Apple Cider Old Fashioned
on Oct 03, 2018, Updated Jan 12, 2025
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Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a delicious fall twist! A simple fall cocktail for the whiskey lover.
It’s been way too long since I made a new cocktail for you guys, so obviously it’s time for a new one. Nothing says fall like apple cider and what better way to use it in a cocktail than one of these Apple Cider Old Fashioned.
My husband and I have discovered that Colorado has A LOT of great distilleries. We’ve been to several here in Denver and discovered a great one up in Vail as well. Going on the tours is interesting because you learn how it’s made. Of course the best part is the tasting afterwards.
My husband is a huge fan of whiskey and bourbon so those are the majority of the tours and tastings we’ve done. He prefers to just sip it as is, which is a bit much for me. However, his second favorite way to have it and what he always orders when we go out is either an old fashioned or a Manhattan. Now those I can get behind.
If you’ve never made a classic old fashioned, it’s really easy and doesn’t use a million ingredients like some cocktails do. All you need is whiskey or bourbon, simple syrup or a sugar cube, bitters and an orange peel. Since the ingredients are so few I think it’s important to use a good quality whiskey. In other words don’t buy the cheap stuff on the bottom shelf for $10 that’s going to leave you with a giant headache.
There are only a few differences between the ingredients in this Apple Cider Old Fashioned and the classic version. The first and most obvious one is the addition of apple cider. The next was to substitute simple syrup with maple syrup. Real maple syrup friends, always the real stuff. I don’t know what’s in that pancake syrup we all ate when we were kids, but don’t use it in this drink…or any of my recipes that call for maple syrup.
The final differences, which are optional, are the garnishes. There’s still an orange slice (or orange peel if you prefer), but I also added an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. The cinnamon stick is perfect for stirring and infuses even more of that warm fall flavor. Cheers!
Cinnamon Blueberry Old Fashioned
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces good quality bourbon or whiskey
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 3 drops of bitters
- 1 apple slice for garnish
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- Cinnamon stick for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a lowball glass, stir together the apple cider, whiskey, maple syrup and bitters until combined. Add in a large ice cube and top with an apple and orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What type of bitters did you use for the apple cider old fashioned?
I’ve used both angostura and orange bitters. Fee Brothers is the brand I generally use.
Has anyone made this in a batch ? I have used it individually With a crowd of 15 i am thinking this may be easier in a nice pitcher
Thoughts?
Hey Patricia,
For our New Year’s Eve party last year I made a gallon for the whole night, and it was a big hit! The cinnamon sticks are essential to include in the batch for the flavor whereas I usually get away with a dash or two of cinnamon powder when I make it in a shaker. It scales well as long as you keep the proportions the same and it only got better as it sat with the cinnamon sticks!
In summary, absolutely delicious in a pitcher or drink dispenser! Hopefully you’ll be able to give it a try this year :)
This recipe is leaving me warm and cozy! Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Rachel, I hope you like it!