Breakfast Old Fashioned is my go-to brunch cocktail when I want something that feels special but comes together in minutes. It's a twist on the classic that swaps sugar for maple syrup and adds a strip of crispy bacon—trust me, it works.
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I first made this for a lazy Sunday with friends, and now it's requested at every gathering. The smoky, savory bacon balances the sweet maple and bright orange, making it surprisingly sippable before noon.
Whether you're hosting a brunch or treating yourself on a weekend morning, this cocktail is proof that breakfast can be a little indulgent.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
Use a good-quality bourbon you enjoy sipping. Rye works too if you prefer a spicier note.
1/2 oz (15 ml) pure maple syrup
Grade A dark amber adds robust flavor. Sub with honey or agave in a pinch.
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Classic aromatic bitters. Orange bitters also complement the citrus.
1 strip bacon, cooked crisp
Thick-cut bacon holds up well. For a smoky twist, try a smoked variety.
1 orange twist or wheel
Use a peeler for a long twist. A lemon twist works if oranges are out.
1 large ice cube or 2-3 smaller cubes
Large cubes melt slower, diluting less. Regular ice is fine if that's what you have.
Optional: 1/4 oz (7 ml) cold brew or coffee liqueur
Adds a coffee kick. Omit if you prefer a purist version.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before mixing to keep the drink cold without over-diluting.
- Cook the bacon until very crisp—it will hold up better as a garnish and add a pleasant crunch.
- Stir the cocktail thoroughly with ice for at least 20 seconds to properly chill and dilute.
- If you don't have a large ice cube, use a few smaller cubes and strain into a fresh glass to control dilution.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the bacon
In a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C), cook bacon for 4-6 minutes per side until brown and crisp, with no pink remaining. Transfer to paper towels.
2. Chill the glass
Place a rocks glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to chill. If short on time, fill with ice and water while you prepare.
3. Combine ingredients
In a mixing glass or shaker, combine bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and optional cold brew. Add a handful of ice.
4. Stir the cocktail
Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly. This is key—stirring, not shaking, keeps it silky.
5. Strain into glass
Remove the chilled glass from freezer and discard any ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass over one large ice cube or 2-3 smaller cubes.
6. Garnish and serve
Express the orange twist over the drink by twisting it over the glass, then drop it in. Place the bacon strip across the rim or on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately.
Delicious Variations
Smoky Maple Old Fashioned
Add 1/4 oz mezcal for extra smokiness.
Coffee Break Old Fashioned
Use 1/2 oz cold brew instead of 1/4 for a stronger coffee flavor.
Citrus Sunrise
Swap orange for grapefruit twist and add a splash of grapefruit juice.
How to Store Breakfast Old Fashioned
Refrigerator
You can pre-mix the bourbon, maple, and bitters in a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add ice and garnish when serving.
Freezer
The cocktail mixture can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Not applicable—serve cold. If you want a warm version, skip ice and heat gently in a saucepan, but that's a different drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make a Breakfast Old Fashioned without alcohol?
Yes, use a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative or extra cold brew and a splash of vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup.
Q: What's the best bourbon for a Breakfast Old Fashioned?
A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve works well. Avoid high-proof or overly spicy ones.
Q: Can I use bacon fat in the drink?
Yes, but use it sparingly—rinse a glass with a tiny amount of bacon fat for a smoky aroma, or add a drop into the cocktail. It's a bold choice.
Q: How do I get a big ice cube?
Freeze water in a silicone mold or a small bowl. Use the largest that fits your glass.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
Absolutely, mix the bourbon, maple, and bitters in a large pitcher. Keep refrigerated and pour over ice with garnish when serving.
Have you tried a savory twist on a classic cocktail? Let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear your favorite brunch drink! Small steps, big change.
Breakfast Old Fashioned
Breakfast Old Fashioned: a boozy, maple-sweetened bourbon cocktail with smoky bacon and orange, perfect for brunch.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip bacon, cooked crisp
- 1 orange twist or wheel
- 1 large ice cube or 2-3 smaller cubes
- Optional: 1/4 oz (7 ml) cold brew or coffee liqueur
📋 Instructions
- 1Cook the bacon — In a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C), cook bacon for 4-6 minutes per side until brown and crisp, with no pink remaining. Transfer to paper towels.
- 2Chill the glass — Place a rocks glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to chill. If short on time, fill with ice and water while you prepare.
- 3Combine ingredients — In a mixing glass or shaker, combine bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and optional cold brew. Add a handful of ice.
- 4Stir the cocktail — Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly. This is key—stirring, not shaking, keeps it silky.
- 5Strain into glass — Remove the chilled glass from freezer and discard any ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass over one large ice cube or 2-3 smaller cubes.
- 6Garnish and serve — Express the orange twist over the drink by twisting it over the glass, then drop it in. Place the bacon strip across the rim or on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately.
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, actionable changes for everyday life. She shares practical tips on reducing plastic, composting, and mindful consumption, drawn from her own experiments at home.
