Almond Old Fashioned
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 30.9% ABV ∙
The Almond Old Fashioned is a spirit-forward bourbon riff on the Old Fashioned, sweetened with amaretto and brown sugar syrup and stirred over ice. Warm bourbon and rich marzipan-like almond lead, with a light brown-sugar sweetness and an aromatic bitters edge on the dry finish — a nightcap or after-dinner sipper.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Bourbon 60 mlAmaretto liqueur 10 mlBrown sugar syrup 5 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 1 dash
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
- Garnish with a toasted almond
Tips
- Stir with ice for about 30 seconds, then strain over fresh ice — enough chill and dilution to soften the boozy build.
- Amaretto and brown sugar syrup both add sweetness, so keep the syrup to a single teaspoon or the drink turns cloying.
- A high-proof or cask-strength bourbon cuts through the amaretto's sweetness better than a softer, lower-proof one.
- Toast the almond garnish briefly in a dry pan to sharpen its aroma over the glass.
History
The Almond Old Fashioned is a modern, amaretto-sweetened riff on the classic Old Fashioned, swapping in the almond liqueur's nutty sweetness for the traditional sugar or syrup, alongside bourbon and Angostura bitters.
FAQ
What is in an Almond Old Fashioned?
Bourbon, amaretto liqueur, brown sugar syrup, and a dash of Angostura aromatic bitters, stirred over ice. It follows the Old Fashioned template but swaps in amaretto and brown sugar syrup for the almond character and a rounder sweetness.
What is an Old Fashioned with amaretto called?
It is called an Almond Old Fashioned, since the amaretto liqueur supplies a distinct almond flavor. Closely related versions include the Toasted Almond Old Fashioned, which runs slightly drier and more complex.
How do you make an Almond (amaretto) Old Fashioned?
Stir bourbon, amaretto, brown sugar syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with toasted almonds. The amaretto replaces part of the usual sweetener and adds the almond note.
Is an Almond Old Fashioned shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Like the classic Old Fashioned, it is a spirit-forward drink that should stay clear and silky, so stir it with ice rather than shaking, which would aerate and cloud it.
What is the name of the almond-flavored liqueur in it?
Amaretto, an Italian liqueur with a sweet almond flavor that can come from almonds, apricot kernels, or both. It is what gives the Almond Old Fashioned its marzipan-like character.
