Description
A sophisticated yet simple 5-ingredient holiday cocktail featuring nutty brown butter, warm spices, and bourbon. It offers a rich, savory-sweet flavor profile that is ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240ml) bourbon
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 large orange peel strip (orange only, no pith)
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- Large ice cubes
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the foam turns light golden and you smell a nutty, toasty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
- Immediately remove the butter from the heat and pour it into a heatproof jar to stop the cooking process.
- While the butter is still warm, add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and peppercorns. Stir to infuse the spices for 3-5 minutes.
- Strain the brown butter through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar to remove the spices and milk solids. Let cool completely if making ahead.
- To build the drink, add a large ice cube to an old fashioned glass.
- Add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 tablespoon of the brown butter spice mixture, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or maple syrup).
- Drop in the orange peel and gently stir the drink with a spoon until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is emulsified.
- Express the orange peel over the top to release oils, rub it around the rim, and drop it in. Serve immediately.
Notes
The brown butter spice mix can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for 3 months. If the butter separates in the glass, stir well right before serving. Use whole spices for best flavor and texture; if using ground spices, strain very well. For a dairy-free version, substitute brown coconut oil for butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: bourbon cocktail, brown butter, old fashioned, holiday drinks, easy cocktails, spiced bourbon, winter drinks, entertaining