Hot Pepper Jelly Old Fashioned Cocktail

If you love a classic Old Fashioned but crave a little extra kick, this Hot Pepper Jelly Old Fashioned is the cocktail for you. By adding Jefferson Jellies Hot Pepper Jelly, you get a smooth, slightly sweet drink with a gentle heat that elevates the bourbon or rye without overpowering it. Perfect for cocktail hour, entertaining friends, or cozy evenings at home, this drink transforms a timeless favorite into something bold and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

  • Sweet meets heat: The hot pepper jelly adds a subtle spice and sweetness that balances perfectly with whiskey.

  • Easy to make: Only a few ingredients and a few minutes from start to finish.

  • Customizable: Use flavored bitters, like Chinese five-spice, for a unique twist.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey

  • 1–1.5 tsp. Jefferson Jellies Hot Pepper Jelly

  • 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters (or a flavored bitter like Chinese five-spice)

  • Orange peel, for garnish

  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Combine and dissolve: In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, Jefferson Jellies Hot Pepper Jelly, and bitters. Stir or mash the jelly with a spoon until fully dissolved into the liquid.

  2. Add ice and chill: Fill the glass with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until the outside of the glass is well-chilled.

  3. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. For an extra-smooth finish, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lingering pepper bits.

  4. Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in for aroma and visual flair.

Tips for the Perfect Hot Pepper Jelly Old Fashioned

  • Adjust the heat: Start with 1 tsp. of pepper jelly and add more to taste — perfect for your preferred spice level.

  • Flavor variations: Experiment with different bitters — chocolate, orange, or spiced bitters all pair beautifully.

  • Presentation: Use a large ice cube or whiskey stone to keep your cocktail chilled without watering it down.

A Modern Classic with a Kick

This Hot Pepper Jelly Old Fashioned is a simple way to transform a classic cocktail into something exciting and memorable. The combination of smooth bourbon, sweet-spicy jelly, aromatic bitters, and zesty orange peel creates a perfectly balanced drink — bold enough to impress, smooth enough to sip slowly.