The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a warming, fall-inspired variation of the classic Old Fashioned—deeply familiar yet surprisingly fresh. By adding spiced apple cider to the traditional mix of bourbon, bitters, and sugar, this version delivers a cozy, orchard-sweetened take that feels tailor-made for sweater weather and firelit evenings.

It retains the bold, spirit-forward core of the original but mellows it with subtle spice, fruit, and warmth. Think of it as the Old Fashioned dressed in a flannel shirt and boots—rugged, relaxed, and ready for autumn.

I first made this drink on a crisp October evening while trying to decide between hot cider and a nightcap. The compromise? This cocktail. One sip, and I was hooked—the rich vanilla of the bourbon mingled beautifully with the cinnamon-spiked apple cider, and it instantly became a seasonal staple in my rotation.

Quick Facts: Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Method: stirred
Flavor profile: warm, spiced, slightly sweet
How to serve it: over ice
Glassware: rocks glass or double old fashioned glass
Alcohol content: ~20–24% ABV, ~18–20 grams of alcohol per serving

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz apple cider (spiced or plain)
¼ oz maple syrup or brown sugar syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters (optional but recommended)
Garnish: apple slice or cinnamon stick
Ice (large cube preferred)

Ingredient Notes:

Bourbon:
Choose a bourbon with a vanilla, caramel, or baking spice profile. Some great picks include:

Buffalo Trace
Woodford Reserve
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Bulleit Bourbon (for a slightly drier finish)

Apple Cider:
Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for best results. If you can find a spiced cider, even better—it adds warm cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg notes. Avoid apple juice, which is too sweet and lacks complexity.

Maple Syrup / Brown Sugar Syrup:
Adds natural sweetness and earthy depth. Maple syrup is classic, but brown sugar syrup (1:1 brown sugar and water) works just as well.

Bitters:

Angostura bitters for structure and spice
Orange bitters for citrus balance and brightness

Equipment Needed

Mixing glass
Bar spoon
Jigger
Hawthorne strainer
Rocks glass
Peeler (for garnish, optional)
Ice (large cube or sphere preferred)

This is a low-effort, high-reward cocktail—just stir and serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill your glass.
Add ice to a rocks glass or place it in the freezer to chill.

2. Combine ingredients in mixing glass.
Into a mixing glass filled with ice, pour:

2 oz bourbon
1 oz apple cider
¼ oz maple syrup or brown sugar syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters (optional)

3. Stir well.
Stir gently but thoroughly for 20–25 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.

4. Strain into rocks glass.
Dump the ice from your chilled glass (if using) and add a large cube. Strain the cocktail over the fresh ice.

5. Garnish.
Add a thin apple slice to the rim or float it on top. Optionally, insert a cinnamon stick for aroma and stirring.

Serve and enjoy slowly—this one invites sipping and savoring.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

This cocktail is smooth, rich, and gently spiced, with an earthy sweetness and classic Old Fashioned backbone.

Tasting notes include:

Crisp apple and cinnamon on the nose
Sweet maple and vanilla mid-palate
Subtle baking spices and oak from the bourbon
A dry, slightly bitter finish from the bitters

It’s less boozy than a classic Old Fashioned but still bold and warming, perfect for cooler evenings and holiday vibes.

Pairs well with:

Roasted pork or turkey with apples
Sharp cheddar or aged gouda
Sweet potato or pumpkin dishes
Apple pie, cider doughnuts, or pecan tart
Charcuterie boards with fig jam and candied nuts

Garnishing and Presentation

The garnish not only enhances aroma but completes the autumnal presentation.

Glassware:
Use a rocks glass or double old fashioned glass with a single large cube for maximum visual appeal and minimal dilution.

Garnish ideas:

Thin apple slice (fresh, not browned)
Cinnamon stick for stirring and scent
Dehydrated apple wheel for a rustic look
Orange peel twist to brighten and balance the sweetness
Optional: dust a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the top for an extra festive touch

Presentation tips:

Use crystal-clear ice if possible
Float the garnish instead of wedging for a more refined look
Serve with a linen napkin or wooden coaster to lean into the fall aesthetic

Pairing Suggestions

The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is extremely food-friendly, especially with fall-forward dishes.

Savory pairings:

Herb-roasted pork tenderloin with apples and sage
Butternut squash soup with toasted pecans
Brie and cranberry tartlets
Smoked ham or turkey sliders
Roasted root vegetables with rosemary

Sweet pairings:

Apple galette or warm apple crisp
Pumpkin pie or spiced carrot cake
Maple-glazed doughnuts
Molasses cookies or bourbon pecan bars
Churros with cinnamon sugar

Cocktail History and Trivia

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest known cocktails—dating back to the early 1800s—and its simplicity has made it endlessly adaptable. The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a modern seasonal riff that likely emerged from the American Northeast and Midwest, where fresh cider is plentiful in fall and bourbon is always in style.

Unlike most modern riffs that pile on ingredients, this one keeps the spirit of the original: strong, stirred, slightly sweet, and balanced by bitters. The apple cider softens the edges without overpowering, adding a touch of seasonal nostalgia to a classic barroom formula.

Fun fact: in Wisconsin and parts of the Midwest, apple brandy Old Fashioneds are popular during fall harvest season, hinting at a longstanding relationship between this classic cocktail and apple-forward variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apple Cider Old Fashioned:

At fall gatherings, bonfires, or Friendsgiving feasts
As a Thanksgiving cocktail with roasted meats and rich sides
During apple-picking season, using fresh orchard cider
As a fireside sipper, served with a warm blanket and a good book
In batches, for autumn cocktail parties or weekend brunch

Batching tip:
To serve 6–8:

1½ cups bourbon
¾ cup apple cider
3 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar syrup
12 dashes Angostura bitters
6 dashes orange bitters
Stir in a pitcher with ice. Serve over fresh ice and garnish each individually.

Alcohol Content and Alternatives

This cocktail is moderately strong, around 20–24% ABV, depending on cider dilution and syrup used.

To lighten it up:

Reduce bourbon to 1½ oz
Add a splash of club soda for effervescence
Use more cider (up to 1½ oz) for a fruitier, lower-proof drink

Non-alcoholic version:

2 oz apple cider
½ oz maple syrup
1 dash non-alcoholic bitters (or a cinnamon/clove tincture)
Stir with ice, strain over a cube, and garnish as usual

Variations:

Smoked Cider Old Fashioned – add a splash of peated Scotch or use smoked maple syrup
Applejack Old Fashioned – sub in apple brandy or Laird’s Applejack
Cinnamon Cider Old Fashioned – use cinnamon syrup instead of maple
Spiced Rum Old Fashioned – sub in aged rum for a Caribbean twist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Cider is preferred—juice is usually sweeter and less complex. If you must, use unfiltered juice and reduce syrup.

What bourbon works best?
Mid-range bourbons with warm spice and vanilla notes are ideal. Avoid overly smoky or high-proof varieties unless you prefer a bolder edge.

Is maple syrup too sweet?
Not if used in moderation—¼ oz is plenty. You can always reduce or dilute to taste.

Can I make it hot?
Yes! Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan and warm gently. Serve in a mug with a cinnamon stick.

How long does batched cider mix last?
Keep it refrigerated (without ice) for up to 2–3 days. Stir before serving and always garnish fresh.