Dong Ding Oolong Old Fashioned
Bourbon infused with Dong Ding oolong, a touch of honey syrup, and Angostura bitters—a smoky-floral twist on the classic Old Fashioned.
Dong Ding's toasty, buttery notes are a natural match for bourbon's caramel warmth. Infusing the spirit with the tea for just two hours gives it a beautiful amber depth and a floral aroma that transforms a familiar cocktail.
Honey syrup replaces the traditional sugar cube. It dissolves cleanly and its flavor echoes the tea's natural sweetness—white sugar would taste flat by comparison.
Angostura bitters tie everything together, adding that essential spice backbone. One dash of orange bitters is optional but recommended—it lifts the floral notes and adds a citrus spark.
For a non-alcoholic version, cold-brew the Dong Ding, mix with honey syrup and a few dashes of aromatic non-alcoholic bitters over a large ice cube. You'll get 90% of the experience with zero alcohol.
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon
- 1 Dong Ding oolong tea bag or 1 tbsp loose leaf
- 15 ml honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
- Orange peel for garnish
- Large ice cube
How to make it
- 1Infuse bourbon: add tea bag or loose leaf (in a tea filter) to bourbon in a sealed jar for 2 hours. Strain and discard tea.
- 2In a mixing glass, combine infused bourbon, honey syrup, and bitters.
- 3Add ice and stir slowly for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- 4Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- 5Express an orange peel over the glass, rub it on the rim, and drop it in as garnish.
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