If you want a holiday cocktail that feels festive without being overly sweet, the Peppermint Old Fashioned is the perfect choice. It has the warmth of bourbon, the smoothness of sugar, and the bright winter punch of peppermint. This drink is simple, balanced, and ideal for Christmas gatherings, holiday parties, or a quiet night by the tree.
Quick Answer: How Do You Make a Peppermint Old Fashioned?
To make a Peppermint Old Fashioned, mix 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz peppermint syrup, and 2 to 3 dashes of bitters over ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a peppermint stick or orange peel.
Best bourbon for this recipe:
Really most off-the-shelf bourbons will do here. But some winners would be Buffalo Trace, Four Roses Small Batch, or Elijah Craig Small Batch. (Read our expert breakdown here on the 5 Best Bourbons to Use In Old Fashioned’s).
Peppermint Old Fashioned Ingredients
Here is everything you need.
Base Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz peppermint syrup (Torani makes an amazing one that you can find in most grocery stores, but you can also crush up peppermint and mix it with simple syrup.)
- 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
Optional Garnishes
- Peppermint stick
- Crushed peppermint rim
- Orange peel
- Fresh rosemary
- Holiday sprinkles
Recommended Tools
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Fine strainer
- Large ice cube mold
Best Bourbon for a Peppermint Old Fashioned
Peppermint pairs well with:
- Balanced, mid-shelf bourbons
- Sweet, vanilla-forward profiles
- Bourbons without heavy rye spice
Top Picks
- Buffalo Trace: Smooth vanilla and light orange zest
- Four Roses Small Batch: Fruit and spice balance
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: Warm and buttery
- Penelope Wheated: Soft and dessert-friendly
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Rich, warm flavor
Avoid high-rye bourbons for this recipe. They can clash with peppermint’s sharpness.
Easy Peppermint Old Fashioned
Equipment
- 1 Mixing glass
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Bar spoon
- 1 Fine strainer or julep strainer
- 1 Rocks glass
- Large ice cube mold optional
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz peppermint simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice 1 large cube
Garnish
- 1 small peppermint stick
- 1 strip orange peel
- 1 small rosemary sprig
Instructions
- Combine ingredients. Add the bourbon, peppermint simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 15 to 20 seconds, until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Strain into glass. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube (or fresh ice).
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with a small peppermint stick or mini candy cane. Add an orange peel and/or rosemary sprig if desired. Serve immediately.