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    Old Fashioned Without Bitters

    August 24, 2022 by Lauren 1 Comment

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Two cocktails are on a date and the New Yorker said to the Old Fashioned: What don’t we need more of in this town? 

    “What”? Said the New Yorker. 

    The Old Fashioned replied: Bitters.  The Bitters. 

    Close up shot of an old fashioned cocktail in a low ball glass.


    The old fashioned is very, well, old fashioned! And let’s just say you’re totally normal and don’t have a fully stocked bar cart, you probably don’t have bitters. I find myself in this situation more often than not. I’ve found that you don’t need bitters.  So, let’s not waste time, let’s make an Old Fashioned Without Bitters!

    Jump to:
    • What ingredients do you need to make an old fashioned without bitters?
    • Can you make an Old Fashioned Without Bitters?
    • More cocktail recipes you'll love:
    • Old Fashioned Without Bitters
    Overhead shot of an old fashioned cocktail in a low ball glass with garnishes.

    What ingredients do you need to make an old fashioned without bitters?

    Bourbon: because we’re making an Old Fashioned.  While this may not be that “classic” bite-you-back version, we’re still using the main ingredient.  

    Fresh OJ: since we’re not using bitters, we need to add something fresh and when paired with a good bourbon you’re not going to miss it one bit (the bitters).  And some orange peel, for garnish (if you wish!). 

    Maple syrup: for some natural sweetness and flavor. 

    Maraschino cherry syrup: for some extra flavor. And some cherries for garnish if you wish!

    Can you make an Old Fashioned Without Bitters?

    Yes, and it’s so simple! Let me guide you through the process. 

    First, we’re going to grab some ice and place it into a low ball glass (or any glass that you have).  

    Then, we’re going to add the bourbon, fresh OJ, maple syrup, and maraschino cherry juice. 

    Process shot of bourbon going into a low ball glass to make an old fashioned.
    Process shot stirring an old fashioned.
    Process shot of the garnishes being put into an old fashioned.

    Give it a gentle stir, not too much.

    Finally, garnish with an orange peel, cherries, or skip this step and go straight to drinking it.

    Old fashioned cocktail overhead hero shot.

    More cocktail recipes you'll love:

    Honey Whisky Sour
    Apple Cider Martini
    Raspberry Moscow Mule

    Old Fashioned Without Bitters

    While this cocktail may be "Old Fashioned", we're giving it a modern twist. Making it without bitters, but still giving it that "Old Fashioned" spicy, bourbon-y taste.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Beverage, Cocktail
    Cuisine American, Cocktails
    Servings 1 person
    Calories 179 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 oz bourbon
    • ½ oz orange juice freshly squeezed, plus peel for garnish
    • ½ oz maple syrup *pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup
    • 1-3 drops maraschino cherry syrup plus cherries for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • To a low ball glass, add a large ice cube or handfull of ice.
    • Add the bourbon, fresh orange juice, maple syrup, and drops of maraschino cherry juice.
    • Give it a gentle stir.
    • Garnish with cherries and an orange peel (if desired). Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
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    About Lauren

    Lauren is the freelance writer, photographer, and recipe developer behind Shutter + Mint. Thanks for stopping by!

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    Hi, I'm Lauren! Shutter + Mint is a food blog I created to help you create easy, practical recipes at home. Thanks for stopping by!

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