If you’re a fan of cozy, warm drinks with a twist, then you’re going to absolutely love this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe. It’s the perfect way to bring together the rich flavors of bourbon with the autumnal sweetness of apple cider and maple syrup — creating a cocktail that feels like a hug in a glass. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for chilly evenings or any time you want to impress friends with something a little different.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance: The mix of smooth bourbon, sweet maple syrup, and tangy cider creates a cocktail that’s both complex and easy to sip.
- Super Simple: It takes just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients to whip up — no fancy bartending skills needed.
- Year-Round Appeal: While it screams fall vibes, it’s just as enjoyable any time you crave a comforting, spirited drink.
- Great for Sharing: Makes two servings, so you can easily treat yourself and a friend (or keep both for yourself, no judgment here!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe plays a special role in flavor and texture. When shopping, look for high-quality bourbon and pure maple syrup as they shine through the cocktail.
- Bourbon: I love using Four Roses Single Barrel because of its smoothness and depth, but any good-quality bourbon works beautifully.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Go for 100% pure maple syrup like Finding Home Farms — it adds natural sweetness and a lovely woody note.
- Apple Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider brings a bright and crisp flavor; avoid anything too sugary or overly processed.
- Orange Bitters: These add a subtle citrus complexity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Cinnamon Sticks: They’re not just for garnish — swirling them gently releases warm spice aromas.
Variations
I like to mix things up occasionally with this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe because it’s so versatile. Feel free to tweak it to suit your mood or the season — I promise it’ll still taste fantastic.
- Spiced Variation: Adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the shaker amps up that warm spice vibe, perfect for winter nights.
- Gluten-Free Twist: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just confirm your bitters don’t have any unwanted additives if that matters to you.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Swap bourbon for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and increase the apple cider for a fun mocktail.
- Seasonal Switch: Try swapping apple cider with pear cider for a slightly different fruity edge, which I experimented with last fall and absolutely loved.
How to Make Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Chill Your Tools
Before you dive in, I recommend chilling your cocktail shaker and glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This little trick keeps your Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe cold and fresh without diluting it quickly.
Step 2: Combine and Shake
Fill your shaker with ice, then pour in the bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters. I like to give it a solid 15-20 second shake to mix everything well and chill it to just the right temperature. Make sure you don’t over-shake or the cider loses its bright flavor.
Step 3: Strain and Garnish
Strain the mixture evenly into two rocks glasses filled with fresh ice cubes. Don’t skip fresh ice here because it slows dilution and keeps the cocktail sipping-worthy. Finally, add a cinnamon stick to each glass — it’s not just decoration, it infuses a subtle spice as you drink.
Pro Tips for Making Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe
- Use Quality Bourbon: The smoother and richer your bourbon, the better the final drink — I always splurge just a bit here.
- Fresh Cider Matters: Fresh, cold apple cider makes a world of difference compared to store-bought sugary versions.
- Adjust Sweetness To Taste: If you prefer less sweet drinks, start with less maple syrup and add slowly—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Don’t Skip the Bitters: Orange bitters bring balance and complexity; leaving them out will make the drink flat.
How to Serve Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always use cinnamon sticks for garnish — they add a nice aroma and a little visual flair. For special occasions, I’ve also added a twist of orange peel alongside the cinnamon for an extra citrus pop that pairs wonderfully with the bitters.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with hearty autumnal snacks — think roasted nuts, spiced cheese boards, or even maple-glazed bacon. I especially love serving it alongside smoked gouda and some sliced apples for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Some of my favorite moments were when I served this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe in etched glasses alongside mini caramel apples and cinnamon sticks, creating a full-on fall vibe. You can also rim the glass with a cinnamon-sugar mix for added texture and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can pour them into an airtight bottle or jar and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I find the flavors mellow a bit, so it’s best enjoyed fresh, but cold sipping later is still pretty good.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this cocktail because cider and maple syrup don’t freeze well and the texture changes. Instead, make fresh batches — it literally takes just five minutes!
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be served cold on the rocks, so reheating isn’t usually needed. However, if you want a warm twist, gently heat the apple cider and maple syrup separately and then combine with bourbon off the heat — it’s like a spiked hot toddy with a fascinating flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make the Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The original recipe is vegan-friendly as long as you ensure your maple syrup is pure (which it should be) and double-check that your bitters don’t contain any animal-derived additives. Most orange bitters are vegan, but it’s good to verify.
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What’s the best bourbon to use in this recipe?
I personally love Four Roses Single Barrel for its smooth flavor, but any medium-bodied bourbon with balanced sweetness works. Avoid overly smoky or high-proof bourbons since they can overpower the delicate cider and maple notes.
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Can I prepare this cocktail in larger batches for parties?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredient quantities accordingly and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl with plenty of ice. Add the cinnamon sticks just before serving to maintain aroma and flavor.
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How do orange bitters affect the drink?
Orange bitters add a subtle citrus complexity that brightens and balances the sweet and boozy elements. Without them, the cocktail feels flatter and less nuanced — so don’t skip this ingredient if you can avoid it.
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Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?
Honey can work as a substitute but changes the flavor profile significantly. Maple syrup adds a woody, earthy sweetness that complements the cider better. If you use honey, try a mild variety and adjust the amount to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special and comforting in a glass. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want to cozy up or share a memorable drink with friends. I hope you give it a try — pour yourself a glass, relax, and enjoy each sip like we’re chatting together in the kitchen. Cheers!
Print
Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, combining rich bourbon with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup and crisp apple cider. Enhanced with aromatic orange bitters and garnished with cinnamon sticks, this drink is perfect for autumn evenings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 5 ounces bourbon (Four Roses Single Barrel recommended)
- 1 ounce pure maple syrup (Finding Home Farms brand suggested)
- 1 ounce apple cider
Additional Ingredients
- 4-6 dashes of orange bitters
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill the ingredients properly.
- Add ingredients: Pour in 5 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of pure maple syrup, 1 ounce of apple cider, and add 4-6 dashes of orange bitters into the shaker.
- Shake well: Vigorously shake the mixture until well combined and chilled, around 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into glasses: Strain the cocktail evenly into two rocks glasses filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish: Place a cinnamon stick in each glass to add a subtle warmth and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use high-quality bourbon for best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your preferred sweetness.
- Ensure the apple cider is fresh and unsweetened for balance.
- This cocktail is best served immediately while cold and refreshing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
