Apple Cider Old Fashioned
A seasonal twist on a classic, made with bourbon, apple cider, maple, and warm spice. Simple, aromatic, and perfectly balanced for fall.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
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
Instructions
In a mixing glass with ice, combine bourbon, cider, maple syrup, and bitters.
Stir 20–30 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
Express an orange peel over the glass, drop it in, and add a cinnamon stick.
Notes from the Bar
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.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
Make It a Date Nite
This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.
Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.
For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.
Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.
Kevin & Kate
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