Apple Cider Old Fashioned

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:

• You must use spiced apple cider in this! Trader Joe’s sells a fantastic one I buy often.

• If you cannot find spiced apple cider, or if you want to boost your storebought cider, you can use regular apple cider and add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and orange peel while reducing, then strain and cool.

• 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.

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!

Ingredients:

For the Apple Cider Reduction:

• 1 quart (4 cups) spiced apple cider

For the Apple Cider Old Fashioned (4-6 servings):

• 2 cups bourbon

• 1 cup apple cider reduction

• 12 shakes orange bitters

• Orange peel, Sliced apple, thyme, and star anise for garnish

For Apple Cider Old Fashioned (single serve):

• 2½ oz bourbon 

• 2 oz apple cider reduction

• 3 shakes orange bitters

• Orange peel

• Sliced apple, thyme, and star anise for garnish (optional)

Directions:

For the Apple Cider Old Fashioned:

• Start by making your apple cider reduction. Add spiced apple cider to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low boil. Cook for about 25-30 minutes or until reduced to about 1 cup of liquid, stirring every few minutes so the cider doesn’t stick to the pot.

• Remove from heat and place in a glass jar to cool completely. If batching your cocktail, mix the apple cider reduction with the bourbon and orange bitters, and keep in a glass jar in the fridge. 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!