Christmas Old Fashioned

Ingredients (1 drink)

• 2 ounces (¼ cup) bourbon
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) orange juice
• 1–3 tablespoons maple syrup (or maple-cardamom syrup if you want a spiced twist)
• 1–2 dashes of bitters (classic choice for Old Fashioned-style cocktails)
• (Optional) A cinnamon stick or a pinch of warm spices if using maple-cardamom syrup — to give it a seasonal, holiday feel
• Garnish: orange zest (or slice) and sugared cranberries (for a festive touch)
• (Optional) A splash of ginger beer if you want a fizzy finish.

Instructions

1. Mix the base: In a mixing glass or shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, maple syrup (or maple-cardamom syrup), and bitters.
2. Stir or shake: If using a shaker, add ice and shake briefly to chill and mix. If using a mixing glass, stir thoroughly.
3. Strain & serve: Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Optional fizz: If you like a little sparkle, top with a splash of ginger beer for a fizzy twist.
5. Garnish: Add a twist of orange zest or an orange slice, and some sugared cranberries for a festive holiday finish. If you used a maple-cardamom syrup, a cinnamon stick makes a nice aromatic garnish too.

 

Source: Half Baked Harvest