Discover the irresistible allure of this Black Walnut Old Fashioned cocktail. This exquisite drink combines the robustness of whiskey with the complexity of black walnut bitters, resulting in a drink that is both bold and sophisticated, offering a tantalizing twist on the classic cocktail
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Why I Love This Cocktail
I love this Black Walnut Old Fashioned cocktail recipe for its blend of robust whiskey and interesting black walnut bitters, creating a drink that is both bold and satisfying. The rich flavors and aromatic complexity of this cocktail never fail to impress, making it a favorite for indulging in the perfect balance of depth and refreshment.
If you love Old Fashioneds, you certainly need to give this version a try! I also love that you can substitute different sweeteners in this cocktail recipe to create your favorite version.
What Whiskey to Use For This Cocktail
The choice of whiskey depends on personal preference. I used rye whiskey because I love the bite it gives, but you can experiment with different whiskey varieties to find the flavor profile you enjoy most. Select a whiskey that complements the flavors of the black bitters and creates a balanced cocktail.
How to Make This Black Walnut Old Fashioned
Prepare low ball glass with a large ice cube. Add the whiskey, bitters, and sugar to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds.
Strain into prepared glass. Slice off the orange peel, twist over the glass to release some of the oils, and place the orange peel on top of the ice cube.
More Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Recipe FAQs
Black bitters are a type of cocktail bitter infused with dark and rich ingredients like coffee, chocolate, or spices. They add depth and complexity to cocktails, such as the Black Walnut Bitters Gin Cocktail.
Black bitters can often be found in specialty liquor stores or online retailers that carry a wide selection of cocktail ingredients and bitters. Check your local stores or explore online platforms for a variety of options.
While black bitters add a unique flavor profile, you can experiment with other types of bitters to create your own twist on the Black Bitters Whiskey Old Fashioned. For example, aromatic bitters or chocolate bitters can offer interesting substitutions that complement the whiskey.
Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute or experiment with other non-alcoholic spirits that offer depth and complexity. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly to maintain the balance of flavors.
Expert Tips for Making This Whiskey Cocktail
- Start with quality ingredients: Use a high-quality rye whiskey or bourbon as the base for your Old Fashioned. Look for a whiskey with rich flavors and a smooth finish.
- Sweeten it just right: Traditional Old Fashioned cocktails are sweetened with a sugar cube or simple syrup. For this version, I used brown sugar for an additional layer of depth. You could also consider using maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup.
- Ice matters: Choose a large ice cube or a sphere to chill your cocktail. The larger ice melts slower, preventing the drink from becoming diluted too quickly. It also adds an elegant touch to the presentation.
- Stir properly: Stirring the cocktail properly is key to achieving a well-balanced drink. Use a long cocktail spoon and stir gently, allowing the flavors to blend together. Stir for about 20-30 seconds, or until the drink is properly chilled and diluted.
- Garnish thoughtfully: Consider garnishing your black walnut Old Fashioned with an orange twist. Express the oils from the orange peel over the glass, then rub the peel around the rim before dropping it into the drink. This adds a delightful aroma and a touch of citrusy brightness.
Black Walnut Old Fashioned
Equipment
- cocktail stirring glass with strainer
- jigger
- peeler for garnish
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey (I used a Rye Whiskey for this one)
- 3-4 dashes black walnut bitters
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- orange peel (for aromatics and garnish)
- large ice cube
Instructions
- Prepare low ball glass with a large ice cube. Add whiskey, bitters, and sugar to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds. Strain into prepared glass.
- Slice off the orange peel, twist over glass to release some of the oils, and place the orange peel on top of the ice cube.
Notes
-
- Start with quality ingredients: Use a high-quality rye whiskey or bourbon as the base for your Old Fashioned. Look for a whiskey with rich flavors and a smooth finish.
- Sweeten it just right: Traditional Old Fashioned cocktails are sweetened with a sugar cube or simple syrup. For this version, I used brown sugar for an additional layer of depth. You could also consider using maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup.
- Ice matters: Choose a large ice cube or a sphere to chill your cocktail. The larger ice melts slower, preventing the drink from becoming diluted too quickly. It also adds an elegant touch to the presentation.
- Stir it properly: Stirring the cocktail properly is key to achieving a well-balanced drink. Use a long cocktail spoon and stir gently, allowing the flavors to blend together. Stir for about 20-30 seconds, or until the drink is properly chilled and dilute.
- Garnish thoughtfully: Consider garnishing your black walnut Old Fashioned with an orange twist. Express the oils from the orange peel over the glass, then rub the peel around the rim before dropping it into the drink. This adds a delightful aroma and a touch of citrusy brightness.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did You Make This Cocktail?
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Sue says
Loved this Old Fashioned, the black walnut bitters add a special touch!
Emily says
Thanks you! I totally agree the bitters add something special🥃