I prepared an Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail that captivated me from the first sip. Combining bourbon whiskey with apple cider syrup and bitters, and garnished with an apple slice and cinnamon stick, it is a fresh twist on a beloved classic that raises intriguing questions about timeless flavors.

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I’m excited to share my latest twist on a classic favorite. I’ve come to love the way the Apple Cider Old Fashioned mixes the deep richness of 2 oz bourbon whiskey with the seasonal buzz of fall.

When I first mixed 0.5 oz apple cider syrup with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and a single dash of orange bitters, I knew this recipe was something special. The addition of ice cubes that fill your glass gives it that chill factor, while a fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick garnish bring subtle hints of spice and flavor that keep things interesting.

This Apple Old Fashioned Cocktail feels like a fun and simple apple cider cocktail, yet it manages to surprise you every time you make it. I love how it transforms a regular whiskey drink into a fall-inspired treat that is perfect for those crisp nights.

Enjoy making it as much as I did!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it reminds me of fall every time I make it. The mix of bourbon and apple cider syrup gives a perfect balance that warms me up and makes me feel cozy. I also appreciate that it’s super simple to prepare—it makes me look like I know what I’m doing even if I’m just winging it. Plus, the little touches like the apple slice and cinnamon stick not only add flavor but also make it look really cool when I serve it to my friends. Lastly, the recipe is versatile enough that I can tweak it to my taste if I need it a bit sweeter or spicier.

Ingredients

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Bourbon whiskey adds robust flavor and a warming smooth finish.
Minimal nutrients are present.
Apple cider syrup adds sweet and tart notes with a subtle fruity aroma.
Angostura bitters bring complex spice and aromatic depth with just a few dashes.
Orange bitters introduce a zesty bright citrus twist to awaken the palate.
An apple slice garnish offers natural sweetness and a crisp inviting look.
A cinnamon stick imbues the drink with warming spice and a cozy aroma.
Ice cubes chill the cocktail neatly and soften its bold rich flavors.
Every ingredient unites to deliver a cocktail that is surprisingly balanced and inviting.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz bourbon whiskey (or your fav whiskey)

0.5 oz apple cider syrup (made with equal parts apple cider and simple syrup)

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 dash orange bitters

Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)

1 apple slice (for garnish)

1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

How to Make this

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1. Grab a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes to chill it.

2. Pour 2 oz of your favorite bourbon or whiskey over the ice.

3. Add 0.5 oz apple cider syrup, which is equal parts apple cider and simple syrup.

4. Drop in 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

5. Add 1 dash of orange bitters.

6. Give it a stir for about 15 seconds just to mix all the flavors well.

7. Place an apple slice on top as garnish.

8. Add a cinnamon stick for that extra fall flavor kick.

9. Taste it and adjust if needed, maybe a bit more syrup if you like it sweeter.

10. Enjoy your Apple Cider Old Fashioned and impress your friends with this simple fall cocktail!

Equipment Needed

1. Rocks glass for serving and chilling the cocktail
2. Ice cube tray (or pre-made ice cubes) to chill the drink
3. Cocktail jigger or small measuring cup for accurate liquid portions
4. Stirring spoon for mixing the ingredients
5. Knife to slice the apple garnish
6. Cutting board for safe apple slicing

FAQ

What exactly is an Apple Cider Old Fashioned?
Its a cocktail that blends bourbon with apple cider syrup, bitters and a touch of spice from garnishes to give a sweet and slightly spicy drink.

Can I use a different whiskey?
Yes you can use any whiskey you like if bourbon isnt your favorite. Experiment with your top pick.

How do I make the apple cider syrup?
You just mix equal parts apple cider and simple syrup and heat if needed until it blends well. Let it cool before using.

Can I make this cocktail in advance?
It is best served fresh, but you can prep most of the mix ahead of time and add the ice and garnishes just before drinking.

What garnishes do I use?
You add an apple slice and a cinnamon stick which not only looks nice but also enhances the flavors.

Apple Cider Old Fashioned Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bourbon Whiskey: If you’re not a bourbon fan then try using rye whiskey or even a spiced rum for a different twist.
Apple Cider Syrup: Instead of apple cider syrup you could mix equal parts apple juice reduction and simple syrup, or even use a bit of honey combined with apple juice.
Angostura Bitters: If you don’t have Angostura bitters around, try substituting with Peychaud’s bitters or even a couple of drops of another aromatic bitters.
Orange Bitters: You can simply use a splash of orange liqueur or a squeeze of fresh orange juice if orange bitters aren’t available.
Garnishes: No apple slice or cinnamon stick? Try garnishing with a lemon twist or a light dusting of nutmeg for a different flavor kick.

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin the glass really well before you mix the drink so it stays cold longer. A frosted glass can really amp up the experience.
2. If your apple cider syrup tastes too sweet or too tart, feel free to adjust the amounts a bit. A little tweak here can really help balance out the flavors.
3. When you’re stirrin, don’t overdo it. Too much stirring might water it down too much, so just mix it enough to blend the flavors together well.
4. Give your garnish a little twist by gently squeezing the cinnamon stick over the drink before droppin it in; it helps release a bit more of that spicy aroma.

Apple Cider Old Fashioned Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

190

kcal

Equipment: 1. Rocks glass for serving and chilling the cocktail
2. Ice cube tray (or pre-made ice cubes) to chill the drink
3. Cocktail jigger or small measuring cup for accurate liquid portions
4. Stirring spoon for mixing the ingredients
5. Knife to slice the apple garnish
6. Cutting board for safe apple slicing

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon whiskey (or your fav whiskey)
0.5 oz apple cider syrup (made with equal parts apple cider and simple syrup)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
1 apple slice (for garnish)
1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Directions

Grab a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes to chill it.
Pour 2 oz of your favorite bourbon or whiskey over the ice.
Add 0.5 oz apple cider syrup, which is equal parts apple cider and simple syrup.
Drop in 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
Add 1 dash of orange bitters.
Give it a stir for about 15 seconds just to mix all the flavors well.
Place an apple slice on top as garnish.
Add a cinnamon stick for that extra fall flavor kick.
Taste it and adjust if needed, maybe a bit more syrup if you like it sweeter.
Enjoy your Apple Cider Old Fashioned and impress your friends with this simple fall cocktail!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.