, you’re in the right spot. My Clove and Orange Old Fashioned recipe brings a cozy, spiced vibe to the familiar favorite.

Just a few simple steps and some good ingredients, and suddenly you’ve got something that feels a little more special than your usual pour. I’m a fan of how clove’s warmth hangs out with the zesty pop of orange—there’s something about that combo that just works.

This spiced old fashioned hits the spot for slow evenings or when you want to impress at a get-together. If you’re into deeper, layered flavors in your glass, you’ll probably love this.

Clove And Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I’m always chasing that balance between warm spice and bright citrus. For me, cloves and cinnamon do the trick, while orange keeps things lively.

Having the right tools and a fresh garnish really makes the drink come together, both in taste and looks.

Equipment

• Rocks glass or old fashioned cocktail glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Fine mesh strainer
• Kitchen torch (for brûléeing orange slices, optional)
• Small saucepan (for simple syrup, if making homemade)
• Knife and cutting board
• Large ice cube

I go for a rocks glass—it just feels right in the hand and lets you see what’s going on inside. A bar spoon is handy for stirring without making a mess.

If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grab the kitchen torch for a brûléed orange, but honestly, it’s not a must.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 0.5 oz cinnamon and clove simple syrup (or clove simple syrup)
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 dash aromatic bitters
• 0.25 oz fresh orange juice
• Large ice cube
• Orange peel or brûléed orange slice, for garnish
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
• Whole cloves or ground cloves (for syrup or garnish)
• Granulated sugar or brown sugar (if making homemade syrup)

I always reach for a decent bourbon. The cinnamon and clove syrup is what gives this drink its cozy edge.

Orange bitters and a splash of juice brighten things up. If I’m out of juice, I’ll just use a bigger orange twist—no big deal.

Instructions

• Add cinnamon and clove simple syrup, orange bitters, aromatic bitters, and fresh orange juice to the glass.
• Fill the glass with a large ice cube.
• Pour in the bourbon whiskey over the ice.
• Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
• Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in as a garnish.
• Optional: Top with a brûléed orange slice; use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar on a slice of orange.
• Optional: Add a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves for extra aroma and decoration.

I try not to over-stir—just enough to chill and blend without watering things down. Expressing the orange peel really wakes up the whole drink.

If I’m trying to impress, brûléeing the orange is a nice touch, but honestly, the simple peel works just fine.

Notes

For homemade cinnamon and clove simple syrup, I simmer equal parts water and sugar, toss in cinnamon sticks and cloves, and let it go about ten minutes. After that, I strain out the spices.

The syrup keeps in the fridge for a week or so. Sometimes I’ll dust a pinch of ground cloves on top—just for a little kick.

If you want it sweeter, add a bit more syrup. A big ice cube is key; it melts slower so your drink doesn’t get watered down.

For a non-alcoholic twist, I swap the bourbon for spiced apple cider and tweak the syrup to taste.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of my Clove and Orange Old Fashioned, the first thing I notice is the warm spice from the clove. There’s this gentle heat that lingers on my tongue—it’s not overpowering, just kind of hangs around in the background.

Next, the orange really pops. I get a bright, citrusy freshness that lifts the rich bourbon base.

The orange helps keep the drink from feeling too heavy. It balances out the spices in a way that feels intentional, not forced.

There’s also a subtle hint of caramel from the bourbon itself. It adds a touch of sweetness and a smooth finish.

The caramel note seems to tie everything together, working with both the clove and the orange. Sometimes, I even catch a little fresh lemon juice sneaking in.

That lemon gives a sharp kick, brightening things up even more. The tartness is gentle, but it does its job to lighten the flavors.

Each sip feels smooth, with the flavors blending together. The cocktail finishes clean and never gets too syrupy or sweet.

Honestly, I like that every ingredient has its moment, but none of them takes over. It keeps the Clove and Orange Old Fashioned interesting without trying too hard.