Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Introduction
This Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a delightful fall twist on the timeless cocktail. Combining smooth bourbon with crisp apple cider and a hint of maple syrup, it’s a warm, comforting drink perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes bitters
- Ice
- Orange twist and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a glass with ice to chill it well.
- Step 2: Add bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters into the glass.
- Step 3: Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Step 4: Garnish with an orange twist and a cinnamon stick for extra aroma and visual appeal.
- Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your fall-inspired cocktail.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh, high-quality apple cider to enhance the natural sweetness and depth.
- Try substituting maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the maple syrup to 1/4 oz or skip it entirely.
- For a spicier note, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the drink before stirring.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and does not store well. If you need to prepare in advance, mix the bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then stir with ice and garnish just before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Yes, rye whiskey or dark rum can be interesting substitutes that still complement the apple cider’s flavors nicely.
Is it possible to make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Skip the bourbon and increase apple cider slightly. Add a splash of non-alcoholic bitters or a cinnamon syrup for complexity.
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Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a cozy fall cocktail that puts a seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned. Combining rich bourbon with fresh apple cider, sweet maple syrup, and aromatic bitters, this cocktail delivers a perfectly balanced, warm, and comforting drink ideal for chilly autumn evenings and festive occasions like Halloween.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
Extras
- 2 dashes bitters
- Ice
- Orange twist for garnish
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Fill a mixing glass or an old-fashioned glass with ice to chill it down and help maintain the cocktail’s cool temperature.
- Mix ingredients: Pour 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of fresh apple cider, 1/2 oz of maple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters over the ice in the glass.
- Stir the cocktail: Use a bar spoon to stir the mixture well; this dilutes the drink slightly and blends the flavors smoothly.
- Garnish: Add an orange twist by peeling a strip of orange zest and placing it in the glass. Finish by adding a cinnamon stick for aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve: Present the cocktail immediately while it is chilled and aromatic for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid sweetened or preservative-laden versions if possible.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, but you can adjust the amount to taste or substitute with simple syrup.
- If you prefer a stronger spice aroma, gently slap the cinnamon stick before adding to release more fragrance.
- For a non-alcoholic variation, replace bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or apple juice concentrate.
- Serve the cocktail in a lowball glass or classic Old Fashioned glass for traditional presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Cider Old Fashioned, fall cocktail, bourbon cocktail, autumn drink, Halloween cocktail, maple syrup cocktail, classic Old Fashioned twist
