This Apple Cider Old Fashioned is the perfect Fall twist on the classic cocktail. A homemade apple cider syrup, fresh squeezed orange juice, clove bitters, a generous amount of bourbon, and cinnamon come together to create a delicious, Fall-inspired drink!

The Apple Cider Old Fashioned

My hubby and I love a good old fashioned. It was our go to drink at bars and restaurants when we lived in the city – it’s a little sweet, a lot boozy, and totally addicting!

Now that we are living in Bloomington, we like to make old fashioneds at home. We are a bit particular on how it’s crafted (the city spoiled us!). Luckily, my father in law taught us how to make the perfect OF, which I like to think we’ve 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 to create an apple cider old fashioned. I used an apple cider syrup which has lovely notes of apples and cinnamon. I also enhanced the fall flavors with a clove bitters. Of course, I added lots of rich, warm bourbon, the star of any good old fashioned cocktail. Finally, I added a touch of citrusy orange juice to keep this cocktail fresh and balanced.

This Fall inspired drink is perfect for the chilly Fall days ahead and the Holiday season!

How do you make the apple cider syrup?

This is actually incredibly simple! It just requires just 2 ingredients and a little patience.

In a heavy bottom sauce pan, add 3 cups of apple cider and a cinnamon stick. I selected a good quality honey crisp apple cider that didn’t have too much extra added sugar.

Bring the apple cider to a gentle boil over medium high heat. Lower the heat back down to medium-low and simmer until the apple cider reduces to about 3/4 cup, stirring occasionally. This takes about 30-45 min.

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!

Once it is reduced to 3/4cup, 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 for this Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Main Ingredients for this Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Apple Cider Syrup, rich, full of warm spices, and perfectly sweet and tart. This syrup brings the OF into Fall territory!
Clove Bitters, amps up the spices to make this drink nice and cozy.
Fresh Orange Juice, the splash of fresh, tart juice helps balance the sweetness.
Good Quality Bourbon, I prefer Woodford Reserve, but any good quality bourbon works. Bourbon is prominent in an OF, so make sure to select a good one you love!
Cinnamon stick, star anise pod, fresh Thyme, for garnish, cuz every fancy cocktail should look pretty tpp!

How to craft this cocktail?

In an old fashioned pitcher, add the apple cider syrup, fresh orange juice, bourbon, and clove bitters. Add in your ice (craft ice cube preferred – it makes me feel fancy and it melts slower so less dilution). Stir until all the ingredients are well-combined and chilled. Pour into a rocks glass with a craft ice cube. Garnish with cinnamon stick, star anise pod, and sprig of fresh thyme. Super simple. Yet so delicious!

enjoy!

If you make this apple cider old fashioned, 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!