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–+ servings
Apple Cider Old Fashioned 1

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

This seasonal twist transforms the classic bourbon cocktail into a warming, spice-infused delight that perfectly balances sweet apple notes with the rich complexity of aged bourbon. Perfect for fall gatherings or quiet evenings by the fireplace.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Cinnamon Syrup Prep (Optional) 10 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • Rocks Glass
  • Mixing Glass
  • Bar Spoon
  • Strainer

Ingredients
  

Cocktail Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon choose quality with caramel and vanilla notes
  • 1 oz fresh apple cider unfiltered for best flavor
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
  • 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • 1 large ice cube or sphere for slower dilution

Garnish

  • 1 apple slice for garnish
  • 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Cinnamon Simple Syrup (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks

Instructions
 

  • Chill your rocks glass or short tumbler by placing it in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
  • If making cinnamon simple syrup from scratch: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat, steep for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
  • In a mixing glass, add the bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon simple syrup.
  • Add both aromatic and orange bitters to your mixture. Fill your mixing glass with ice and stir gently for approximately 30 seconds.
  • Strain the cocktail into your chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube or sphere.
  • Garnish with a fresh apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions:
  • Rye whiskey can be used instead of bourbon for a spicier profile
  • Maple syrup with a pinch of cinnamon can replace cinnamon simple syrup
  • Apple juice can substitute for cider in a pinch, but reduce the syrup as it's sweeter
  • For alcohol-free version: Use non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and alcohol-free bitters
Storing Tips:
  • Pre-batch bourbon, cider, and syrup (without ice) up to 48 hours refrigerated
  • Cinnamon simple syrup keeps for up to two weeks refrigerated
  • Fresh apple cider keeps 5-7 days in the refrigerator
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  • Using apple juice instead of real apple cider significantly reduces flavor complexity
  • Over-stirring beyond 30 seconds can over-dilute your cocktail
  • Low-quality ice melts quickly and can introduce off-flavors
  • Adding too much sweetener can overwhelm the balanced flavors

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 12gSugar: 10g
Keyword Cocktail, Bourbon, Apple Cider, Fall Drink, Old Fashioned
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