Chestnut Old Fashioned Cocktail
This Chestnut Old Fashioned is a cozy, nutty riff on the classic. Chestnut syrup brings warmth and sweetness to bourbon and bitters—a perfect sipper for winter nights or festive gatherings.
Equipment
- Rocks glass
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Fine strainer
- Muddler
- Peeler
- Ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/2 oz chestnut syrup homemade or store-bought
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- orange peel for garnish
- cherry optional, for garnish
- ice large ice cube preferred
Instructions
- Add the chestnut syrup and bitters to the mixing glass.
- Pour in the whiskey.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice—about two-thirds full.
- Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until the drink is cold and well mixed.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Twist an orange peel over the glass to release oils and drop the peel into the drink.
- Add a cherry, if desired.
Notes
Chestnut syrup can be made by simmering water, sugar, and chestnut purée. Add sea salt for depth. Use quality ice—a large cube chills without quick dilution. Warm the orange peel before twisting for richer aroma. Try with dark rum for a variation. Adjust sweetness by adding more syrup to taste.