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Cozy Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail: Easy Fall Drink

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A warm, comforting fall cocktail that combines spiced apple cider syrup with bourbon or rye whiskey for a perfectly balanced, soul-soothing drink. Quick and easy to make, it’s ideal for cozy nights in or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce spiced apple cider syrup
  • 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
  • Ice (preferably one large cube)
  • Orange peel (for garnish)
  • Optional: cinnamon stick or star anise for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the spiced apple cider syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, 1 star anise (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and syrupy (coats the back of a spoon). Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar. Discard spices. Cool completely. Makes about 3/4 cup syr…
  2. Prep your glass and ice: Place a large ice cube (or a few smaller ones) in a rocks glass. Swirl to chill, then pour out any melted water.
  3. Combine the syrup and bitters: In a mixing glass or directly in the prepared rocks glass, add 1/2 ounce spiced apple cider syrup, 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters (if using). Stir gently to combine.
  4. Add the bourbon: Pour 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey over the syrup mixture. Stir for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
  5. Garnish and serve: Use a vegetable peeler to cut a wide strip of orange peel (avoid white pith). Hold the peel over the glass, skin side down, and twist to release oils. Run the peel around the rim, then drop it in. Optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make the syrup ahead of time; it keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For a non-alcoholic version, swap bourbon for strong chai tea or non-alcoholic spirit. For a warm version, skip the ice and gently warm the syrup and whiskey together. Toast spices in a dry pan before simmering for deeper flavor. Use large ice cubes to slow dilution.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider old fashioned, fall cocktail, bourbon cocktail, spiced apple syrup, easy cocktail recipe

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-apple-cider-old-fashioned-cocktail-easy-fall-drink/