Apple cider Old Fashioned: apple cider syrup, walnut bitters, lots of bourbon, and cinnamon come together to create a delicious drink! It’s the perfect Fall twist on the classic cocktail.
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned’s are my husband and I’s favorite cocktail. It was our go to drink at bars and restaurants when we lived in the city – it’s a little sweet and a lot boozy and totally addicting!
Now that we are living in Bloomington, we like to make the drink at home as we are kind of particular on how it is made (the city spoiled us!). Luckily, my father in law taught us how to make the perfect OF which I like to think we have mastered! (I have explained his technique in the past when I made my maple spiced bourbon old fashioned.)
I took another spin on this classic cocktail. I used an apple cider syrup which has lovely notes of apples and cinnamon, a walnut bitters, which is nutty and pairs perfectly with the syrup, and lots of rich, warm bourbon. This Fall inspired drink is perfect for Thanksgiving!
How do you make the apple cider syrup?
This is actually incredibly simple! It just requires 2 ingredients and a little patience.
In a heavy bottom sauce pan, add 4 cups of apple cider and a cinnamon stick. I selected a good quality apple cider that didn’t have too much extra added sugar.
Heat the cider over medium heat bringing to a low boil. Cook over medium heat for about 2 hours (yep it takes this long!), stirring occasionally.
Ok, I know you may think this sounds too involved, but it’s really simple. You just need to let the apple cider do it’s thang and babysit it a little. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
The apple cider will reduce to about half a cup (towards the end when there is less liquid, it may start boiling more and you should reduce the heat). Once it is reduced to half a cup, remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
The end product is this rich, flavorful syrup. It has a super apple and cinnamon concentrated flavor. It’s magic!
Equipment Needed
Main Ingredients
- Apple Cider Syrup
- Walnut Bitters
- Orange Peel
- Good Quality Bourbon
- Sparkling Water, optional
How to craft this cocktail?
In an old fashioned glass, add the orange peel, 2 tablespoons apple cider syrup, and 2-3 dashes walnut bitter. Use a muddler (or back of a wooden spoon) to muddle the ingredients together. This allow the orange to release its flavor into the other ingredients. Add in your ice (craft ice cube preferred – it makes me feel fancy and it melts slower so less dilution) and pour in your bourbon, about 1/3 cup. Top with sparkling water if desired.
This recipe makes a pretty boozy OF because that’s how my hubby and I like them. If you don’t like it as boozy, you can reduce the bourbon to 1/4 cup, add a little more syrup, and top with the sparkling water. It will create a lighter but still delicious OF!
If you make these apple cider OFs, please leave a comment below. I absolutely love to hear from you guys and hear your thoughts on my recipes. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or pin it on pinterest. I love getting to see your photos of the recipes!
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Apple cider syrup, walnut bitters, lots of bourbon, and cinnamon come together to create a delicious drink! It's the perfect Fall twist on the classic cocktail.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Syrup
- 4 cups apple cider
- One cinnamon stick
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- 1 orange peel
- 2-3 ounces bourbon 1/4-1/3 cup, depending on preferred booziness level
- 2-3 dashes walnut bitters regular works too
- 1 ounce apple cider syrup about 2 tablespoons
- Sparkling water for topping (optional)
- Cinnamon stick, apple slice, and star anise for topping optional
Instructions
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In a heavy bottom sauce pan, add the apple cider and cinnamon stick and heat over medium heat. Allow the cider to lightly boil on medium heat for about 2 hours or until reduced to about half a cup. Take off heat and allow to cool.
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To make the old fashioned, add the orange peel, bitters, and apple cider syrup to a whiskey glass and muddle together. Add one large ice cube (or multiple regular cubes) and pour whisky over the ice and stir to combine with the muddled ingredients. If using, top with sparkling water.
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Garnish with cinnamon stick, apple slices, and star anise.
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Serve, sip, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
You can make a large batch of these by multiplying the ingredients with as many OFs you want to serve and storing in fridge in large pitcher until ready to serve. Just make sure to add the sparkling water at the end when serving.
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