Classic, Smooth, and Elegantly Bold

A timeless favorite reimagined with an Italian Old Fashioned twist, this cocktail blends rich bourbon with Amaretto for a drink that’s smooth, nutty, and unforgettable.

Crafted with Italian Flair

The Italian Old Fashioned takes the classic whiskey cocktail and adds a Mediterranean touch. We start with premium bourbon, stirred with Amaretto liqueur for a subtle almond sweetness, then balance it with bitters and a hint of citrus. Served over a large ice cube in a lowball glass, it’s a drink that’s bold, refined, and perfectly sippable from the first pour to the last drop.

Ingredients

• Premium bourbon
• Amaretto liqueur
• Aromatic bitters
• Fresh orange peel garnish
• Large ice cube (traditional serving)

Allergen Information

• Contains alcohol (21+ only, valid ID required)
• Nut notes from Amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur)
• No wheat, dairy, or egg ingredients
• Ask server for allergen-friendly options if needed

Recommended Pairings

• Steak Marsala:  Bold flavors complement the bourbon depth.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin : Smoky, savory balance to nutty Amaretto notes.
• Classic Tiramisu: Sweet pairing that enhances the cocktail’s smooth finish.

How to Order

Available for dine-in only. Ask your server or bartender for the Italian Old Fashioned and savor it as a pre-dinner aperitif or a slow-sipping nightcap.

Final Sip: A Timeless Classic with Italian Soul

Bold yet smooth, the Italian Old Fashioned elevates tradition with a nutty, citrus-kissed twist. Perfect for whiskey lovers and those looking for a cocktail that’s both sophisticated and approachable.

Discover more handcrafted cocktails and entrées on the official Carrabba’s Italian Grill Menu.

Why the Italian Old Fashioned Works So Well

The Italian Old Fashioned takes one of the world’s oldest cocktails — the Old Fashioned, traditionally just whiskey, bitters, sugar, and citrus — and gives it a distinctly Italian accent. The genius move is the Amaretto: this almond-flavored Italian liqueur adds a layer of nutty sweetness that softens bourbon’s heat and rounds out the bitter edge, creating a drink that is richer and more complex than the original while remaining unmistakably an Old Fashioned.

It is a natural fit for Carrabba’s: the Italian-American restaurant celebrates the same fusion of old-world technique and American comfort that defines the cocktail itself.

Flavor Profile: Bold, Nutty, and Smooth

Expect deep bourbon warmth up front — caramel, vanilla, and oak — followed by the sweet, marzipan-like character of Amaretto. The aromatic bitters add spice and structure, while the expressed orange peel contributes citrus oils that lift the whole drink. Served over a large ice cube, it dilutes slowly, so the last sip is as balanced as the first.

This is a spirit-forward cocktail: if you like your drinks strong and contemplative rather than light and fruity, this is the right order.

Ordering Tips

Available for dine-in only, this cocktail shines as a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap alongside dessert. Note the allergen information above: the Amaretto carries nut notes from its almond flavoring, so guests with tree-nut allergies should check with their server before ordering.

Prices and availability may vary by location. If you prefer a lighter touch, ask the bartender to go easy on the Amaretto — or request it on the bolder side with an extra dash of bitters.

Italian Old Fashioned FAQs

What is in an Italian Old Fashioned? Premium bourbon, Amaretto liqueur, aromatic bitters, and a fresh orange peel garnish, served over a large ice cube.

Is the Italian Old Fashioned sweet? It is smoother and slightly sweeter than a classic Old Fashioned thanks to the Amaretto, but the bitters keep it from becoming cloying.

Does it contain nuts? It carries nut notes from the almond-flavored Amaretto. Guests with tree-nut allergies should confirm with their server.

Can I order it to go? No — it is available for dine-in only.