Few images feel more enchanting than the Sugar Plum Fairy twirling through Tchaikovsky’s score—delicate, jewel-bright, and touched with magic. The Sugar Plum Old Fashioned channels that same sparkle into a richly hued winter cocktail that’s both deeply comforting and pleasantly whimsical.
This drink brings the essence of winter fruit into the Old Fashioned’s iconic structure, creating a cocktail that feels familiar yet quietly enchanting. With warming bourbon, homemade plum syrup, and a whisper of holiday spice, it’s tailor-made for December evenings, cheerful gatherings, and Nutcracker-themed celebrations.
Plums have a naturally velvety sweetness and deep color that transform beautifully into syrup. When paired with a bold, spicy bourbon, the result is a drink that tastes like a winter evening—rich, slightly mysterious, and glowing with seasonal charm.
The Sugar Plum Fairy may dance in a realm of confectionary magic, but this cocktail stays grounded in real, ripe fruit and classic technique. The result is heavenly.
Here is the recipe
Sugar Plum Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- ½ oz ½ oz sugar plum syrup*
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Plum slice or rosemary sprig for garnish
- ice cube
*Sugar Plum Syrup
- 1 cup chopped plums
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- Make the sugar plum syrup: Simmer all ingredients over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.Strain, cool, and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Add bourbon, syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled—about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
- Garnish with a plum slice, rosemary sprig, or both.
Nutrition
Can I make a Sugar Plum Old Fashioned if plums aren’t in season?
Yes. Fresh plums are often hard to find in winter, but frozen plums work perfectly for this cocktail syrup. They’re picked and frozen at peak ripeness, which means excellent flavor and color. You can also use plum preserves or a high-quality plum puree if frozen fruit isn’t available.
What type of bourbon works best in this cocktail?
Choose a bourbon with spice, caramel, and vanilla notes, as these complement the sweetness and depth of the plums. High-rye bourbons work particularly well because their peppery structure balances the fruit.
3. How long does the sugar plum syrup last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions—ice cube trays work beautifully—and thaw as needed for cocktails throughout the season.
Why Lush Life Loves It
It’s visually irresistible, boldly flavored, and rooted in a story everyone knows. This drink blends the comforting structure of the Old Fashioned with a touch of theatrical winter magic—exactly the kind of cocktail that turns a quiet December evening into a celebration.