A seasonal take on the Old Fashioned, this cider-forward bourbon cocktail blends apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters for a balanced, spirit-led drink with a subtle autumn lift.
CocktailTime
3 min
Skill
Intermediate
Glass
Old Fashioned Glass
Cook mode requires a supported browser and a secure connection.
A refined twist on the classic Old Fashioned, the Cider Old Fashioned brings a light touch of apple into a traditionally spirit-forward format. Bourbon remains the backbone, while a measured pour of apple cider and maple syrup adds just enough seasonal character without overpowering the structure. It’s a clean, balanced way to bring fall flavors into a serious cocktail.
The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and is built on a simple formula: spirit, sugar, bitters, and dilution. Over time, it has become a template for variation. This version leans into autumn by swapping sugar for maple syrup and introducing a small amount of apple cider, keeping the original structure intact while adding a seasonal layer.
Substitution tip: No maple syrup? Use demerara syrup for a similar richness.
This drink stands out because it respects the Old Fashioned’s structure while adding just enough seasonal character. The apple cider doesn’t dilute the drink; it lifts it, giving the bourbon a brighter edge while the maple rounds everything out. It remains spirit-forward, just with a fall accent.
Add the bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters to an Old Fashioned Glass.
Add a large ice cube and stir until chilled and properly diluted, about 15 to 20 seconds.
Express an orange peel over the drink, then add it as the garnish.
Add a cinnamon stick as an optional aromatic garnish.
A clean Old Fashioned with just enough apple and maple to signal the season.
Cocktail
A bourbon-forward Old Fashioned with maple syrup and cinnamon bitters, this spiced variation delivers warm sweetness and aromatic depth with a clean, spirit-led finish.
Cocktail
The Bajan Rum Old Fashioned pairs aged Barbadian rum with demerara syrup, aromatic bitters, and orange oils for a rich, spirit-forward Caribbean take on the classic cocktail.
Cocktail
The Apple Cider Whiskey Smash blends bourbon, apple cider, lemon, honey syrup, and fresh mint into a bright fall cocktail with soft orchard sweetness. Shaken and served over crushed ice, it keeps the refreshing character of a Whiskey Smash while adding a distinctly autumn flavor.
