Apple Cider Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail
This post contains affiliate links (paid links). Advertisements displayed on this website do not reflect endorsements or recommendations made by Mitten Girl LLC. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Skip to Recipe
With all the flavors of a crisp fall day, this apple old fashioned is only four ingredients, including your favorite bourbon and delicious, homemade apple cider simple syrup.
This delicious fall and winter cocktail is NOT a cinnamon apple old fashioned. We’re skipping the cinnamon stick, apple butter, and even the apple whiskey and apple brandy for this drink.
Instead we’re using your favorite bourbon in your home bar and getting the spice from aromatic bitters.
Sweetened with apple cider syrup that’s infused with sage, orange peel, and lemon peel, an apple old fashioned is a delicious twist on a classic old fashioned cocktail, perfect for a fall cocktail hour.
Ingredients
- Bourbon – Use your favorite straight bourbon in this recipe. Just avoid any bourbons with added flavors like honey, cinnamon, or apple. I like Four Roses Single Barrel or Buffalo Trace bourbon in my old fashioned cocktails.
- Apple cider syrup – This easy syrup takes 10 minutes to make and keeps for weeks in the refrigerator. Make it ahead of time and mix up this Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail in minutes.
- An orange – Squeeze a fresh orange for this cocktail. It makes a BIG difference. Plus you need the peel for the drink as well. Choose a fresh, firm orange, not one that’s been hanging out in the fridge for a month to get the best outer peel.
- Aromatic bitters – Angostura is the gold standard in aromatic bitters, but whatever brand you have on hand is great. Walnut bitters would be a delicious substitute if you don’t have aromatic bitters. (Read: Elevate Your Cocktails with Bitters)
- Cocktail cherries (optional) – A classic old fashioned garnish, use high quality cherries if you enjoy them, or skip the cherry in favor of apple slices for garnish.
How to Make an Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Combine the bourbon, apple cider syrup, orange juice, and aromatic bitters in a mixing glass half filled with ice cubes. (If you fill it full, you won’t be able to stir easily.)
Stir well for 10-15 seconds to give the ice time to melt a little bit into your drink. This will both chill and slightly dilute your drink (which you want).
Strain your cocktail into a rocks glass with a large ice cube in it or one that’s filled with ice cubes.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove a piece of orange peel. Express (squeeze) the orange peel over your cocktail, then drop the peel into the glass. Garnish with 1-2 cocktail cherries or apple slices. Enjoy!
Shop These Photos
Stacking Old Fashioned Glasses
Buy Now →
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Apple Cider Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1.5 oz apple cider syrup
- 0.5 oz orange juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Cocktail cherries
Instructions
- In a mixing glass half filled with ice, add the bourbon, cider syrup, orange juice, and aromatic bitters.
- Stir well for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain your cocktail into a rocks glass with a large ice cube in it.
- Express a piece of orange peel over your cocktail and drop the peel into the glass.
- Garnish with 1-2 cocktail cherries or a slice of apple.
- Enjoy!
Making Homemade Apple Cider Syrup
A key ingredient in this Apple Cider Old Fashioned is this Apple Cider Syrup. It takes 10 minutes to make and keeps in the refrigerators for weeks, so there’s no reason not to make it ahead of time so you’re ready for cocktail night. >Get my Apple Cider Syrup Recipe
Looking for More Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes?
Enjoy a good Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail? I love creating twists on this classic cocktail, like my coffee old fashioned and peach old fashioned. Even my classic old fashioned has a slight variation on the traditional recipe. Or try my maple old fashioned is a very subtle twist on the traditional cocktail.
Need More Fall Apple Cocktails?
Looking for other delicious apple cocktails to make? Try my caramel apple cocktail with apple cider, an easy apple cider margarita, or my fizzy, spiced apple cocktail made with apple vodka.
