Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned Cocktail
Tahitian vanilla adds fruity depth to a bourbon Old Fashioned. Homemade vanilla syrup, bitters tips, and garnish ideas included.
Tahitian vanilla is known for its fruity notes of black cherry and tart plum. These flavors work especially well in the standard bourbon old fashioned cocktail.
This recipe will leave you with plenty of extra vanilla bean syrup. You can also use it with club soda, coffee, tea, or even morning oatmeal.
Recipe by Geoff Marshall in Chicago.
Yield: 1 cocktail
- Make a 1:1 vanilla simple syrup using a Tahitian vanilla bean, simmer 20–30 minutes, then chill and store.
- Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup per Old Fashioned and cut back on Angostura so vanilla stays prominent.
- Garnish with warmed, flamed orange peel and Luxardo cherries for a richer finish; syrup works in coffee or soda too.
Preparation Instructions:
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the vanilla simple syrup?
Heat 1 cup water to a simmer, stir in 1 cup sugar until dissolved. Split a Tahitian vanilla bean, scrape the seeds with the back of a knife and mix the seeds into a spoonful of hot syrup to make a paste. Stir that into the pot, add the cut bean pod pieces, and simmer gently 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the pods, cool, and bottle.
How long does the vanilla syrup keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep well for about three weeks. For longer storage freeze in an ice cube tray and thaw cubes as needed.
Can I use another vanilla bean if I do not have Tahitian?
Yes. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is a common substitute and gives a richer, more familiar vanilla note. Tahitian is fruitier, so if you swap beans taste and adjust bitters to keep balance.
How much vanilla syrup do I use per cocktail?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup per Old Fashioned. Taste and adjust by small amounts if you prefer sweeter or more vanilla-forward drinks.
Can I scale the syrup recipe for more cocktails?
Yes. Keep the 1:1 water to sugar ratio and scale quantities up. Simmer time stays about the same; add extra vanilla beans if you want a stronger flavor.
How do I safely flame the orange peel for the garnish?
Warm the peel and hold it about two inches above a small flame with the orange side facing the flame. Press the peel toward the flame so a burst of oil crosses the fire and briefly ignites. Do this over the drink, then wipe the spent peel on the rim and drop it in. Keep hair and flammable items away and practice caution.
Which cherries are best for this drink?
Luxardo cherries are recommended for a richer, slightly bitter-sweet finish. Maraschino cherries work and are sweeter and brighter. Use Luxardo for a more refined Old Fashioned.
What else can I use the leftover vanilla syrup for?
It is versatile. Add it to club soda, coffee, tea, cocktails, or drizzle a little on oatmeal or desserts for extra vanilla flavor.
How do I make the vanilla simple syrup?
Heat 1 cup water to a simmer, stir in 1 cup sugar until dissolved. Split a Tahitian vanilla bean, scrape the seeds with the back of a knife and mix the seeds into a spoonful of hot syrup to make a paste. Stir that into the pot, add the cut bean pod pieces, and simmer gently 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the pods, cool, and bottle.
How long does the vanilla syrup keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep well for about three weeks. For longer storage freeze in an ice cube tray and thaw cubes as needed.
Can I use another vanilla bean if I do not have Tahitian?
Yes. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is a common substitute and gives a richer, more familiar vanilla note. Tahitian is fruitier, so if you swap beans taste and adjust bitters to keep balance.
How much vanilla syrup do I use per cocktail?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup per Old Fashioned. Taste and adjust by small amounts if you prefer sweeter or more vanilla-forward drinks.
Can I scale the syrup recipe for more cocktails?
Yes. Keep the 1:1 water to sugar ratio and scale quantities up. Simmer time stays about the same; add extra vanilla beans if you want a stronger flavor.
How do I safely flame the orange peel for the garnish?
Warm the peel and hold it about two inches above a small flame with the orange side facing the flame. Press the peel toward the flame so a burst of oil crosses the fire and briefly ignites. Do this over the drink, then wipe the spent peel on the rim and drop it in. Keep hair and flammable items away and practice caution.
Which cherries are best for this drink?
Luxardo cherries are recommended for a richer, slightly bitter-sweet finish. Maraschino cherries work and are sweeter and brighter. Use Luxardo for a more refined Old Fashioned.
What else can I use the leftover vanilla syrup for?
It is versatile. Add it to club soda, coffee, tea, cocktails, or drizzle a little on oatmeal or desserts for extra vanilla flavor.
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