Quandong Old Fashioned
A Native Australian Reinvention of the Classic Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is built on simplicity. Spirit, sugar and bitters. Nothing more. Nothing less.
The Quandong Old Fashioned respects that structure while introducing a distinctly Australian native fruit that adds depth, colour and sharp natural acidity.
Quandong, often described as native peach or desert peach, delivers tart, slightly apricot like notes with a subtle earthiness. When paired with bourbon, it cuts through sweetness and enhances complexity without overpowering the spirit.
This is not a sweet fruit cocktail. It is a sharpened, modern Old Fashioned.
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What Is Quandong
Quandong is native to Australia and has been used traditionally for thousands of years. It is known for its bright red flesh and tart flavour profile.
Flavour notes include:
Tart plum
Apricot
Rhubarb
Subtle earthiness
In cocktails, quandong works best when used as a syrup or reduction to control acidity while maintaining fruit intensity.
The Structure of a Quandong Old Fashioned
The traditional Old Fashioned framework:
Base spirit
Sweetener
Bitters
In this variation, the sweetener is partially replaced with quandong syrup, adding fruit brightness while maintaining the cocktail’s integrity.
The drink remains spirit forward, stirred and served over a large ice cube.
Ingredients
Serves one
60 ml quality bourbon
10 ml quandong syrup
1 dash simple syrup if needed
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Ice
Orange peel for garnish
If you are planning to entertain regularly or want that “home bar” feel, this is worth the upgrade early.
A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will make the process smoother and help you create a better balanced drink. If you are still building your home bar, we recommend the Barillio cocktail kit here. .
How to Make Quandong Syrup
Combine:
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons dried or fresh quandong
Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Allow to steep off heat for 15 minutes.
Strain and cool.
The syrup should remain slightly tart, not overly sweet.
Store refrigerated for up to one week.
Australian Standard Drink and Responsible Service
With 60 ml of bourbon at approximately 40 percent alcohol by volume, this cocktail contains around 1.9 standard drinks before dilution.
In Australia, one standard drink equals 10 grams of alcohol.
Measure precisely using a jigger and serve responsibly in line with Liquor and Gaming NSW or your relevant state authority guidelines. Old Fashioned style cocktails are spirit forward and should be served with appropriate pacing.
Step by Step Method
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add bourbon, quandong syrup and bitters.
- Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large clear ice cube.
- Express orange peel over the surface and place in the glass.
Serve immediately.
Why Quandong Works in an Old Fashioned
The classic Old Fashioned can sometimes lean sweet depending on sugar levels. Quandong introduces natural tartness that:
Cuts through sweetness
Enhances bourbon caramel notes
Adds subtle fruit complexity
Deepens colour and visual appeal
It modernises the drink without compromising its identity.
Flavour Profile
Aroma opens with orange oils and warm bourbon vanilla.
On the palate, rich caramel and oak meet sharp, tart fruit notes from the quandong. Bitters bind everything together and create a dry, structured finish.
It is bold, balanced and refined.
When to Serve a Quandong Old Fashioned
Evening entertaining
Autumn and winter gatherings
Whiskey focused menus
Australian themed cocktail nights
After dinner service
Slow sipping occasions
This is a contemplative cocktail.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Smoked meats
Aged cheddar
Dark chocolate
Roasted nuts
Charred vegetables
Grilled steak
The tart fruit notes complement rich savoury dishes beautifully.
Variations
Quandong Rye Old Fashioned
Replace bourbon with rye whiskey for a spicier, sharper profile.
Smoked Quandong Old Fashioned
Introduce light smoke using a smoking cloche for added depth.
Sparkling Quandong Aperitif
Add a small splash of soda for a lighter aperitivo style serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over sweetening the syrup
Using too much quandong
Under stirring
Using small ice cubes
Skipping quality bitters
Restraint is what keeps this drink refined.
How to Batch for Entertaining
For eight servings combine:
480 ml bourbon
80 ml quandong syrup
16 dashes aromatic bitters
Chill thoroughly.
Stir individual serves with fresh ice before serving to maintain proper dilution.
Internal Linking Opportunity
If you enjoy native Australian twists on classic cocktails, explore our Davidson Plum Negroni or Kakadu Plum Sour to continue building a distinctly Australian cocktail collection.
Insert your most recent Shake Sip Serve post here.
Final Thoughts on Beginner Bartender Tools
Starting your bartending journey does not need to be complicated.
With the right tools and a simple setup, you can start making better cocktails immediately.
Focus on the essentials, practise regularly, and build from there.
What to Read Next
Now that you have your tools sorted, the next step is learning what to make.
Check out my beginner-friendly cocktail recipes to start putting your setup into practice.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.