This delicious apple cider maple bourbon old fashioned cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate. It’s an easy recipe to make, and packs a delicious autumn flavor punch. Autumn is in the air and that means apple cider season is upon us. Cheers!
This Apple Cider Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned is a delicious twist on a classic cocktail recipe is a keeper!
Cocktail hour will never be the same. This one will impress your friends at your next gathering, game day, or help you wind down on chilly evenings. The warm spices of fall mesh so well with the bright, fruity apple cider.
Plus, this one is easy enough to make as a big batch to serve at a party to warm your guests up. All you need is some simple garnishes like an apple slice or orange wedge and you’re on your way to be a cocktail champion!
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
When you live in Wisconsin, you need to know how to make a good old fashioned. They are hotly debated here as the drink of choice for many and the perfect way to make them. You must have enough bitters; sweetness from things like oranges, grenadine, and simple syrup; and whiskey, or in some cases brandy; to satisfy every cocktail connoisseur.
Thankfully, bars and pubs around Wisconsin have their own old fashioned mixes at the ready, because it’s one of the most popular beverages of choice so we don’t ever have to spend time muddling ingredients for each glass. And with this super simple maple old fashioned recipe, you won’t have to muddle either!
Flavors of Fall
Fall is the time of year when warm spices start appearing in recipes and the air starts to smell like pumpkin. It’s also the time of year when apples are ripe for picking. There are so many delicious flavors associated with fall, and it’s the perfect time of year to cozy up with a fall drink and a good book.
That is what makes this drink the trademark of fall, tart apples, warm cinnamon, real maple syrup, bourbon whiskey. Add a few more items like orange zest or peel, apple slices, and bitters and it is like fall flavors all rolled into one hearty glass!
What are bitters?
Bitters are a type of herbal liquor that are used to add flavor and complexity to cocktails. Bitters can be made from a variety of different herbs, spices, and even fruits. The most common bitters are made from Angostura bark, cascarilla bark, gentian root, and orange peel.
Bitters are typically added to cocktails in small amounts, as too much bitters can make a drink taste overwhelmingly bitter. They can also be used as a digestive aid and are often added to coffee or tea.
Bitters are a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the old fashioned and the Manhattan. The most popular is a dash of orange bitters or angostura bitters. They can be purchased at most liquor stores and can also be made at home.
Other Secrets to Making a Good Old Fashioned
There are many twists and spins you can put on making an old fashioned. The key is to make the drink based on the preferences of you and your guests. If you have a guest that doesn’t like apple cider for example, you can change up the recipe.
Make it individualized.
- Try substituting different ingredients or using other mix ins.
- A great option to add a little more classic orange flavor is to use a dash or orange juice.
- Instead of cinnamon, try adding a pumpkin spice blend.
- Use an apple brandy instead of straight bourbon.
- Brighten it up with some fresh lemon juice, especially for guests that don’t want as much sweet flavors.
There is always a better way to make a drink, but what is important in making a delicious cocktail is making it your own. Everyone’s taste buds are different.
What garnishes for old fashioned?
There are limitless ways you can dress up a drink, but people can be picky with their old fashioneds. Here are some tried and true garnishes for classic old fashioned drinks:
- Orange slice
- Apple slice
- Twist of orange peel or zest
- Maraschino cherry
- Sprig of rosemary
- Sugar cube
- Pickled mushroom
- Green olive
- Whole cinnamon stick
What is the difference between Bourbon and Whiskey?
There is not really a difference between whiskey and bourbon as bourbon is a type of whiskey. The distinguishing factor is that Bourbon has to contain over 50% corn as its main distilled ingredient.
Should I use a cocktail shaker?
There are a few reasons why bartenders use cocktail shakers. The first reason is that it helps to create a sense of theater. Bartenders can use the shaker to create a show for their guests, which can add to the overall experience.
Cocktail shakers also help to ensure that cocktails are well-mixed and delicious. By shaking the ingredients together, bartenders can ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed. As a result, use of a cocktail shaker can help to create better-tasting drinks.
They also offer a great benefit of chilling a drink fast, without pouring it over ice. You can achieve this by shaking it with a generous amount of ice cubes. Also, small ice cubes chill a drink faster than a large ice cube. This is because of the surface area of the ice.
Apple Cider Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned Mocktail Recipe
Making an alcohol-free option is just as fun, sophisticated, and delicious as their boozy counterparts. Follow the recipe and leave out the alcohol. The combination of fresh apple cider, maple syrup and a tiny bit of bitters is so addictive. You will not even miss the alcohol.
Apple Cider Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Adjust as desired
- 2 Ounces Bourbon Whiskey or Brandy Good Quality
- 1 Teaspoon Maple Syrup Real maple syrup, adjust as needed
- 3 Drops Bitters
- 1 Slice Orange for garnish
- 1 Slice Apple for garnish
- 1 Stick Cinnamon for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- In a glass, add ice cubes, apple cider, whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with a stick of cinnamon and a slice of apple and orange.
