Assam Old Fashioned
Bourbon infused with Assam tea, stirred with brown sugar and Angostura bitters—a malty, smoky twist on the ultimate classic cocktail.
Assam and bourbon are a match made in heaven. Both bring malt, warmth, and depth to the table—when you infuse one into the other, you get a spirit that tastes like it was aged in a tea chest.
The infusion time is critical: 45 minutes in room-temperature bourbon extracts Assam's rich color and malty sweetness without pulling out harsh tannins. Longer will make it bitter and murky.
Brown sugar replaces the classic white sugar cube, doubling down on the caramel and toffee notes that Assam and bourbon already share. A couple dashes of Angostura bitters add complexity and keep the sweetness in check.
For a non-alcoholic version, brew strong Assam tea, chill it, stir with brown sugar syrup and a few drops of non-alcoholic bitters over a big ice cube. You'll get the same warmth and complexity without the bourbon.
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon
- 1 Assam tea bag
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- 1 large ice cube
How to make it
- 1Infuse bourbon: add Assam tea bag to bourbon in a sealed jar for 45 minutes. Remove bag and squeeze gently.
- 2Add brown sugar and bitters to a rocks glass. Muddle until sugar dissolves.
- 3Add the large ice cube to the glass.
- 4Pour infused bourbon over ice and stir slowly for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- 5Express the orange peel over the drink (twist it skin-side down to release oils), then drop it in as garnish.
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