This Big Batch Old Fashioned is the perfect cocktail for holiday entertaining—mix it ahead of time and let guests pour their own. The recipe balances smooth bourbon, a touch of smoke, aromatic bitters, and just enough sweetness to keep the drink classic and approachable. Prepare it in a pitcher or clip-top bottle, chill, and serve with simple garnishes so you can spend more time with friends and family and less time behind the bar.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Batch Recipe
There’s something timeless about an Old Fashioned, especially during the holidays. While flavored variations can be fun, the classic Old Fashioned is a reliable centerpiece when you want one cocktail that pairs well with many dishes and desserts. This big-batch version keeps the traditional profile—bourbon-forward with orange bitters and brown sugar—while saving you time when hosting family dinners or seasonal gatherings.
Make the batch a day or two ahead, chill it thoroughly, and offer a small spread of garnishes so guests can personalize their glass. It’s an easy way to present a polished, consistent cocktail without fuss.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few pantry staples to scale a classic Old Fashioned up for a crowd. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Bourbon
- Orange bitters
- Brown sugar simple syrup (recipe included below)
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Cherries for garnish (optional)
How to Make a Big Batch of Old Fashioned Cocktails
Step 1: Mix the alcohol
Measure the bourbon into a large mixing glass or measuring cup. Add the orange bitters and whisk briefly to combine. Transfer the mixture to a large pitcher, clip-top carafe, or bottle for easy serving.
Step 2: Add the syrup
Stir in the brown sugar simple syrup, or seal the carafe and give it a gentle shake until the syrup is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Chill
Place the container in the refrigerator or freezer until the batch is very cold. Keep the mixture ice-free until serving so it doesn’t dilute.
Step 4: Serve
For each cocktail, pour 2 to 2.5 ounces of the premixed Old Fashioned into a lowball glass over one large ice cube or several small cubes.
Step 5: Garnish
Finish with a cinnamon stick or a few cherries—amaros or luxardo cherries add depth. Alternatively, offer a garnish station with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cherries so guests can customize their drinks.
FAQs
Combine 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Heat over medium until it simmers, add a cinnamon stick if you like, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about five minutes. Remove from heat, cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can prepare the cocktail one or two days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Do not add ice until serving to avoid unwanted dilution.
Balance. The right proportion of bitters to bourbon and sweetener is key—bitters provide aroma and structure, while the sugar smooths the edges without masking the whiskey.
Serving Suggestions + Variations
- Serve this cocktail as a Thanksgiving nightcap alongside pie—its whiskey-forward profile pairs beautifully with pecan or maple desserts.
- If you don’t have brown sugar syrup, substitute regular simple syrup or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness and aroma.
- For a playful pairing, offer donut holes or small dessert bites alongside the drinks.
- For an extra-sweet rim, dip the glass in syrup and then in coarse brown sugar.
- Pair with dark chocolate orange candies or roasted nuts for an elegant seasonal snack pairing.
More Bourbon Recipes You’ll Love
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- Bourbon Biscuits and Sage Sausage Gravy
- Bourbon Salted Caramel
- Overnight Bourbon French Toast
If you try this Big Batch Old Fashioned, I love seeing your photos—please tag me on social media so I can share your creations with the community. I enjoy seeing how you garnish and serve it!
Big Batch Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 16 oz bourbon
- 8 dashes orange bitters
- 3 tbsp brown sugar simple syrup (see notes)
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
- Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Measure 16 oz bourbon into a large measuring glass. Add 8 dashes of orange bitters and whisk to combine. Pour into a large carafe or pitcher.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons brown sugar simple syrup, or seal and gently shake until blended.
- Refrigerate or freeze the batch until it is very cold. Keep ice out until serving.
- To serve, pour 2–2.5 oz of the mixture into a lowball glass over one large ice cube or a few small cubes.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few cherries.
Notes
You can substitute regular simple syrup or maple syrup for the brown sugar simple syrup if you prefer.
Nutrition (per serving, estimate)
Calories: 153 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Sugar: 4 g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
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