When those crisp autumn days roll around, all I want to do is curl up with something warm and cozy, right? And what’s better than a classic cocktail with a perfect fall twist? That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for the Apple Cider Old Fashioned. It takes everything you love about that timeless drink and infuses it with the best flavors of the season – think apple, maple, and a hint of spice. Here at Recipes To Keep, we’re all about those timeless tastes, and as a home cook who really loves digging into recipes, I’m so excited to share this one with you.
- Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- How to Make the Perfect Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Tips for the Best Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Varying Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Making an Apple Cider Old Fashioned Big Batch
- Understanding Apple Cider Old Fashioned Calories
- Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Share Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Honestly, this drink is just pure autumn in a glass! Here’s why you’ll totally dig it:
- It’s got that perfect fall flavor combo: warm bourbon, sweet maple, and spiced apple cider goodness.
- Super easy to whip up, even if you’re busy juggling everything.
- It’s the ultimate cozy cocktail for any fall get-together, holidays, or just a chilly evening.
Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, right? For this glorious fall twist on the Old Fashioned, you’ll need just a few things:
- 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon
- 0.5 ounce of pure maple syrup (the good stuff!)
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes of apple cider bitters (these are magic, trust me!)
- 1 ounce of our optional reduced apple cider syrup (we’ll show you how to make this super simple thing in the next section!)
- A nice strip of orange peel, just for that gorgeous citrus aroma
- And a cinnamon stick to really drive home that cozy fall vibe
How to Make the Perfect Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Alright, let’s get down to business and make this amazing Apple Cider Old Fashioned! It’s really not complicated, I promise. We’ll break it down so you can get that perfect cozy drink without any fuss.
Making the Reduced Apple Cider Syrup
So, that optional reduced apple cider syrup? It really adds an extra layer of deep, concentrated apple flavor, and it’s super simple to make. Just grab a small saucepan, pour in 1 cup of apple cider and about 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Bring that to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it bubble away until it’s reduced by about half – it should get a little syrupy. Then, just let it cool completely before you use it. I love making a little extra to keep in the fridge for other drinks or even drizzling on, say, some apple cider donuts!
Assembling Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Now for the fun part – mixing! Grab your trusty mixing glass. Pour in your bourbon, that lovely maple syrup, and both the Angostura and apple cider bitters. If you made that wonderful reduced syrup, add about an ounce of that too. Fill the mixing glass with ice – I like to use the larger cubes if you have them. Give it a good stir for about 20-30 seconds. You want it nice and chilled, but not too watered down. Then, strain all that liquid gold into a rocks glass that you’ve filled with a big, fresh ice cube. That big cube melts slower, keeping your drink perfect for longer!
Garnishing Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned
This is where the presentation really comes alive! Take a strip of orange peel. Hold it over your drink, peel-side down, and give it a gentle twist or pinch. You’ll see those little oils spray out – that’s the good stuff, adding this amazing citrus aroma. Then, just drop that pretty orange peel right into the glass. Pop in a cinnamon stick too, for that extra festive, cozy touch. It smells incredible!
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Okay, so you want your Apple Cider Old Fashioned to be absolutely *perfect*, right? It’s all about a few little tricks that really make a difference. First off, don’t skimp on the bourbon! A good quality bourbon makes a world of difference, bringing those warm, caramel notes that play so well with the fall flavors. And please, use real apple cider, not that flavored stuff. If you’re making a big batch or want your syrup to last, make sure you use pasteurized apple cider – it’s just safer, especially when you’re reducing it down.
Chilling is key, and I don’t just mean the glass! Stirring the drink until it’s really cold is non-negotiable for that smooth, refreshing sip. If you’re feeling fancy, or just want to make it extra special for a party, that cinnamon sugar rim is a game-changer. Just swirl a lemon or orange wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it onto a plate mixed with sugar and cinnamon. It looks beautiful and adds a lovely sweetness. Trust me, these little touches elevate your Apple Cider Old Fashioned from good to absolutely unforgettable. It reminds me a bit of getting that perfect flavour balance in my pumpkin bread or my pumpkin spice latte – it’s all about those comforting, seasonal details!
Varying Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned
You know, one of the things I love most about this Apple Cider Old Fashioned is how easy it is to make it your own! If you’re a fan of seasonal treats, you’ll get creative with this one. Don’t have apple cider bitters? No worries! A dash of cinnamon bitters or even a couple extra dashes of Angostura will work wonders. For sweetness, maple syrup is divine, but a rich demerara syrup is also a fantastic option if you have it around. And serving these up? They’re absolute champs alongside some smoky pulled pork sliders or maybe some cozy roasted nuts. It’s the perfect sip for any fall gathering, really making it a go-to for those “thanksgiving drinks” people rave about!
Making an Apple Cider Old Fashioned Big Batch
Planning a party or just have a few friends coming over? Making a big batch of this Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a total lifesaver! Seriously, it means you get to actually hang out with your guests instead of playing bartender all night. Just multiply all the ingredients in the recipe by the number of people you’re serving. Pour all of that deliciousness – the bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and that optional reduced cider syrup – into a pitcher. Give it a good stir to combine everything. The trick is to wait until right before you want to serve it to add the ice. Then, add plenty of ice to the pitcher and stir it all together really well for about 30 seconds. This chills it down perfectly without making it watery. You’ll have a lovely big batch of our “apple cider old fashioned pitcher” ready to go!
Understanding Apple Cider Old Fashioned Calories
Now, if you’re watching your intake, you might be curious about the calories in this delightful Apple Cider Old Fashioned. We estimate it comes in around 250 calories per serving. Keep in mind that’s just an estimate, of course, and it can change a bit depending on the specific bourbon you use or if you add that lovely reduced cider syrup. If you’re looking for a lighter twist, you can absolutely play with it! Try using a little less maple syrup, or even a sugar-free alternative, and top it off with a tiny splash of water or even a bit of soda water for that extra dilution. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Got some lingering questions about whipping up this cozy fall drink? I totally get it! Here are some of the most common things people ask about making a fantastic Apple Cider Old Fashioned:
What are the best bitters for an Apple Cider Old Fashioned?
So, for our Apple Cider Old Fashioned, we’re using Angostura bitters for that classic spiced backbone, and apple cider bitters to really amp up that fruity flavor. But honestly, you can play around! If you can’t find apple cider bitters, don’t sweat it. A few extra dashes of Angostura work great. Or, try adding some cinnamon bitters if you have them – they add an extra layer of warmth that’s just divine. Orange bitters are another great option to bring out those citrus notes from the garnish.
Can I make this without reduced apple cider syrup?
Absolutely! While that reduced apple cider syrup is like the secret handshake for an extra-rich flavor, this drink is still amazing without it. If you skip the syrup, just add about half an ounce more maple syrup to sweeten it up, or maybe a tiny splash of water or even a bit of club soda to get that perfect dilution and balance. It’s still going to be a delicious fall bourbon cocktail, just a slightly different vibe!
How do I create a cinnamon sugar rim?
Oh, that cinnamon sugar rim is such a showstopper, isn’t it? It’s so easy! Just grab a small plate and mix about 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then, take a little wedge from a lemon or an orange – whatever you have handy – and rub it around the rim of your glass. That little bit of citrus juice helps the sugar stick. Now, just dip that moistened rim onto the cinnamon-sugar mixture on your plate. Twist the glass gently to coat the rim all the way around. It looks super pretty and adds a lovely hint of sweetness with every sip!
Share Your Apple Cider Old Fashioned Creations!
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on making your own perfect Apple Cider Old Fashioned, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear about it! Did you try it? Did you add your own special twist? Snap a pic and share it with me, or tell me all about your favorite variations in the comments below. You can also connect with me over on Facebook! I can’t wait to see what you come up with, and don’t forget to reach out if you have any questions or just want to say hi via my contact page!
PrintApple Cider Old Fashioned
A fall twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring bourbon, apple cider, and maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes apple cider bitters
- 1 oz reduced apple cider syrup (optional)
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions
- If making reduced apple cider syrup, combine 1 cup apple cider and 1/4 cup maple syrup in a saucepan. Simmer until reduced by half. Let cool.
- Combine bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and apple cider bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- If using, add 1 oz of the reduced apple cider syrup.
- Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- For a cinnamon sugar rim, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon on a plate. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- To make a big batch, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and combine in a pitcher. Add ice and stir just before serving.
- Use pasteurized apple cider to avoid any potential spoilage if making a large batch or storing for later.
- For a lighter version, you can use less maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative, and dilute with a little extra water or soda water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg