When I worked as a pastry chef, I used to make all kinds of infused simple syrups for soaking cake layers and adding subtle flavor to desserts. One day, while staring at a leftover jar of rose syrup from a baking project, I thought—why not stir it into a cocktail? Enter the Rose Old Fashioned. By swapping the traditional sugar cube for a splash of rose syrup, this classic cocktail gets a beautiful floral upgrade—bittersweet, botanical, and just romantic enough to feel extra special.

Rose old fashioned on the counter with edible rose petals.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Rose Old Fashioned
How to Make a Rose Old Fashioned
Ways to Customize Your Cocktail
More Cocktail Recipes
Rose Old Fashioned
💬 Comments

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most beloved cocktails out there—simple, strong, and timeless. Traditionally made with just whiskey, bitters, and sugar, it’s a drink that really lets each ingredient speak for itself. But when you bring rose simple syrup into the mix? Everything softens just a touch. That delicate floral note adds a layer of elegance that plays beautifully with the warmth of bourbon. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels extra special without trying too hard—perfect for date night, Valentine’s Day, or any cozy evening in.

I’ve always had a soft spot for rose—especially in the pastry kitchen. I still think about a donut we used to make: pillowy and golden, filled with rose pastry cream and finished with a scattering of candied rose petals. We’d sometimes whip up rose macarons too, where just the scent alone made you slow down and savor the moment. That’s the magic of this floral flavor—it can be showstopping and subtle all at once. And that’s exactly the vibe this rose old fashioned brings to the glass!

Why You’ll Love This Rose Old Fashioned

Elegant & Easy – Just a few ingredients create a cocktail that’s both impressive and effortless.
Beautifully Balanced – The floral sweetness of rose syrup enhances the rich depth of bourbon.
Aromatic & Romantic – A great pick for celebrations, cozy evenings, or gifting a drink with a personal touch.
Customizable – Adjust the level of rose to make it as bold or delicate as you’d like. Or switch it up and try a smoked old fashioned or a chocolate old fashioned!

How to Make a Rose Old Fashioned

Rose simple syrup on the counter next to roses that are pink.

Make your Syrup & Chill a rocks glass – Fill a rocks glass with ice to chill while you mix.

Mix the cocktail – In a separate mixing glass, combine the bourbon, rose syrup, and bitters. Fill with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds.

Stirring cocktail in a mixing glass with roses on the side.

Strain & serve – Discard the ice from your chilled glass, then strain the cocktail into it over a large ice cube.

Rose old fashioned in a rocks glass on the counter with edible rose petals.

Garnish – Add an orange twist or a dried edible rose petal for a gorgeous, aromatic finish.

Ways to Customize Your Cocktail

Add a citrusy twist – Muddle in a small piece of orange peel for a brighter flavor.
Use rosewater instead of syrup – Add a few extra drops of rosewater and use a sugar cube like the traditional recipe.
Try it with gin or mezcal – Swap the bourbon for a floral gin or smoky mezcal for a completely different experience.
Sparkling variation – Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling rosé for a lighter, bubbly version.

More Cocktail Recipes

If you try the recipe for this Rose Old Fashioned Cocktail, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧