Cozy Warm Apple Cider Old Fashioned: Easy Fall Cocktail Recipe
A warm, spiced cocktail made with bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters, perfect for chilly fall evenings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 strip orange peel
- Optional garnish: star anise, fresh rosemary sprig, or thin apple slice
Instructions
- Prep your orange peel first. Using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, cut a 2-inch strip of orange peel, removing as much white pith as possible. Set aside.
- Combine the cider and spices in a small saucepan. Pour in 4 ounces of apple cider, drop in the cinnamon stick and 2 whole cloves. Place over medium-low heat and warm for 3-4 minutes until tiny bubbles form around the edges.
- Add the maple syrup and bitters. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup until dissolved, then add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 30 seconds. Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and stir gently.
- Strain the mixture into a mug (optional) or pour directly, leaving the cinnamon stick and cloves in the drink.
- Garnish with the orange peel: hold it over the mug, twist to express the oils, then drop it in. Add optional garnishes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider; gentle heat preserves the fresh apple flavor. Let the spices steep for 3-4 minutes for best infusion. For a party, batch the cider base (without bourbon) in a slow cooker and let guests add their own bourbon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 24
Keywords: warm apple cider old fashioned, fall cocktail, bourbon cocktail, apple cider drink, cozy cocktail