The Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned takes the classic Old Fashioned and adds a splash of reduced apple cider and a hint of cinnamon. It comes together in about 22 minutes, and every one of them is worth it!
What Is an Apple Cider Old Fashioned?
It is the Old Fashioned formula you already love: whiskey, a touch of sweetness, bitters, and fresh orange oils. The sweetness here comes from apple cider that has been simmered down until it is concentrated and syrupy. That gives you real apple flavor without watering the drink down, and it softens the bitterness so every sip feels rounder and smoother.
Why Reduced Cider Makes the Difference
Reducing the cider is the one extra step, and it is a delightful one. Simmering concentrates the natural sugars and the apple flavor, so a small spoonful does the work that a big pour of straight cider never could.
Reach for fresh or unfiltered cider rather than clear apple juice, which lacks the same depth. One small batch makes enough for several drinks, so let it cool completely, store it in a covered jar in the refrigerator, and you will be ready whenever friends drop by.
Whiskey, Garnish, and Serving
Bourbon is a natural fit, because its vanilla and caramel notes love apple and cinnamon. Rye is wonderful too, with a drier, peppery edge that plays beautifully against the spice. You can find both, along with bitters, at The Whisky Exchange.
Express the orange peel over the glass before you drop it in, so the citrus oils land on the surface and greet you with the very first sip. A thin apple slice looks lovely, and a cinnamon stick adds a gentle aroma as you sip. Serve it over one large ice cube, which melts slowly and keeps the drink bold from first sip to last. It is a great after-dinner drink and a wonderful one to pour for guests at a fall gathering.
Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned Variations
- Rye whiskey: for a drier, more peppery drink.
- Ground cinnamon: a small pinch in place of the cinnamon bitters.
- Even more apple: try the Baked Apple Old Fashioned.
- Smoky and sweet: try the Smoky Maple Old Fashioned.
- Rich and spicy: try the Ginger Molasses Old Fashioned.
- Light and bubbly: try the Apple Cider Spritz.
Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned FAQs
Do apple cider and bourbon go together?
Yes, beautifully! Bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes complement apple, and warm spices like cinnamon tie the two together.
What kind of apple cider should I use?
Fresh or unfiltered cider, reduced until it is syrupy. Clear apple juice is thinner and will not give the same depth.
Which whiskey is best in an apple cider Old Fashioned?
Bourbon gives a rounder, sweeter drink, and rye gives a drier, peppery one. Both are delicious.
Can I make the reduced cider ahead of time?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then keep it in a covered jar in the refrigerator so it is ready whenever you want a drink.
Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try one of the following easy cocktails:
Why Lush Life Loves It
Every sip tastes like the season, and it still feels like a true Old Fashioned. The whiskey stays front and center, the cider adds a soft, fruity sweetness, and the spice gives the whole drink a lovely glow. I adore a drink that feels special and asks so little of me, and this one is exactly that.
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.