The weather is getting colder which means it’s time for an autumn brandivate beverage of the week!! This week we are imbibing in a cinnamon vanilla old fashioned as we warm our bones by the fire. This is, obviously, a twist on a classic drink which adds the fall notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove making this a very complex tasting beverage while only using a few ingredients. And, somehow, it just tastes better at night with a fire.

 

How are you lighting up your weekend? #bbotw

 

Cinnamon Vanilla Old Fashioned Recipe 

• ¾ oz Cinnamon Vanilla simple syrup (recipe below)

• 3 oz Old Forester Rye (or bourbon, if that suits your fancy)

• 4 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel

• Luxardo cherry

• 7 drops Old Forester smoked cinnamon bitters (optional)

 

In a mixing glass, combine the simple syrup, rye (or bourbon), and Angostura bitters and fill with ice. Stir – that’ right, stir…you don’t want to shake this – for at least 30 seconds. Strain and pour over a large ice cube and Luxardo cherry in an old-fashioned glass. Express the orange peel over the drink, rim the glass, drop in the beverage, and place seven drops of the smoked cinnamon bitters on top.

 

Cinnamon Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe

• 1 cup of water

• 1 cup of sugar

• 1 vanilla bean - split

• 2 cinnamon sticks

 

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, pour in the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and add the split vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks. Stir combine and let fully cool. Strain and put the syrup in a glass or plastic container and refrigerate. Use within three weeks.