Apple Cider Old Fashioned
A good old fashioned should be smooth, lightly spiced and warming. This Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a delicious fall spin on the classic and sophisticated whiskey cocktail.
I really love a good old fashioned. First, let’s get the important part out of the way. Rye is the only whiskey you should be using to make an old fashioned. Kidding! I’m not that serious about it, but I do prefer rye over bourbon.
This time of year, I love the type of cocktail that that makes my belly feel warm. Add an element of classic fall flavor and I’m all over it. It only took me a couple of tries to get this one just right. It’s the perfect mix of refreshing, chilled apple cider with the complexity of a quality rye whiskey.
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Ingredients
Rye Whiskey – I haven’t tried a lot of ryes but so far, my favorite is Pikesville 110 proof by Heaven Hill Distillery. It’s pretty smooth, despite being so strong and it has just the right balance of spice and sweetness.
Bitters – A must for an old fashioned. Bitters are made from infusing clear grain alcohol with fruit, herbs, bark and spices. Clove is the dominant aroma.
Apple Cider Mix – Yep, those little packets you add to hot water for some quick hot apple cider. I tried this recipe with fresh chilled apple cider and I didn’t like the result as much. In order to get enough cider flavor, I had to use too much and it watered down the whiskey. If the whiskey is drowned out, then it’s nowhere near an old fashioned.
Water – Some classic old fashioned recipes call for a bit of water and some don’t. I like mine made with just a splash of water because it tempers the burn of the whiskey. Some people like the bite of the alcohol so they omit the water. For this recipe, we need a bit of water so the apple cider flavor doesn’t overwhelm the drink.
How to Make an Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Step 1: Add rye whiskey, water, two dashes of bitters and apple cider mix into a low ball glass or rocks glass. Stir well to dissolve the apple cider mix.
A traditional old fashioned uses a sugar cube, but since the apple cider mix is sweetened, we’re going to omit that for this recipe.
Step 2: Add ice ball or large chunks of ice (or just whatever ice you have – you don’t need to be fancy). Use a bar spoon or small spoon to stir the cocktail around with the ice to chill it.
*Note: ice balls are pretty big so I prefer to mix the drink in a separate glass and then pour over the ice. If you mix your drink and then try to drop the ice ball into it, the ice will displace a lot of liquid and slosh it out of the glass. Even if you try to drop it in gently, it will still slosh. Just a fair warning!
Step 3: Garnish with apple slices, orange slice or cinnamon stick. Serve right away before the ice dilutes the drink.
Not in the Mood for Whiskey?
Try one of these cocktail recipes instead:
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1.5 ounces water
- 2 tsp apple cider mix
- 2 dashes bitters
Instructions
- Add rye whiskey, water, bitters and apple cider mix into a low ball glass or rocks glass. Stir well to dissolve the apple cider mix.
- Add ice ball or large chunks of ice (or just whatever ice you have - you don't need to be fancy). Use a bar spoon or small spoon to stir the cocktail around with the ice to chill it.
- Garnish with apple slices, orange slice or cinnamon stick. Serve right away before the ice dilutes the drink.
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