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As the trees turn golden and the air gets chilly, it only feels right to reach for something a little cozier—something spiced, rich, and perfect for slow sipping.
The Fall Spice Old Fashioned is my autumnal twist on the classic cocktail, and in my house, it’s become a seasonal staple.
This recipe was born out of a casual Friday night at home.
My husband’s a die-hard Old Fashioned fan, and I wanted to give his favorite drink a fall makeover. One rimmed glass, a swirl of pumpkin syrup, and a stir later—and just like that, this spiced version found its permanent place in our seasonal lineup.
Before we build the drink, let’s talk presentation. Start by rimming a lowball glass with honey, then lightly dust it with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. It’s a small step that makes a big impact—adding sweetness, aroma, and that first sensory layer of the experience.
Now onto the build—done directly in the glass, as tradition calls for.
Begin with a splash of pumpkin simple syrup. This syrup is rich, lightly spiced, and adds a silky sweetness that echoes the cozy flavors of the season. Next, add a few dashes of orange bitters.
Their citrusy brightness and gentle bitterness balance the syrup and offer complexity that keeps the cocktail from leaning too sweet.
Give the mixture a gentle stir, letting the base come together.
Then, drop in a large ice cube—this is key. It chills the drink without watering it down too quickly, letting you savor every layered sip.
Finally, pour in your whiskey of choice. A good bourbon or rye will bring notes of caramel, oak, and a touch of smoke, melding beautifully with the pumpkin and spice.
Top with a cinnamon stick garnish. Not only is it visually striking, it slowly infuses the drink with warm, woody spice—perfectly echoing the rim and syrup without overpowering.
Step 1: Dip glass in honey and rim with a brown sugar and pumpkin spice mix.
Step 2: Add pumpkin simple syrup and orange bitters to a rocks glass and stir.
Step 3: Add a large ice cube to glass then add whiskey.
Step 4: Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
The Fall Spice Old Fashioned is ideal for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or just sharing something extra special with someone who loves the classics. This is comfort in cocktail form—refined, aromatic, and unmistakably autumn.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
