This one sounds indulgent, but it’s still very much an Old Fashioned. Brown butter adds a toasted, nutty flavor that makes bourbon taste rounder and warmer, without turning the drink sweet or heavy.
It’s the kind of cocktail people are curious about but not intimidated by. You don’t need special equipment when you serve it — just a simple explanation: “It tastes a little richer.” And that’s exactly right.
If you’ve liked drinks like the Cinnamon Toast Old Fashioned or the Salted Honey Old Fashioned, this is the next logical step.
Why This Works
Browning butter brings out nutty, caramel-like flavors, which already exist in bourbon. Washing the whiskey with butter doesn’t make the drink creamy — it just smooths the edges and adds depth.
The Old Fashioned format keeps everything familiar. You still taste whiskey first. The butter just makes it feel more finished.
Any reliable bottle works here. If you’re unsure where to start, our list of the best bourbons for cocktails keeps things simple.
Brown Butter Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz brown butter–washed bourbon* (*Butter-washing sounds complicated, but it’s not. See below.)
- ¼ oz demerara or brown sugar syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- orange peel
- ice cube
Instructions
- Add the brown butter–washed bourbon, 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.
Notes
How to Make Brown Butter–Washed Bourbon
This is a simple one-time prep that gives you several drinks’ worth. You’ll need:- 1 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Let it cook until it smells nutty and turns light brown (don’t burn it).
- Pour the hot butter into the bourbon and stir.
- Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Freeze until the butter solidifies on top.
- Remove the butter and strain the bourbon through a fine strainer or coffee filter.
- Store the finished bourbon in the fridge.
Nutrition
When to Serve It
This is a great after-dinner drink or something to make when you want a richer Old Fashioned without adding sweetness.
It works well for small gatherings and slower nights. If you’re planning a menu, it fits right in with other winter bourbon drinks and approachable holiday cocktails.
Why Lush Life Likes It
It tastes special without acting like it is. Brown butter adds depth, not drama. You still know exactly what you’re drinking and it’s great!
FAQ
Does this taste like butter?
No. It tastes nutty and warm, not buttery. The fat is removed before drinking.
Can I use salted butter?
Unsalted is better. Salted butter makes the flavor saltier!
How long does butter-washed bourbon keep?
Stored cold, it keeps for about a month.
Looking for more simple whiskey drinks like this? You’ll find plenty in our collection of bourbon cocktail recipes, all built around familiar flavors and easy builds.