Alright, let’s talk holiday drinks, specifically the absolute star of my Thanksgiving table: the Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned. Forget those basic cocktails; this one is like a warm hug in a glass. I’ve been making holiday drinks for years, and I can tell you, this twist on the classic Old Fashioned is a game-changer. It takes everything you love about that iconic drink – the smooth bourbon, the hint of sweetness, that perfect bitters balance – and wraps it up in cozy cinnamon spice. It’s just *chef’s kiss* for Thanksgiving!
Why You'll Love This Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned
This isn't just another cocktail; it’s a little bit of Thanksgiving magic you can whip up in minutes. Trust me, it’s ridiculously easy to make, even if you're juggling a million other things on the big day.
- Quick and Easy Holiday Sipping: Seriously, five minutes tops! You can mix it while the turkey rests.
- Warm, Inviting Flavors: The cinnamon and maple syrup just scream cozy autumn. It’s like a warm blanket for your taste buds.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving Celebrations: It’s sophisticated enough for guests but simple enough that you won't miss any of the action.
Gathering Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned Ingredients
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned, you’ll need a few key players. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated, and having everything ready makes the mixing process super smooth. It’s all about quality here, so grab the good stuff!
Core Components of Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned
First up, the backbone of any good Old Fashioned: bourbon. I like to use about 2 ounces of a good quality bourbon – something smooth that won’t overpower the other flavors. Then, we’ve got our sweetener, which is 0.5 ounces of pure maple syrup. It adds this lovely depth and warmth that’s just perfect for fall. For that classic Old Fashioned kick, you’ll need 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. But here’s where we get fancy: 1 dash of cinnamon bitters. This little addition is what really makes it sing for Thanksgiving!
Garnishes for the Perfect Finish
No Old Fashioned is complete without its garnish, right? For this festive version, we’re using a nice, wide orange peel. You want a good piece so you can really express those oils over the drink. And the crowning glory? A cinnamon stick! It looks beautiful and adds that extra hint of cinnamon aroma as you sip.
Crafting Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned: Step-by-Step
Okay, the fun part! Making this Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned is super straightforward, I promise. It’s all about getting that perfect chill and layering those lovely flavors. You’ll feel like a pro bartender in no time.
The Mixing Process
First things first, grab your mixing glass. It’s that tall glass you use for stirring cocktails. Now, pour in your 2 ounces of bourbon, the 0.5 ounces of maple syrup, your 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and that crucial 1 dash of cinnamon bitters. Pop in a good amount of ice – you want it nice and cold. Then, just stir! Keep stirring gently for about 20-30 seconds. You’re aiming to chill the drink down without watering it out too much. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the mixing glass feels frosty.
Assembling the Drink
Next, get your serving glass ready. A nice rocks glass is perfect. I always use one big ice cube if I can find one – it melts slower and keeps your drink from getting too diluted. Strain your chilled mixture from the mixing glass directly into the rocks glass over that big ice cube. Now, take your orange peel. Hold it peel-side down over the drink and give it a little twist or pinch. This releases those amazing fragrant oils right onto the surface of the cocktail. You’ll smell it immediately! Then, just drop that orange peel right into the glass. It looks so pretty!
The Final Touch: Garnishing
We’re almost there! The last step is the garnish. Take your cinnamon stick and pop it right into the glass alongside the orange peel. It adds a beautiful visual and another layer of that warm cinnamon aroma. It just makes the whole drink feel extra special and festive, you know? And that’s it! Your perfect Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned is ready to be savored.
Tips for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Okay, so you've got the basics down for your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned, but let's talk about taking it from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!” A few little tweaks can really elevate this already fantastic drink. It’s all about those personal touches that make it *yours*.
Choosing Your Bourbon Wisely
Bourbon is the star here, so don’t skimp! A really smooth, slightly sweeter bourbon with notes of caramel or vanilla works beautifully and plays well with the maple and cinnamon. But honestly, even a mid-range bourbon will be delicious. If you want to get fancy, try one with a higher rye content for a little more spice, or a wheated bourbon for extra smoothness. Experimenting is part of the fun! For more on bourbon, check out this guide to bourbon whiskey.
Sweetness Adjustment
My recipe calls for half an ounce of maple syrup, but listen, everyone’s sweetness meter is different! If you prefer things a little less sweet, start with just a quarter ounce and taste it before adding more. On the flip side, if you've got a major sweet tooth, you can go up to three-quarters of an ounce. Just remember, the goal is balance, not to make it taste like candy!
Enhancing the Cinnamon Aroma
This is my little secret weapon for making the cinnamon really pop. Before you pop that cinnamon stick into the drink as a garnish, give it a quick toast. Just hold it over a low flame for about 10-15 seconds until you can really smell the cinnamon intensifying. It releases those fragrant oils and makes the aroma even more incredible when you bring the glass to your lips. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Got questions about whipping up this delicious Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned? I've got you covered! It's a pretty straightforward cocktail, but a few tips can make it even better.
Can I make this Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned ahead of time?
You can definitely mix the base ingredients (bourbon, maple syrup, and both bitters) ahead of time and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. However, I wouldn't add ice or the garnishes until you're ready to serve. The drink can get watered down if it sits with ice for too long, and you want those garnishes to look fresh!
What if I don't have cinnamon bitters?
No cinnamon bitters? No problem! You can totally substitute them. Just add another dash of Angostura bitters for more spice, or even a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon directly into the mixing glass. Some people even add a whisper of cinnamon extract if they have it. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be a delicious bourbon drink! For more cocktail variations, check out this Smoky Old Fashioned.
How should I store leftover ingredients for my Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned?
Bitters are pretty stable and last ages. Just keep the bottles tightly capped in a cool, dark place (like your pantry or a liquor cabinet). Maple syrup should be refrigerated after opening to keep it fresh. And those orange peels and cinnamon sticks? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two if you plan on making more, or just use them up!
Serving and Enjoying Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned
This Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned is more than just a drink; it's an experience! It’s perfect for sipping while you chat with family, or as a little warm-up before the big meal.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cocktail
Honestly, this cocktail is so versatile! It pairs wonderfully with all those classic Thanksgiving flavors. Think creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, or even a slice of pecan pie. The warm spices in the drink just complement everything beautifully. For other holiday drink ideas, consider this Thanksgiving Apple Cinnamon Cold Brew.
When to Serve This Festive Drink
I love serving this as guests arrive, while the turkey is roasting. It’s also fantastic after dinner with dessert, or really, anytime you want a cozy, festive sip during the holiday season. It’s the perfect way to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Just a friendly heads-up! The nutritional info I've provided for this Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned is an estimate. It can totally change depending on the specific brands of bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters you use, plus how generous you are with those garnishes. So, think of it as a tasty ballpark figure!
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5-Minute Thanksgiving Cinnamon Old Fashioned Magic
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, infused with warm cinnamon flavors perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.5 oz Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash Cinnamon Bitters
- Orange Peel for garnish
- Cinnamon Stick for garnish
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and cinnamon bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Adjust maple syrup to your preferred sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of bourbon for varied flavor profiles.
- For an extra cinnamon kick, lightly toast the cinnamon stick before garnishing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving cocktail, Old Fashioned, cinnamon cocktail, bourbon drink, fall cocktail, holiday drink