Earl Grey Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Bourbon: A type of American whiskey that provides a rich, smoky flavor to the cocktail.

Earl grey simple syrup: A sweet syrup made from earl grey tea and sugar, adding floral and citrus notes to the drink.

Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters used to add depth and complexity to the cocktail.

Orange peel: Used as a garnish, it adds a fresh citrus aroma and a touch of elegance to the drink.

When making the earl grey simple syrup, ensure you steep the earl grey tea for the right amount of time to avoid any bitter notes. Typically, steeping for about 3-5 minutes should suffice. Additionally, when garnishing with an orange peel, hold the peel over the glass and give it a quick twist to release the essential oils, enhancing the aroma and flavor of your cocktail.

• bourbon - Substitute with rye whiskey: Rye whiskey has a spicier and more robust flavor profile that complements the bitters and syrup well.

• bourbon - Substitute with dark rum: Dark rum adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that pairs nicely with the citrus and tea notes.

• earl grey simple syrup - Substitute with lavender simple syrup: Lavender offers a floral note that harmonizes beautifully with the citrus and bitters.

• earl grey simple syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup provides a natural sweetness and a slightly floral undertone that works well with the other ingredients.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters enhance the citrus elements in the cocktail and add a different layer of complexity.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with aromatic bitters: Aromatic bitters offer a similar depth and complexity, making them a versatile substitute.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the drink.

• orange peel - Substitute with grapefruit peel: Grapefruit peel adds a slightly bitter and aromatic citrus note that enhances the overall profile of the cocktail.

• To store the earl grey simple syrup, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to two weeks, ensuring you have a ready supply for your cocktails.

• If you have leftover bourbon mixture, pour it into a glass bottle with a tight seal. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its rich flavor and aroma.

• For the orange peel garnish, you can pre-cut several pieces and store them in a small, airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and fragrant for a few days.

• If you want to prepare the cocktail in advance, mix the bourbon, earl grey simple syrup, and angostura bitters in a large pitcher. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply stir the mixture and pour over ice.

• To freeze the earl grey simple syrup, pour it into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can conveniently add a cube to your cocktail whenever you desire.

• If you prefer a chilled cocktail without diluting it with ice, freeze the bourbon mixture in ice cube trays. Use these cubes in your drink to keep it cold and flavorful.

• For a twist, you can infuse the bourbon with earl grey tea directly. Place a tea bag in the bourbon and let it steep for a few hours. Strain and store the infused bourbon in a glass bottle.

• Always label your stored ingredients with the date of preparation to keep track of their freshness and ensure the best cocktail experience.

• Pour the Earl Grey Old Fashioned cocktail into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low heat, stirring gently, until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the flavors.
• Alternatively, place the cocktail in a microwave-safe glass.
• Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• If you prefer a more traditional approach, use a double boiler to gently warm the cocktail.
• Pour the cocktail into the top part of the double boiler and heat over simmering water until warmed.
• Once warmed, pour the cocktail back into an old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a fresh orange peel to refresh the aroma and flavor.

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the bourbon, earl grey simple syrup, and angostura bitters with ice.

• Strainer: Utilized to strain the mixed cocktail into the glass, ensuring a smooth drink without ice shards.

• Old fashioned glass: The traditional glassware for serving an old fashioned cocktail, providing the right volume and aesthetic.

• Ice: Essential for chilling the cocktail and maintaining its refreshing temperature.

• Bar spoon: Used to stir the cocktail in the shaker, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

• Peeler: Handy for creating a perfect orange peel garnish to add a citrusy aroma and visual appeal.

Pre-make the earl grey simple syrup: Prepare a batch of earl grey simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when making multiple cocktails.

Use a cocktail mixing glass: Instead of a shaker, use a cocktail mixing glass to combine ingredients. It’s quicker and easier to clean.

Pre-cut orange peels: Have orange peels ready beforehand. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Batch your cocktails: If you're hosting, mix a larger quantity of the bourbon, earl grey simple syrup, and bitters in advance. Pour over ice when needed.