The Story Behind The Nomadic Old Fashioned

The classic Old Fashioned is arguably one of the best cocktails for cozying up by a fire on a chilly winter night. But this spicy riff from Meaghan Dorman, bar director of Dear Irving and Raines Law Room, turns the Old Fashioned’s cozy factor up to 11 with a few modifications.

First, Dorman swaps in rye for the drink’s more traditional bourbon base, building a rich core of spice. She also adds half an ounce of aquavit, bringing a pop of anise, citrus, and pine. Then, rather than the typical simple syrup or sugar cube, Dorman adds the drink’s defining ingredient: chai honey syrup. The sweet and spicy combination of earl grey tea, green cardamom, black pepper, star anise, and cinnamon adds layers of bright herbaceous aromatics.

Ingredients

1½ ounces rye whiskey
½ ounce aquavit
¼ ounce Chai Honey Syrup*
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: orange twist

Directions

Add rye, aquavit, syrup, and bitters to a rocks glass.
Stir with a big cube for about 15 seconds, until well chilled.
Garnish with an orange twist.

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Updated: 2025-11-26

*Chai Honey Syrup Ingredients

24 ounces clover honey
8 ounces warm water
1 tablespoon loose earl grey tea
1 tablespoon green cardamom pods
½ tablespoon black peppercorns
3 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks

*Chai Honey Syrup Directions

To a pot over low heat, add honey and warm water and stir to combine.
Add earl grey tea, green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
Simmer on low for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to cool; strain out spices and store in an airtight container.
Lasts up to 30 days in the fridge.