Vanilla Vice: A Sweet Twist on Tradition

Vanilla Vice Old-Fashioned just like the original favorite guilty pleasure and your new go-to indulgence: Smooth, bold, and dangerously delicious!

Indulge in the timeless sophistication of a Vanilla Old Fashioned, a rich and aromatic twist on the classic cocktail. By blending the warm, smooth notes of bourbon or rye whiskey with the subtle sweetness of vanilla, this drink strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting an elegant gathering, the Vanilla Old Fashioned elevates any occasion with its simple yet refined flavor profile. Garnished with a hint of citrus and a cherry for a touch of flair, this cocktail is as inviting as it is easy to make.

Vanilla Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup (see instructions below)
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

Vanilla Simple Syrup:

1. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split) in a small saucepan.
2. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain if using a vanilla bean.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Instructions:

1. Add the vanilla simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass.
2. Fill the glass with a large ice cube or a handful of regular ice cubes.
3. Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey and gently stir until combined.
4. Express the orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it as a garnish.
5. Add a maraschino cherry if desired.
6. Sip and enjoy the warm, rich notes of vanilla and whiskey.

Perfect for a cozy evening or to elevate your cocktail game with a sweet twist!

Did you know?

Here’s a fun tidbit: if you use a real vanilla bean in your simple syrup, the tiny black seeds will give the syrup a rich, speckled appearance—adding a gourmet touch to your Vanilla Vice cocktail and making it look even more luxurious! Plus, those little seeds pack an extra punch of authentic vanilla flavor.

A little history:

The Vanilla Old Fashioned is a modern twist on one of the oldest known cocktails: the Old Fashioned. The original Old Fashioned dates back to the early 19th century and was initially called a “whiskey cocktail.” It became widely popular after being defined in the late 1800s as a mix of whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters served over ice.

The Vanilla Old Fashioned builds on this classic formula by introducing vanilla as a flavor enhancer. While the original recipe emphasizes simplicity and balance, the addition of vanilla offers a warm, aromatic depth that complements the whiskey’s boldness. This variation likely emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when mixologists began reimagining classic cocktails with creative, artisanal twists.

Vanilla, derived from the orchid plant, has long been associated with luxury and indulgence. Its inclusion in cocktails reflects a broader trend of infusing drinks with familiar, comforting flavors that evoke nostalgia while offering a modern flair. Today, the Vanilla Old Fashioned is enjoyed as a sophisticated alternative for those who appreciate the timeless charm of the original but crave a sweeter, more nuanced edge.