Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

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

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

Ingredients

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.

Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
A rich and aromatic twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail blends bold bourbon with the smooth sweetness of real vanilla bean. Add orange peel and bitters for the perfect balance of warmth, citrus, and subtle spice.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1 Cocktail

Equipment

Ingredients

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

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:

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.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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