If you're looking for a cocktail that brings the heat and the comfort, the Calabrian Chili Old Fashioned is it. Smoky, spicy, slightly sweet, and bourbon-forward, and it's the perfect cold-weather slow sipper. A true winter warmer with just the right amount of fire.
This version uses the same Calabrian chili brown sugar syrup from my Calabrian Chili Margarita, so if you've already made a batch, you're halfway there. That syrup brings deep molasses-y sweetness with slow-building chili heat. Combine it with your favorite bourbon, a dash of smoked chili bitters.
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⭐ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Warm, spicy, and bold: Just the right amount of heat with a smoky edge.
- Winter cocktail essential: Feels like a fire in a glass.
- Cross-cocktail use: Same syrup as the Calabrian Chili Margarita-two drinks, one prep.
- No fuss, just flavor: Stirred, poured, and perfect every time.
Key Ingredients
- Bourbon: I went with Buffalo Trace for this one.
- Calabrian Chili Brown Sugar Syrup: Sweet heat with a slow chili warmth.
- Smoked Chili Bitters: Adds more smoky chili flavor.
- Orange Bitters: Brightens the cocktail and pulls the spice into balance.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make this cocktail:
- Step 1: Start by making the Calabrian chili brown sugar syrup. Add 1 cup water, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon chopped jarred Calabrian chilies to a small pot. Heat on medium-low until all the brown sugar has melted, then let cool.
- Step 2: For the cocktail, add ice to a rocks or mixing glass. Then combine it with 2 ounces of bourbon, ½ ounce of the chili syrup, 2 dashes smoked chili bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters.
- Step 3: Stir to combine and dilute.
- Step 4: Garnish with an orange and a chili.
💡 EXPERT TIPS
Add more chilies to the syrup if you want a spicier drink.
The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up two weeks.
Calabrian Chili Old Fashioned
Description
If you're looking for a cocktail that brings the heat and the comfort, the Calabrian Chili Old Fashioned is it.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped jarred Calabrian chilies
For the cocktail
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce Calabrian brown sugar syrup
- 2 dashes smoked chili bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
Instructions
- Start by making the Calabrian chili brown sugar syrup. Add 1 cup water, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon chopped jarred Calabrian chilies to a small pot. Heat on medium-low until all the brown sugar has melted, then let cool.
- For the cocktail, add ice to a rocks or mixing glass. Then combine it with 2 ounces of bourbon, ½ ounce of the chili syrup, 2 dashes smoked chili bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters.
- Stir to combine and dilute.
- Garnish with an orange and a chili.
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