The Vanilla Orange Old Fashioned is the kind of drink you make when you want something familiar, but a little smoother than the usual Old Fashioned. Vanilla softens the whiskey. Orange keeps it bright. Nothing complicated, nothing showy — just a solid upgrade that tastes right.
If you like Old Fashioneds but don’t want anything smoky, spicy, or experimental, this one hits a sweet spot. It’s easy to like and easy to make. Bourbon already has notes of vanilla and caramel, so adding a small amount of vanilla syrup doesn’t change the drink — it just smooths it out. The orange peel does most of the work on the nose, which keeps the drink from feeling sweet.
If you’ve been enjoying simple twists like the Ginger Molasses Old Fashioned or the Coffee & Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, this fits right in with those.
If you’re unsure what bottle to use, anything from our list of the best bourbons for cocktails will work well here. You don’t need anything fancy.
Here is the recipe
Vanilla Orange Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- ¼ oz vanilla syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Orange peel
- Optional: brandied cherry
- ice cube
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, vanilla syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.
- Stir until well chilled—about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
- Twist an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
Nutrition
When to Serve It
This one works year-round. It’s good before dinner, after dinner, or when someone says, “I like whiskey, just not anything too strong.”
It also makes sense for parties. If you’re hosting, it fits well with other holiday cocktails or easy winter bourbon drinks that don’t require much explanation.
Why Lush Life Likes It
Because it doesn’t try too hard. Vanilla and orange make bourbon easier to drink without covering it up. That’s the whole point.
FAQ
Is this drink sweet?
Not really. The vanilla rounds things out, but the bitters keep it balanced. If it tastes sweet to you, use a little less syrup
Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
You can, but it’ll be drier and spicier. Bourbon works better if you want the vanilla to come through.
Can I skip the syrup and use vanilla extract?
No. Extract is too strong and throws the drink off. Syrup is the right move.
Want more like this? You’ll find plenty in our collection of bourbon cocktail recipes, all built to be easy, familiar, and worth repeating.