Oatmeal Old Fashioned

This modern classic reinterprets the timeless Old Fashioned with a unique, breakfast-inspired infusion. Toasted oats are used to 'wash' or infuse the whiskey, lending it a creamy texture and nutty, cereal-like notes. The infused spirit is then mixed with maple syrup and bitters, creating a rich, smooth, and aromatic cocktail that is both familiar and surprisingly innovative.
Oatmeal Old Fashioned

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a cocktail, specifically a modern classic. It's a contemporary variation of the timeless Old Fashioned, falling into the category of stirred, spirit-forward drinks.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward drink served cold over a large ice cube in a rocks or Old Fashioned glass. It has a high alcohol content and is intended for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Oatmeal Old Fashioned is a product of the modern craft cocktail movement, where bartenders experiment with techniques like infusions to add new layers of flavor and texture. While its exact origin is not credited to a single individual, it gained popularity in cocktail bars during the 2010s. It represents a creative way to enhance a beloved classic with comforting, familiar flavors.
Origin
United States, circa 2010s.

Oatmeal Old Fashioned

The drink is primarily known as the Oatmeal Old Fashioned. The alternative name, Oat-Washed Old Fashioned, refers more specifically to the technique used to infuse the whiskey, which is the key component of the cocktail.
Original name
Oatmeal Old Fashioned
Alternative name
Oat-Washed Old Fashioned

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a rich, nutty aroma of toasted oats and maple. It has a silky, slightly creamy texture and a warming, balanced taste where whiskey sweetness is offset by aromatic bitters.
Flavor
Nutty, Toasty, Sweet, Spicy, Creamy, Oaty
Aroma
Toasted oats, Maple, Whiskey, Orange, Baking spices
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Smooth, Nutty
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, Golden-brown, Clear
Texture
Silky, Rich, Slightly creamy
Seasonality
Warming, Autumnal, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

A strong, spirit-forward drink with pronounced sweetness from maple and a balancing bitterness. Its defining characteristic is the subtle creaminess and nutty flavor from the oat infusion, creating a smooth yet intense experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The key to this drink is oat-infused whiskey, which provides its unique character. This base is sweetened with rich maple syrup and seasoned with aromatic and orange bitters for complexity.
  • Oat-Infused Bourbon or Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    To make: Lightly toast 1/4 cup of rolled oats in a dry pan until fragrant. Add the toasted oats to a 750ml bottle of whiskey, let it infuse at room temperature for 24 hours, then strain thoroughly through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter.
  • Maple Syrup10 ml / 0.33 oz
    Grade A dark robust (formerly Grade B) is recommended for its rich flavor.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
  • Orange Bitters1 dash(optional)
    Adds an extra layer of citrus complexity that complements the orange peel garnish.

Ice type

  • Large cube or sphere

Mixing equipments

This cocktail is stirred, not shaken. You will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon for stirring, and a strainer to pour the finished drink into the serving glass.
  • Mixing glass for chilling and diluting the ingredients
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Cocktail strainer (Julep or Hawthorne)

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: stir all liquid ingredients with ice until perfectly chilled, then strain into a rocks glass containing a large ice cube and garnish with an expressed orange peel.
1. Combine the oat-infused whiskey, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and optional orange bitters in a mixing glass.
2. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with ice.
3. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is well-chilled.
4. Place a large ice cube or sphere into a chilled rocks glass.
5. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the rocks glass over the fresh ice.
6. Take a wide swath of orange peel, hold it over the drink with the peel side facing down, and pinch it to express the oils onto the surface.
7. Garnish by dropping the orange peel into the glass. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A fresh orange peel is the perfect garnish. Its expressed citrus oils add a bright aromatic layer that cuts through the richness of the drink.
  • Orange peel, expressed over the drink and dropped in

Dietary Information

This is an alcoholic, vegan, and dairy-free cocktail. It is generally not considered gluten-free due to the whiskey base and the potential for gluten cross-contamination in oats.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric cocktail, with most calories coming from the alcohol and a smaller amount from the maple syrup's sugar content.
Calories
Approximately 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

With its warming and comforting flavor profile, this cocktail is perfect for a cozy night in or a crisp autumn evening. It also serves as an excellent after-dinner sipper or a sophisticated choice for a cocktail party.
  • Autumn Evening
  • After-Dinner Drink
  • Cozy Night In
  • Cocktail Party

Pairing suggestions

The nutty and sweet profile of the Oatmeal Old Fashioned pairs wonderfully with desserts like apple crumble or buttery shortbread. It also complements the saltiness of a charcuterie board or a sharp cheddar cheese, making it a versatile after-dinner drink.
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Apple crumble or pie
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats

The Oatmeal Old Fashioned: A Cozy Twist on a Classic

The Oatmeal Old Fashioned is a creative and comforting spin on the iconic whiskey cocktail. By infusing the spirit with toasted oats, it gains a remarkable creaminess and nutty flavor that is beautifully balanced by rich maple syrup and aromatic bitters. Served over a large ice cube with a bright orange twist, it's a sophisticated yet approachable sipper perfect for a cool evening. This drink is a testament to modern cocktail innovation while respecting its classic roots.

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