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The apple cider Old Fashioned is a fall spin on the classic! Spiced apple cider syrup sweetens this whiskey cocktail.
Here’s a fun fall cocktail that’s ideal for any whiskey lover: the apple cider Old Fashioned! Swapping out the sugar for apple cider syrup infuses this classic drink with fruity, spiced seasonal flavor.
Each sip has notes of apple and orange, cinnamon and spice, and vanilla and oak. If you’re in the mood for a boozy showstopper, this is the drink for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails in existence, first documented in the early 1800’s by a New York paper. This spin uses apple cider syrup instead of a standard sugar cube to infuse the drink with homey flavors.
Using syrup in this drink is ideal because adding straight apple cider waters it down, making it more like a Wisconsin Old Fashioned. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Apple cider syrup (see below)
- Angostura bitters
- Bourbon or rye whiskey
- Orange peel
- Apple slices and cocktail cherry, for garnish (optional)
- Large clear ice cube, for serving
Making Apple Cider Syrup
The apple cider syrup is what makes this apple cider Old Fashioned sing! The boiled apple cider infuses apple and cinnamon flavors and adds sweetness. Here are a few things to note about this drink component:
- It takes 30 minutes to make. Boil apple cider with sugar and a cinnamon stick on the stovetop for 30 to 35 minutes, until reduced and syrupy.
- Make a batch in advance. This is an easy component to make in advance and refrigerate until serving. It stores up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
- Want to use it for more drinks? Try the Fall Margarita!
Apple Cider Old Fashioned: Quick Version
Don’t have 30 minutes to spare and want to whip up this apple cider Old Fashioned on demand? You can do that, too. Follow the recipe below, but use 1 tablespoon of apple cider and 1 tablespoon of simple syrup. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.
Step It Up With Clear Ice
Want the very best Old Fashioned? Use clear ice. These are crystal clear ice cubes you can cut into organic shapes that make your drink look like it’s from a fancy bar. These contrast with the cloudy ice cubes that come from an ice tray. They’re an absolute must for an Old Fashioned! Here’s how to do it:
- Make clear ice in a small cooler. Go to How to Make Clear Ice for instructions! The cooler just needs to fit inside your freezer.
- Use a clear ice tray. I use this clear ice tray, and it works well! It also fits easily into your freezer.
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
The apple cider Old Fashioned is a fall spin on the classic! Spiced apple cider syrup sweetens this whiskey cocktail.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Syrup Prep: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the apple cider Old Fashioned
- 1/2 to 1 ounce apple cider syrup (see below or variation*)
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces** bourbon or rye whiskey
- Orange peel
- Apple slices and cocktail cherry, for garnish (optional)
- Large clear ice cube, for serving
For the apple cider syrup (makes ¾ cup)
- 4 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- To make the apple cider syrup*: Place the apple cider, granulated sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then maintain a low boil for 30 to 35 minutes until reduced to ¾ cup. Use immediately or refrigerate until using (stores up to 2 weeks refrigerated).
- To make the Old Fashioned: Add the apple cider syrup, bitters, and whiskey to a lowball glass and stir to combine. Add a large ice cube.
- Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the orange peel. Squeeze the orange peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass. If desired, garnish with a cocktail cherry for additional sweetness.
Notes
*Variation: For a quick version, follow the recipe above but in place of apple cider syrup, use 1 tablespoon apple cider and 1 tablespoon simple syrup, then adjust flavors as desired.
**To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
Let us know if you have any questions!