Spiced Plum Old Fashioned Recipe

A Little Background

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails still gracing bar menus today, dating back to the early 19th century. Traditionally, it’s a simple mix of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, stirred over ice. Its beauty lies in its elegance and restraint—a drink that highlights the spirit without distraction.

The Spiced Plum Old Fashioned keeps that spirit-forward backbone but leans into seasonal flavors. By muddling ripe plum with cinnamon syrup and bitters, it layers fruit and spice into the whiskey base. This isn’t a reinvention so much as a seasonal flourish—a nod to late summer’s stone fruits and the warming flavors we crave as autumn approaches.

What You’ll Need

Bourbon – The heart of the drink, bourbon provides rich caramel, oak, and vanilla notes that play beautifully with fruit and spice.
Fresh Plum – Juicy and slightly tart, plum adds natural sweetness and a deep, jammy fruit note that softens the whiskey.
Cinnamon Simple Syrup – Infused syrup gives a warm, spiced sweetness that rounds out the plum and bourbon.
Angostura Bitters – The cocktail’s anchor, adding herbal complexity and balancing the fruit’s sweetness.

Fruit Meets Fire: Why You’ll Love It

This cocktail is all about balance—bold, boozy bourbon softened by ripe plum, then sharpened again with bitters and spice. It’s silky and slightly sweet, but never cloying. The cinnamon syrup lifts the drink into cozy territory, while the plum brings a lush, late-summer brightness.

Think of it as the bridge between seasons: a refreshing stone-fruit cocktail that still carries the warming comfort of whiskey and spice. Perfect for sipping as the evenings start to cool.

Substitutions & Variations

No fresh plum? Substitute with a spoonful of plum jam or a splash of plum liqueur (like Slivovitz) for a more intense fruit note.
Spirit swap: Rye whiskey will make the drink spicier, while brandy creates a softer, fruit-forward variation.
Bitters play: Try orange bitters for a brighter edge, or chocolate bitters for a decadent twist.
Spice it up: If you don’t have cinnamon syrup, mix honey syrup with a pinch of ground cinnamon for a quick DIY fix.

Expert Tips

Glassware: Always serve this in a sturdy rocks glass to honor the Old Fashioned tradition.
Garnish: A fresh plum wedge adds brightness, while a cinnamon stick doubles as a stirrer and aromatic garnish.
Ice matters: Use a large cube if possible—it melts slower, keeping your drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.
Batching: Hosting a dinner party? You can pre-mix the bourbon, syrup, and bitters, then muddle fresh plums to order for an easy-yet-impressive serve.
Food pairings: This cocktail sings alongside roasted pork, duck, or charcuterie—dishes that echo its rich, sweet-spiced character.