Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
This sophisticated yet easy Apple Cider Old Fashioned requires no obscure ingredients or cocktail shaker, but will make you feel like a fancy bartender.
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
“This was a big hit at Thanksgiving! Wonderful fall flavors, and the garnishes added a visual appeal and some tasty fruit flavors. A taste of autumn with every sip! Definitely keeping this one in my rotations and have enjoyed in the cooler evenings with friends around the fire pit!”
—Pauline
“This is a great fall cocktail. Well balanced and not too sweet. I made one with maple syrup and one without (the last one for my husband) and they’re both delicious. He just exclaimed “boy this is good!”
—Jessica
It’s fall here in Michigan, which means one thing – apple season! Today, I’m sharing an apple cider version of my favorite cocktail – the old fashioned.
This apple cider bourbon cocktail recipe incorporates the classic elements of an old fashioned – bitters, orange peel and bourbon, but with a few unique twists.
Instead of the traditional sugar cube that’s usually muddled with the orange peel to add sweetness, I am using maple syrup to sweeten this apple cider old fashioned!
Most old fashioneds do not have any sort of “mixer” added to them – they are, essentially, bourbon over ice, with a little bit of sugar and bitters. While I love them the classic way, I will admit that sometimes, it’s a little strong for me.
So, topping this old fashioned off with apple cider makes it a little more of an easy drinking cocktail.
Why you will love this Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
- No cocktail shaker needed. Make as many or as few servings as you want, right in the glasses they’ll be served in.
- No fancy ingredients needed, either. If you have a fairly stocked bar cabinet, an orange, and some apple cider, you’re all set.
- Omit the bourbon for a great mocktail idea.
Ingredients for a Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
- orange peel – this contributes an essential citrusy aroma and complexity to the cocktail.
- orange bitters – think of bitters as a type of seasoning for cocktails. They are used to balance sweetness from other ingredients and round out the flavor of a drink.
- maple syrup – I love how the flavor of the syrup pairs with the cider in this apple cider and bourbon cocktail and adds a touch more sweetness to balance the bourbon.
- bourbon – while bourbon is typically preferred in old fashioneds, you can use regular whisky instead.
- apple cider – it’s the star of the show, so make it a good local version if you can.
- sliced apples, cinnamon sticks and/or cocktail cherries – these are optional, for garnish, to add visual appeal and subtle flavors to the drink.
The best bourbon for a Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Because there are so few ingredients in this apple cider old fashioned, it’s important to choose a good liquor.
I think the best bourbon for old fashioneds is Bulleit bourbon (the classic orange label variety). It has a very clean and smooth flavor, and is versatile for just about anything you want to make with it.
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Some other great choices for this cider bourbon cocktail are Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses
I like bourbon for this drink the most , but if I want something “spicier,” I’ll use a nice rye whiskey for an apple cider and whiskey cocktail.
Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail substitutions
Brandy old fashioneds are very popular in the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin.
Feel free to make this apple cider old fashioned using your favorite brandy instead of whiskey or bourbon.
How to make an Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Grab a double old fashioned glass and place the orange peel, bitters and maple syrup in it.
- Use a muddler to gently press the orange peel to release its oils.
- Add the bourbon and the cider and stir until everything is combined.
- Fill the glass the rest of the way with ice and stir.
- Serve right away, garnished with apple slices, cinnamon sticks and cocktail cherries, if you want.
Can Apple Cider Bourbon be made in advance?
An old fashioned is typically prepared immeditely before serving, but if you wanted to prepare a big batch of this drink for a party, maybe a couple of hours in advance, I won’t stop you.
I would prepare the drink (in whatever quanitity you want) through the beginning of step 2.
Once you add the bourbon and cider, transfer the mixture to a large airtight container and refrigerate.
Then, just before serving, add ice to your glasses and pour the drink over the ice and garnish.
Home Chef Tips for Bourbon Apple Cider
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less maple syrup, or omitting it entirely.
- Experiment with different garnishes. Star anise adds a really special touch if you have it.
- When muddling the orange peel, you’re looking to release the essential oils from the peel, but not completely crush it into oblivion. A quick, gentle muddle is plenty.
Making a Cider Bourbon Cocktail without alcohol
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the bourbon. The bitters and muddled orange will still add plenty of complexity to this mocktail.
You can also add a splash of lemon juice to enhance it a bit more, if you wish. Or, you could try a non-alcoholic whiskey for this apple cider bourbon cocktail.
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Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 strip orange peel about 1 inch wide
- 2 – 4 dashes orange bitters
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3 ounces apple cider
- Ice
- Sliced apples, cinnamon sticks and/or cocktail cherries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place orange peel, bitters and maple syrup in small glass and use muddler to gently release oils from orange peel.
- Add bourbon and cider; stir until well combined. Top glass with ice and serve immediately, garnished with apple slices, cinnamon sticks and/or cocktail cherries, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less maple syrup, or omitting it entirely.
- Experiment with different garnishes. Star anise adds a really special touch if you have it.
- When muddling the orange peel, you’re looking to release the essential oils from the peel, but not completely crush it into oblivion. A quick, gentle muddle is plenty.
This was a big hit at Thanksgiving! Wonderful fall flavors, and the garnishes added a visual appeal and some tasty fruit flavors. A taste of autumn with every sip! Definitely keeping this one in my rotations and have enjoyed in the cooler evenings with friends around the fire pit!
I’m so glad to hear this was a hit for Thanksgiving, Pauline! Have a great Christmas as well.
Absolutely delightful cocktail! We made it with unfiltered apple cider and Basil Hayden bourbon, one with maple syrup (for me) and one without (for my husband who prefers things slightly less sweet). Also garnished with a cinnamon stick for aromatics. This will most definitely become a staple for our holiday celebrations! So yummy!!
I’m so glad to hear that, Jessica!
Something didn’t work. It was awful! I used Four Roses bourbon.
Hi Debra – Can you give me some more details about why it was awful? Was it too sweet? Too strong? Did you follow the ingredients and instructions exactly as written?
I am so with you on the Michigan apples and cider, there is no better! I grew up in Michigan and even worked at a cider mill during high school, sadly that particular mill no longer exists. I now live in north Georgia and the cider here just can’t compete. Thankfully my parents who still live in Michigan send me two gallons of frozen Yates Cider every fall which I hoard like it’s “My Precious.” One stays frozen to drink in the Spring to help stave off the cravings, one I thaw immediately and enjoy sparingly. I make cocktails and cook with it. I’ve had Georgia friends say the cider from here is the best (it’s NOT) so I did a blind taste test with their favorite and mine, all of them picked the Michigan cider from Yates as their favorite. I no longer have a local source for Michigan apples since Earth Fare left my area, but at least I can still get some of the best cider in the world delivered.
I make the drink above all the time minus the maple syrup and it’s fantastic. Happy Autumn! 🍎
What a small world! My last name is Yates! No relation to the cider mill family, although we do like to pretend. But it’s our preferred cider mill because YES the cider is the best! And the warm donuts, which I’m afraid won’t ship as well as the cider. But I’m glad you’re able to enjoy your precious cider hoard 🙂