Rose and Cardamom Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail
What to mix into Bourbon Whiskey for a Warming Cocktail? Cardamom of course! This Rose and Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail is floral, spicy and deeply satisfying.
The subtle heating notes of the cardamom spice complement the complexities found in bourbon beautifully. Bourbon Whiskey is in itself a warming sipper, heating the throat as it goes down. This spicey combination in this Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe is cooled with a cut of fresh orange twist and a splash of floral rose water.
In a Cocktail, Cuisine Pinch…
While throwing together my mothers recent, small birthday party I wanted to surprise her with take out Indian food. When asked what she would like to drink, she enthusiastically stated, “bourbon!” I was left trying to figure out how to serve a bourbon cocktail that would match an Indian themed dinner filled with the flavors of curries, tikka masalas and samosa.
I opened up my cabinet and got to work mixing and tasting. The combination of rose water and bourbon seemed like an unlikely match. Adding a homemade cardamom simple syrup to the mix, spiced this cocktail up and added much needed nuance to pair with the spicy, aromatic entrees.
A splash of rose water brought out the floral notes of the bourbon splendidly and everyone was surprised and delighted by the combination. This drink has quickly become a most requested favorite in my home.
Don’t let the light bouquet of roses on the nose fool you, this Old Fashioned still packs a powerful, alcoholic punch despite all of its flowery overtones.
Find my Cardamom Simple Syrup Recipe Here…
Rose water is a has a slight taste and a highly floral smell and is used routinely in Indian cooking. A rub of fresh orange twist inside the glass coats the cocktail with a citrus kick.
Why Rose, Bourbon, and Cardamom Work Together
Bourbon brings warmth and structure, cardamom adds gentle spice, and rose rounds everything out with a subtle floral note. The key here is restraint — the rose should be present but not perfumed, and the cardamom should support the bourbon rather than compete with it.
This balance keeps the cocktail approachable and not overly sweet.
How to Serve This Cocktail
- Served over a large ice cube
- With an expressed citrus peel (orange or lemon)
- Garnished simply — dried rose petals or citrus twist
This is a sipping cocktail, best enjoyed slowly.
When to Make This Drink
- Winter evenings
- Valentine’s Day or date nights
- Served alongside lightly sweet desserts
- As a pre-dinner cocktail
This cocktail pairs especially well with lightly sweet desserts, like pistachio shortbread or rose-flavored butter cookies, where the floral notes stay balanced and subtle.
This cocktail also pairs well with nut-forward desserts, like chocolate-dipped pistachio shortbread cookies, where the richness of the nuts and chocolate balances the floral notes.
If you’re in the mood to explore similar flavors, a cara cara gin cocktail offers a brighter, citrus-forward option, while rhubarb rose sangria is an easy choice when you’re serving a group. For something softer and more aromatic, a coconut pistachio orgeat ginger fizz brings gentle spice and nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with floral notes.
Pour this cocktail as pre-dinner sipper as part of a Valentines Day Dinner at Home Menu.
Rose Water Scented, Cardamom Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Low Ball Glass
Ingredients
- 1 Slice orange twist
- 1 ounces Bourbon
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cardamom Simple Syrup See Recipe link, located below
- 1 Teaspoon Rose water
Instructions
- Over a low ball glass, twist orange rind; releasing it’s citrus oils, rub citrus peel on inside of glass. Add ice cubes to glass.
- Add Bourbon, cardamom simple syrup and stir lightly. Top off with rose water and enjoy!
Nutrition
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