Are you ready to elevate your cocktail game? The Apple Cider Old Fashioned blends sweet apple cider, rich maple syrup, and a hint of bitters to create a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any season. In this post, I’ll guide you through the easy steps to mix this delightful cocktail and share tips for perfecting your technique. Let’s get shaking and make your new favorite drink!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
– 1 orange slice
– 1 maraschino cherry
– Ice cubes
– Cinnamon stick for garnish
To create a great Apple Cider Old Fashioned, you need a few simple items. Start with fresh apple cider. It brings a sweet and tart flavor to the drink. Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs well with the cider.
You will also need Angostura bitters. This adds depth and balance to the cocktail. The orange slice and maraschino cherry add color and a hint of fruity taste. Don’t forget the ice cubes to chill your drink. Lastly, a cinnamon stick makes a lovely garnish and adds a warm aroma.
Recommended Brands
– Best bourbon choices: Look for smooth bourbons like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace. They have a great flavor that blends well with apple cider.
– Quality apple cider brands: Choose local apple cider if possible. If not, brands like Martinelli’s or Tree Top are good choices.
– Type of bitters for optimal flavor: Angostura is the classic choice, but you can try orange bitters for a twist.
Whether you’re at home or hosting friends, this drink will impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
– Pour in 2 oz apple cider and 1/2 oz maple syrup.
This step is simple but key. The ice cools the drink and blends the flavors. The apple cider adds sweetness and a fruity taste. Maple syrup brings in a rich, warm flavor.
Mixing Instructions
– Shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
– Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the shaker.
Shaking mixes the cider and syrup well. Bitters add depth and a slight spice. This mix gives your drink a unique twist.
Serving Details
– Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
– Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
– Add a cinnamon stick for a warm, aromatic touch.
Straining keeps your drink smooth. The fresh ice keeps it cool. The orange slice and cherry add color and flavor. The cinnamon stick makes it look fancy and smells great. Enjoy your Apple Cider Old Fashioned!
Tips & Tricks
Making the Perfect Cocktail
To make a great Apple Cider Old Fashioned, focus on shaking. First, fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This keeps your drink cold. Next, pour in the apple cider and maple syrup. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters. Now, shake it well! Shake for about 15 to 20 seconds. This chill factor is key. A well-chilled drink tastes better.
Garnishing Ideas
Garnishing adds flair. While an orange slice works well, you can try other fruits. A thin slice of pear or apple can add a fresh twist. A sprig of mint also looks nice and adds flavor. To enhance warmth, consider a cinnamon stick. It’s simple yet elegant and adds a lovely aroma.
Adjusting Sweetness
Sweetness is important in balancing flavors. If you want a sweeter drink, try using honey or a flavored syrup. Maple syrup gives a rich taste, but you can also use agave. Tweak the amount to suit your taste. Just remember to keep a balance. A dash of lemon juice can help cut through the sweetness.
Variations
Alternative Spirits
You can swap out bourbon for rye whiskey. Rye gives a spicy kick that works well with apple cider. This change adds depth to the drink. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a mocktail. Use the same apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters. Just skip the whiskey. You still get all the great flavors without the alcohol.
Seasonal Twists
Add seasonal spices to your cocktail for a new twist. Try cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices make your drink feel cozy and festive. You can also mix in other fruit flavors. Adding pear or cranberry juice brightens the drink. This way, you can enjoy different tastes throughout the year.
Low-Calorie Adjustments
If you’re watching your calories, you can reduce the sugar. Just cut back on the maple syrup. You can still enjoy a sweet taste with less syrup. Use low-calorie mixers like sparkling water. This keeps your drink light but still refreshing. You can still have fun without all the extra calories!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover Apple Cider Old Fashioned, keep it in the fridge. Use a sealed container. Mixed drinks taste best when fresh, but you can store it for one day. Apple cider itself lasts longer. Unopened, it can stay fresh for a month. Once opened, use it within a week. Always check for bad smells before using.
Prepping Ahead of Time
You can make this drink ahead. Mix the apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters in advance. Store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, shake it with ice and pour. For gatherings, prepare a batch. Just double or triple the recipe. This way, everyone enjoys a tasty drink quickly.
Freezing Options
Freezing apple cider is easy. Pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a bag. These cubes are great for chilling drinks later. You can also freeze garnishes. Slice oranges or cherries and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, store them in a bag too. This makes serving your drinks even easier.
FAQs
What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?
An Old Fashioned Cocktail is a classic drink. It combines spirits, sugar, and bitters. The drink dates back to the early 1800s. It is one of the oldest cocktails known. Traditionally, it uses whiskey, sugar, and bitters. This drink is served over ice in a short glass. The Old Fashioned is known for its simplicity and strong flavor. Many people enjoy its rich taste and smooth finish.
Can I use non-alcoholic cider?
Yes, you can use non-alcoholic cider. This lets everyone enjoy the drink. Just swap the apple cider in the recipe. You can still keep the same flavors. The maple syrup and bitters will add great taste. This makes it a fun mocktail for gatherings. You can serve it to kids or those who prefer no alcohol.
How do I adjust the recipe for larger servings?
To make a larger batch, simply scale up the ingredients. If you want to serve four, use:
– 8 oz apple cider
– 2 oz maple syrup
– 8 dashes of Angostura bitters
Mix it in a large pitcher. Pour over ice in individual glasses. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves. You can also make a batch cocktail. Just multiply the amounts, and mix in a big bowl. Make sure to stir well before serving.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious cocktail with simple ingredients. You learned about each component, the best brands to use, and step-by-step instructions for mixing. I shared helpful tips to make your drink perfect and variations for different tastes. Remember, experiment with flavors and enjoy the process. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a tasty drink, this cocktail is a great choice! Cheers to your cocktail-making skills!
