When the weather turns crisp, few drinks capture the spirit of the season better than a Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned. This riff blends warm fall spices, rich apple notes, and the timeless structure of the original cocktail.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for holiday gatherings. If you’re looking for a bourbon drink that feels seasonal without becoming overly sweet, this is the one readers return to all autumn long.
If you already love bourbon-forward drinks like the Smoky Old Fashioned and Manhattan, this version offers a seasonal upgrade without straying too far from the original.
Here is the Recipe
Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- ½ oz reduced apple cider*
- 1 tsp demerara sugar syrup (optional if cider is sweet)
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash cinnamon bitters (or a small pinch of ground cinnamon)
- Orange peel
- Garnish: apple slice or cinnamon stick, optional
- ice cube
Instructions
- *How to Reduce Apple Cider: Simmer 1 cup apple cider in a small saucepan until it reduces by roughly half. Cool before using. This concentrates flavor and gives the drink structure.
- Add bourbon, reduced apple cider, bitters, and (if needed) demerara syrup to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled—about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.
- Garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick if you want a stronger aromatic finish.
Nutrition
Expert Tips
- Choose a bold bourbon: The cider softens the alcohol’s edge; a higher-proof bottle keeps the drink from feeling thin.
- Rye makes it spicier: If you prefer a drier, punchier cocktail, rye is the better choice.
- Batching? Multiply each ingredient by eight, stir with a large block of ice, chill, and store in the fridge up to 24 hours.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cocktail without reducing the apple cider?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder and the drink may taste watery. The reduction step concentrates the apple and spices, giving the cocktail its signature richness.
2. What’s the best bourbon for a Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned?
Look for a bottle with warm caramel and vanilla notes—Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Elijah Craig are popular and accessible. Avoid anything too delicate, as the cider can overshadow lighter spirits.
3. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely. Swap the bourbon for a zero-proof whiskey alternative and reduce the bitters by half. The apple cider reduction will provide plenty of body, and the citrus garnish brings balance.
Why Lush Life Loves This Cocktail
- Seasonal yet balanced: The apple cider reduction adds flavor, not sugar overload.
- Familiar, but fresh: It keeps the bones of an Old Fashioned while giving it unmistakable fall character.
- Perfect for entertaining: Easily batched for parties and Thanksgiving get-togethers.