Smoked Clove and Orange Old Fashioned

In the colder months I find myself craving something that warms you from the inside out. This Smoked Clove & Orange Old Fashioned does just that. It's bright, spiced, deeply comforting, and designed to cut straight through the winter chill.

This cocktail brings together the grounding warmth of clove and brown sugar, the brightness of fresh orange, and the smooth depth of bourbon. The syrup-made with orange peel, whole cloves, and brown sugar-infuses the drink with subtle spice and winter citrus. A dash of orange bitters and Angostura aromatic bitters brings balance and structure, and the final flourish-a touch of smoke-adds just the right amount of drama and depth.

It's simple, soulful, and soothing. The kind of drink that doesn't just warm your hands, but settles somewhere deeper. Like a little bonfire in a glass.

⭐ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Warming, winter-perfect flavor: Clove, brown sugar, and bourbon = true seasonal comfort.
• Aromatic and balanced: Bright orange, earthy spice, and just enough sweetness.
• The smoke is everything: Adds warmth, complexity, and a little ceremony.

🥘 Key Ingredients

• Orange & Clove Brown Sugar Syrup: orange peel zest, whole cloves, and brown sugar steeped into the coziest winter syrup.
• Bourbon: choose your favorite winter pour.
• Orange Bitters: Adds brightness and citrus complexity.
• Angostura Bitters: Classic spice to round out the profile.
• Smoke: Optional-but highly recommended for aroma and vibe.

How to make this cocktail:

1. Step 1: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 ½ whole cloves, and the peel of ½ orange for 10-15 minutes until fragrant and slightly reduced. Let steep while cooling, then strain and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

2. Step 2: Add the 2 ounces of bourbon, ¼ ounce of orange and clove syrup, 1 dash orange bitters, and 1 dash aromatic bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to mix and dilute.

3. Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over ice.

4. Step 4: Smoke with wood shavings, or express an orange twist over the glass for a bright finish

Smoked Clove and Orange Old Fashioned

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• Author: Pate Giltner
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 drink 1x
• Category: old fashioned
• Method: stirred
• Cuisine: american

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Description

In the colder month I find myself craving something that warms you from the inside out. This Smoked Clove & Orange Old Fashioned does just that. It's bright, spiced, deeply comforting, and designed to cut straight through the winter chill.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the orange and clove syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• Peel of ½ orange (avoid the pith)
• 1 ½ tsp whole cloves

For the cocktail:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¼ oz orange &; clove brown sugar syrup
• 1 dash orange bitters
• 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters
• Smoker with wood shavings

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Instructions

1. For the syrup: simmer ingredients for 10-15 minutes until fragrant and slightly reduced. Let steep while cooling, then strain and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Smoke with wood shavings, or express an orange twist over the glass for a bright finish. Garnish with a clove-studded orange slice or a dehydrated orange.

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