Something magical happens when you reduce a quart of apple cider – the apple and spice flavors get amplified and you end up with this slightly thickened apple cider syrup that tastes like the holidays in a cup. Pair that with bourbon and a few shakes of orange bitters and you have yourself your new favorite cocktail.
The magical genius of this recipe is credited to Smitten Kitchen, who has a plethora of amazing cocktail recipes on her page, but this old fashioned is my favorite. Best part is, you can batch the recipe and keep it in the fridge for a month (if it even lasts that long) for a ready made old fashioned whenever you wish! I altered the recipe just slightly to not reduce the cider quite as much, as I find it’s easier to keep the cider mixed into the cocktail. You’re absolutely going to love this one!
A few things to note:
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I prefer using spiced apple cider in this (do not use sparkling) due to the added spices and warmth it adds. Trader Joe’s sells a fantastic one I buy often. If you cannot find spiced apple cider, or if you want to boost your store bought apple cider, you can use regular apple cider and add cinnamon sticks, and whatever else you like like cloves, allspice, and an orange peel while reducing, then strain and cool.
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Be sure not to over reduce your apple cider, as it will get too thick and make it difficult to mix. If you have over reduced your apple cider, just add some more apple cider until the mixture is loosened.
- Factors like temperature, stovetop, pot, and brand of apple cider will all affect the amount of time it will take to reduce the apple cider. The spiced cider from Trader Joe’s usually takes me around 30-35 minutes to reduce, while a natural apple cider has taken me close to an hour. The key is to have continuous small bubbles where it’s not quite boiling, but not too small of a simmer either. Keep watching it and stir every 5-10 minutes.
There are two ways you can make this recipe depending on your preferences. You can keep the apple cider reduction in a jar separately, and use it to make individual cocktails so you can scale the bourbon up or down based on individual preferences. OR you can batch it, and keep it in a sealed bottle in the fridge for a ready made old fashion anytime you wish! You can also add ginger beer to this to make a fantastic apple cider mulesfor a fun and festive cocktail.
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Description
This spiced bourbon cocktail combines apple cider reduction, warming fall spices, and bitters for the perfect holiday Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Reduction:
- 1 quart (4 cups) spiced apple cider
For the Apple Cider Old Fashioned (~6 servings):
- 2 cups bourbon
- 1 cup apple cider reduction
- 12 shakes orange bitters
- Orange peel, Sliced apple, thyme, or star anise for garnish
For Apple Cider Old Fashioned (single serve):
- 2½ oz bourbon
- 1–1½ oz apple cider reduction
- 2 shakes orange bitters
- Orange peel
- Sliced apple, thyme, and star anise for garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the Apple Cider Old Fashioned:
- Start by making your apple cider reduction. Add spiced apple cider to a saucepan. If using regular apple cider, add a cinnamon stick and some whole cloves. Bring to a boil, then cook on medium heat at a rolling boil, stirring every 5-10 minutes so the cider reduces evenly. Reduce until you have about 1 cup of liquid, which can take anywhere from 25-45 minutes depending on your heat.
- Remove from heat and place in a glass jar to cool completely. If batching your cocktail, whisk the orange bitters and bourbon with the cooled apple cider reduction until combined. Taste to adjust, adding more bourbon as needed. Keep in a glass jar in the fridge for up to one month. Once ready to serve, add to a rocks glass over ice and garnish with an orange peel, thyme, sliced apple, or star anise
- To make a single serve cocktail, add ice to a rocks glass with an orange peel. Add the bitters, bourbon, and apple cider reduction and stir until cold. Garnish with an apple slice, thyme, or star anise and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Cocktails