I love making classic cocktails at home, and the classic old fashioned is definitely up there for me. When I toss in real vanilla bean, it gives the drink this smooth, unique twist that really catches your attention. The warm, sweet vanilla somehow fits perfectly with the boldness of whiskey.
Trying something a little different, like a vanilla bean old fashioned, can surprise your friends and add something new to your usual cocktail night. Honestly, this recipe is super easy—just a few ingredients and you’re good to go.
Once you try it, you might not want your old fashioned any other way. That’s what happened to me, at least.
Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
I stick with classic bourbon and just a hint of vanilla to keep things smooth and flavorful. A couple of basic tools and fresh ingredients really help the bourbon and vanilla bean shine.
Equipment
- Rocks glass: I go for a short, sturdy glass—perfect size for an Old Fashioned.
- Muddler: This is what I use to press the sugar and vanilla together and get those flavors going.
- Jigger or measuring spoons: Measuring is key for keeping the flavors balanced.
- Bar spoon: I like a long, narrow spoon for stirring—just feels right.
- Peeler or knife: For orange peel or zest, I use whatever’s handy.
- Strainer (optional): Sometimes I’ll use a strainer if I want a cleaner pour.
Ingredients
- 2 oz high-quality bourbon
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 oz vanilla bean syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel or zest (for garnish)
- Extra vanilla bean piece (for garnish, optional)
I’ll sometimes swap in vanilla simple syrup instead of the sugar cube for extra vanilla flavor. To make that syrup, I just simmer water, sugar, and vanilla beans together.
Fresh orange peel? It’s a must. Twist it over the drink and you get this amazing burst of citrus.
Instructions
- Drop the sugar cube or vanilla syrup into your rocks glass.
- Add in the vanilla bean seeds, and splash a little water if you’re using sugar.
- Muddle it all up until the sugar dissolves and mixes with the vanilla.
- Pour in the bourbon and both bitters.
- Toss in enough ice to fill the glass halfway, or however you like.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon until everything’s nice and cold.
- Twist your orange peel over the glass to release those oils, then drop it in.
- Add a small piece of vanilla bean for extra aroma if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
A good bourbon makes a big difference—just saying. Fresh vanilla bean adds a deep, sweet flavor, but if you’re short on time, vanilla bean syrup totally works.
If it ends up too sweet, I just cut back on the syrup or sugar next time. For a stronger vanilla kick, I let the vanilla bean sit in the bourbon for a bit before mixing.
Twisting the orange peel really brightens things up. I’ll sometimes use a big single ice cube to keep my drink cold without watering it down. And stirring slowly with a bar spoon keeps the drink clear and smooth.
Equipment
- Rocks glass
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Bar spoon
- Peeler or knife
- Strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz high-quality bourbon
- ½ vanilla bean split, seeds scraped
- 1 sugar cube or ½ oz vanilla bean syrup
- 2 –3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice cubes enough to fill the glass
- Orange peel or zest for garnish
- Small piece of vanilla bean optional garnish
Instructions
- Add sugar cube or vanilla syrup to the rocks glass.
- Add vanilla bean seeds. If using a sugar cube, splash a few drops of water.
- Muddle until sugar is mostly dissolved and combined with the vanilla.
- Pour in bourbon and add both bitters.
- Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds until chilled.
- Express orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
- Optional: Garnish with a small piece of vanilla bean for aroma.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tasting Notes
First sip of the Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned? The smooth taste of vanilla comes through right away. It blends in with the oaky bourbon, giving a gentle warmth that’s super inviting.
The flavors have a few layers going on:
- Vanilla: Sweet, natural, and a little creamy
- Bourbon: Rich, smoky, with a bit of spice
- Bitters: Some citrus and spice to balance things out
There’s a light sweetness from the simple syrup tying it all together. The orange peel garnish gives off this subtle citrus aroma—even before you take a sip, you notice it.
Each sip feels balanced. No one flavor takes over, which I really appreciate.
This cocktail is classic, but that vanilla twist makes it feel just a little more special.
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Substitute
Sometimes I just can’t find certain ingredients, or maybe I’m in the mood to switch things up in my Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned.
If I don’t have vanilla beans
I’ll reach for Tahitian vanilla extract instead. It’s got this softer, almost fruity aroma that I actually kind of like—just a drop or two is usually plenty.
Any of these can hold their own in an Old Fashioned, honestly.
Sugar Substitutions
No simple syrup? Not a big deal—I’ll use:
- A sugar cube
- Maple syrup (definitely brings something different)
- Honey
I just make sure to give it a good stir so it all comes together.
Garnish and Mixer Ideas
Sometimes I want a change, so I might:
- Add a splash of club soda to lighten things up.
- Swap the orange peel for a lemon twist if I’m feeling adventurous.
The Pendennis Club in Louisville is known for their clever takes on classic cocktails. I’ll admit, I steal a few ideas from them when I want to experiment.
