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A moody photograph of an apple cider old fashioned cocktail in a clear rocks glass, garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a large orange peel, set against a minimalist black and beige background.

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Bourbon stirred with apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters — warm, lightly sweet, and aromatic with cinnamon and orange.

This cocktail is part of our Date Nite collection, made to be sipped while you cook together.​

Build Your Drink

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon

  • ½ oz apple cider reduction or fresh apple cider (see note)

  • ¼ oz maple syrup (or simple syrup if you prefer less sweet)

  • 2 dashes Angostura or Old Fashioned bitters

  • 1 dash orange bitters (optional)

  • Orange peel and cinnamon stick for garnish

cocktail Method

  1. In a mixing glass with ice, combine bourbon, cider, maple syrup, and bitters.

  2. Stir 20–30 seconds until well-chilled.

  3. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.

  4. Express an orange peel over the glass, drop it in, and add a cinnamon stick.

Notes from the Bar

Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.

Bourbon (or Rye) Choice

We love this cocktail made with Rittenhouse Rye for a bold, spicy backbone that balances the sweetness of the cider and maple. A classic bourbon works just as well if you prefer a smoother, richer finish.


Build with Ice

Serve it over a large ice cube for a slow melt that keeps the drink perfectly chilled without diluting the flavor. (You can find our favorite ice cube tray here)


Bitters Matter

Traditional Angostura bitters keep it classic, but try Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Bitters for a more nuanced, aromatic spice kick that complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully.


Sweetness & Balance

If your cider is on the sweeter side, pull back slightly on the maple syrup or add an extra dash of bitters to keep the flavor grounded and balanced.


Garnish with Aroma

An orange peel twist, cinnamon stick, and a single star anise add cozy, seasonal fragrance and make the drink feel holiday-ready.


Seasonal Serve

Ideal for crisp evenings and gatherings, this Apple Cider Old Fashioned carries easily from early fall through the holidays. Truly a glass that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

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A ritual we return to

Our cocktails are part of something bigger for us. They’re the beginning of Date Nite, a connection-centered experience we created to help you slow down, share a meal, and enjoy time with the one you love.

Each Date Nite is thoughtfully planned for you, so you are not stuck deciding what to cook or how to pull the night together. We pair one cocktail with a complete menu, a simple flow from prep to plate, and small details that make the evening feel easy and connected from start to finish.

It is not about perfection. It is about presence, and creating space to reconnect, whether that is with your partner or simply with yourself, over a really good meal.

Four nights.
No planning required.

Choose your menu, set the table, and enjoy the night.

Includes 4 complete menus, cocktail pairings, grocery lists, and more.

One-time purchase. No subscription.

Start with one free Date Nite menu
We created this for you — and the one you love.
Kevin & Kate

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At Kevin & Kate, we share recipes, cocktails, and home inspiration designed to make every day feel a little more intentional. Date Nite brings connection back to the table — through good food, good drinks, and time well spent together.

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