Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe

If you’re into classic cocktails with a cozy twist, you’re going to adore this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe. It’s the perfect little sipper for chilly evenings when you want something comforting but still a bit sophisticated. I absolutely love how the maple syrup adds a warm depth and the apple cider gives it that crisp, autumnal pop. Trust me, this one’s a fan-freaking-tastic way to upgrade your usual Old Fashioned game.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe are simple but thoughtfully combined to give you that smooth, rich taste with just the right hint of sweetness and spice. Each component brings its own personality — from the bourbon’s caramel notes to the maple syrup’s natural sweetness and the fresh brightness of apple cider.

• Bourbon: I love using Four Roses Single Barrel for its smooth, spicy character, but pick your favorite good-quality bourbon.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Finding Home Farms has been my go-to brand; look for 100% pure maple syrup to avoid that cloying artificial taste.
• Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider (not apple juice) for that crisp, slightly tangy note that keeps the cocktail lively.
• Orange Bitters: Four to six dashes add a lovely citrus complexity — don’t skip this, it really rounds out the flavors.
• Cinnamon Sticks: These aren’t just for looks — they add a subtle spice aroma as you drink.

Variations

One of the great things about this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on the season or my mood, and I encourage you to experiment too — it’s all about making a drink that feels just right for you.

• Spiced Version: I’ve added a pinch of ground nutmeg once and loved the extra warmth it gave the cocktail — especially nice in late fall.
• Smoky Bourbon: Try using a smoky bourbon for a more robust, campfire vibe. It’s a hit with friends who prefer bolder cocktails.
• Non-Alcoholic: For a mocktail, swap bourbon for non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives and keep the bitters and maple for flavor depth.
• Maple Syrup Swap: If you want a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup by half and add a splash of club soda for a lighter feel.

How to Make Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe

Step 1: Gather your ingredients and chill your shaker

First things first — grab your bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters. I like to fill my cocktail shaker with plenty of ice beforehand to get it nice and cold, which helps chill everything quickly and dilutes just enough to balance the flavors.

Step 2: Shake it all up

Add 5 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of pure maple syrup, 1 ounce of fresh apple cider, and 4 to 6 dashes of orange bitters into the shaker. Seal it up and give it a good shake — about 15 seconds should do the trick. You’ll feel the chill and hear that satisfying shake sound when it’s ready. This step blends the ingredients while chilling them perfectly.

Step 3: Strain and garnish

Next, strain the mixture evenly into two rocks glasses filled with fresh ice. The rocks glass gives this cocktail that classic, sophisticated vibe and keeps it cool without watering it down too fast. Don’t forget to pop in a cinnamon stick into each glass — it adds a subtle spicy aroma that makes sipping extra cozy.

How to Serve Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe

Garnishes

I personally stick with cinnamon sticks because they look beautiful and release a gentle spicy aroma as you sip, which reminds me of cozy evenings around a fire. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes add a thin slice of apple or a twist of orange peel to complement the bitters and highlight the cider notes.

Side Dishes

Since this cocktail leans into warm, fall flavors, I love pairing it with sharp cheeses or a charcuterie board. It also goes surprisingly well with spiced appetizers like maple-glazed nuts or even roasted butternut squash bites. It’s a great contrast that keeps your palate happy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch during autumn dinner parties, I like serving this cocktail in short, heavy-bottomed glasses with cinnamon sticks tied with twine or adorned with a small sprig of fresh rosemary. It adds a rustic elegance that guests always comment on. You could even serve it alongside a mini pumpkin or apple decor on the side for that seasonal flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually don’t recommend storing this cocktail mixed because the fresh cider loses its brightness and the maple sweetness can mellow too much over time. That said, if you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge but use within 24 hours for best freshness.

Freezing

This isn’t a great candidate for freezing — the texture and flavor of both maple syrup and cider change dramatically after being frozen and thawed. For best taste, always enjoy freshly made.

Reheating

I typically don’t reheat this cocktail since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold, but if you want a warm twist, I recommend gently warming the apple cider separately with a cinnamon stick and then adding the bourbon and maple syrup after—it basically becomes a cozy hot toddy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe holds a soft spot in my heart — it’s the cocktail I reach for when I want something that feels like a warm hug in a glass. Whether you’re unwinding on a crisp evening or impressing guests at a fall gathering, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try and tweak it to your taste; I think you’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to favorite, just like it did for me.

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