Cinnamon Old Fashioned

This cinnamon Old Fashioned cocktail is made with bourbon, aromatic bitters and a homemade spiced simple syrup.

One of the fun parts of visiting Kentucky's bourbon distilleries is that you can often go beyond a simple tasting and try some of their house cocktails.

Sometimes we carry inspiration home with us and start experimenting with our own version of a classic drink.

That's what happened with the Old Fashioned, a cocktail that's a perfect showcase for good bourbon. In this cinnamon version, I'm adding an extra pop of spice to the flavor profile!

What Is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?

An Old Fashioned is a classic American drink invented by James E Pepper. It's traditionally made with bourbon, bitters, sugar and a twist of citrus (or a cocktail cherry).

This cinnamon Old Fashioned uses cinnamon simple syrup instead of sugar, and we'll use cocktail cherries instead of citrus.

What Kind of Bourbon Should I Use in This Cinnamon Old Fashioned?

Bourbons can have a wide variety of flavors, from sweet-corn-heavy bourbon to spicy-rye-heavy bourbon.

My best advice is to use a bourbon that you personally enjoy sipping for this cocktail, because there are only a few ingredients so you will definitely taste the bourbon! Check out our bourbon for beginners guide if you need more help choosing a bourbon.

Typically, my favorites for Old Fashioneds are Maker's Mark (for a sweeter flavor) and Woodford Reserve’s Double Oaked Bourbon for a smokier flavor. In the photos, I used a bourbon I picked up at Willet Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Can I Use Whiskey Instead?

Absolutely! We like rye whiskey in Old Fashioned cocktails, especially if you'd like a little extra spice.

What Kind of Cocktail Cherries Should I Use?

There are lots of brands of cocktail cherries out there!

My favorite are Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.'s bourbon cocktail cherries. I like that they have great flavor and texture, and happily, no artificial food coloring.

Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup

Traditionally, an Old Fashioned uses sugar instead of a syrup, but I've found the sugar rarely dissolves. I prefer a syrup. Plus, this way we can make a flavored cinnamon syrup!

Simple syrup is an easy way to create all sorts of cocktail flavors! We also enjoy this honey Old Fashioned.

Start by adding equal parts sugar and water to a small saucepan. Add a cinnamon stick to the mix, and heat until the sugar dissolves.

Set aside, allowing the cinnamon to continue infusing in the syrup while it cools.

You'll have more syrup than you need for a single serving of this recipe, so you can refrigerate it and use it again!

How to Make a Cinnamon Old Fashioned

When the syrup is cooled, start making the cocktail.

Add ice to a rocks glass. I use these silicone sphere molds to make large ice cubes.

Next, add the bitters, bourbon and syrup to the glass, and stir it.

Add a couple of cocktail cherries to a cocktail pick, and garnish the drink with it.

Sip your cinnamon Old Fashioned and enjoy this spiced cocktail!