If you want a drink that feels elegant but still easy enough for a quiet evening at home, this Vanilla Spice Old Fashioned fits the moment perfectly.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love a cozy, seasonal cocktail, but this one has a special story behind it. Old Fashioned drinks have always been one of my husband’s all-time favorites, so when fall rolled around, we thought it would be fun to create a cozier, slightly sweeter version that captures all the warm, comforting flavors of the season.

We played around with a few ingredients, adjusted the spices, and taste-tested (several times, of course!). After a few tweaks, we finally landed on this Vanilla Spice Old Fashioned, and let me tell you, it is GOOOOD!!

This drink is the perfect combination of bold bourbon, warm vanilla, aromatic bitters, and cozy spices like nutmeg and cloves. Every sip feels like fall in a glass because it’s smooth, rich, warm, and beautifully balanced. If you’re looking for an easy fall bourbon cocktail or a cozy spiced Old Fashioned recipe to serve at Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or date night at home, this one checks every box!

How to Make a Vanilla Spice Old Fashioned

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ounces bourbon (¼ cup)
• 1 orange peel twist
• 3 whole cloves
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• 4–6 dashes aromatic bitters
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional garnish: orange slices + cinnamon sticks

Here’s how to make the best spiced fall Old Fashioned at home:

Step 1: Gently muddle the flavors

In a lowball glass, add the orange peel, whole cloves, simple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press the ingredients together.

Tip: Avoid crushing the cloves — you want to release their flavor without creating small, gritty pieces in your drink.

Step 2: Add bourbon and bitters

Pour in the bourbon and add about 4–6 dashes of aromatic bitters.
Stir well to help the flavors marry together.

Step 3: Add ice and nutmeg

Fill the glass with a large ice cube (or a few smaller ice cubes).
Sprinkle the ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg over the top for a warm, aromatic finish.

Step 4: Garnish and enjoy

Add a couple of cinnamon sticks and an orange slice for the perfect fall-inspired finishing touch.
Sip slowly and enjoy the cozy blend of spices, vanilla, citrus, and bourbon!

When to Serve This Fall Old Fashioned

This cocktail is perfect for:
✔️ Thanksgiving dinner
✔️ Holiday parties
✔️ Cozy fall evenings by the fire
✔️ Hosting friends
✔️ A festive date night drink
✔️ Impressing guests with a simple but elevated cocktail

Creating this cocktail with my husband made it extra special, and now it’s become one of our favorite fall drinks to enjoy together. It’s cozy, aromatic, beautifully spiced, and a delicious twist on a classic! Cheers!

Print Pin

Vanilla Spice Old Fashioned

Servings 1

Author Beautiful Eats & Things

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon ¼ cup
• 1 orange peel twist
• 3 whole cloves
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• 4-6 dashes aromatic bitters
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: orange slices + cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

• In a lowball glass, add the orange peel, cloves, simple syrup, and vanilla. Gently muddle to release the aromas without crushing the cloves.
• Pour in the bourbon and add the bitters. Stir to combine.
• Fill the glass with ice and sprinkle the nutmeg on top.
• If desired, garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Information: Calories: 178 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 10g | Sodium: 1mg