This apple cider old-fashioned is the classic cocktail with a fun fall twist!

apple cider old fashioned in a glass

My husband and I love bourbon whiskey and so old fashioned cocktails are a staple in our house. The classic cocktail is simple— first you muddle sugar and bitters together, then you add bourbon or rye whiskey and finish it off with a twist of citrus.

For this fall variation, I’ve added real apple cider and used brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. It’s the perfect sipping drink on a crisp fall day!

Table of Contents

ingredients for apple cider old fashioned cocktail

Ingredients you’ll need

Here’s everything needed to make an apple cider old fashioned cocktail (full recipe below):

  • Quality apple cider or juice— look for it in the refrigerated section at your grocery store, or buy directly from a local orchard
  • Bourbon whiskey
  • Angostura bitters
  • Light or dark brown sugar
  • Ice

Optional garnishes

While not completely necessary, these garnishes complete the cocktail. Choose one or several!

  • Orange twist or slice
  • Apple slices
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Luxardo cherries

How to make this old-fashioned cocktail

  1. Combine apple cider, brown sugar and bitters. Stir together in a lowball glass until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add ice and bourbon.
  3. Top with garnishes. An orange twist is the signature garnish for an old-fashioned cocktail, but apple slices, cinnamon stick and/or a cherry are a great way to add a fall twist.
  4. Serve. Enjoy this cocktail immediately!
closeup of apple cider old fashioned in a glass

More fall and winter cocktails you’ll love

This recipe was originally published October 2013.

Apple Cider Old-Fashioned Cocktail recipe

apple cider old fashioned in a glass

Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail

Servings: 1 drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
A classic whiskey cocktail with a fall apple twist!

Ingredients
 

  • 2 ounces quality apple cider or juice
  • Dash of angostura bitters
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
  • Ice , for serving

Optional garnishes

  • Orange slice or twist
  • Apple slice(s)
  • Luxardo maraschino cherries
  • Cinnamon stick

Instructions
 

  • In a lowball glass, combine the apple juice, bitters, and sugar. Swirl glass around until mixture is combined and sugar is dissolved.
  • Add the ice and whiskey.
  • Top with garnishes as desired. Serve immediately.
Calories: 172kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 57mg, Sugar: 9g
Cuisine: American
Course: Drinks
Author: Annalise
Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.