I love making drinks that really capture the vibe of each season, and honestly, the Cinnamon Apple Old Fashioned might be one of my top picks. This cocktail brings together warm cinnamon and crisp apple, giving the classic Old Fashioned a fun little upgrade. It’s simple to mix up at home, and I usually have everything I need already.
Whether I’m winding down solo or having a few friends over, this drink just feels special every time. The combo of sweet apple and spicy cinnamon hits that cozy note I crave.
If you’re curious or want to impress someone, here’s my step-by-step recipe.
Cinnamon Apple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
For a twist on the Old Fashioned, I like to blend cinnamon, apple, and smooth bourbon. You end up with a drink that’s comforting but not complicated.
Equipment
- Rocks glass: The classic way to serve it.
- Mixing glass: Where the magic happens.
- Bar spoon: For stirring everything together.
- Jigger: So I don’t overpour (or underpour, let’s be real).
- Strainer: Keeps things tidy when pouring.
- Peeler or zester: For a bit of orange peel, if you’re feeling fancy.
- Muddler (optional): Only if I’m using a sugar cube.
- Ice cube tray: Big cubes are best, trust me.
- Cocktail picks: For garnishes—apple, cherry, whatever you like.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz apple cider
- ¼ oz simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 teaspoon apple butter (optional, but I’m a fan)
- Ice cubes or one big cube
- Cinnamon stick (garnish)
- Apple slice (garnish)
- Orange peel (garnish, optional)
- Maraschino cherry (garnish, optional)
Tip: No apple butter? Just add a splash more apple cider. It’s close enough.
Instructions
- Toss the apple butter (if you’re using it), simple syrup or sugar cube, and bitters into your mixing glass.
- If there’s a sugar cube, muddle until it’s dissolved.
- Pour in the bourbon and apple cider.
- Add ice cubes and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds. You want it chilled but not watery.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slice, and, if you’re in the mood, an orange peel or maraschino cherry.
- Drink up!
Notes
Fresh is best! I try to use crisp apple slices and real cinnamon sticks—they just smell and taste better. One big ice cube is ideal since it melts slower.
Sometimes, for more cinnamon flavor, I’ll muddle the cinnamon stick before anything else. If I’m craving a sweeter drink, I’ll up the simple syrup or toss in a cherry.
It works any time of year, but honestly, it’s extra cozy in the fall. Swapping in rye for bourbon? That adds a nice spicy kick.
Equipment
- Muddler (optional)
- Ice cube tray (large cube preferred)
- Cocktail picks (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz apple cider
- ¼ oz simple syrup or 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 teaspoon apple butter optional
- Ice cubes or 1 large cube
Garnish Options:
- Cinnamon stick
- Apple slice
- Orange peel optional
- Maraschino cherry optional
Instructions
- If using a sugar cube, muddle until dissolved.
- Add bourbon and apple cider.
- Add ice cubes and stir for 20–30 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or one large cube.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slice, and optional orange peel or cherry.
- Sip and enjoy the cozy flavors!
Tasting Notes
First sip, and I get that gentle warmth from the cinnamon. It’s not overpowering, more like it just melts in with everything else.
The apple flavor is crisp, almost like biting into a fresh one on a chilly day. It balances out the whiskey, so it’s never too sweet or too bold.
Here’s what stands out for me:
- Aroma: Warm apples, sweet cinnamon, a little vanilla in the background
- Taste: Balanced apple, mellow spice, smooth whiskey
- Finish: Cinnamon lingers, with a soft apple aftertaste
The drink isn’t heavy, which I really appreciate. It’s refreshing enough for early fall but still brings those cozy autumn vibes.
If you’re into baked apples and cinnamon—like homemade pie, honestly—you’ll probably love this. I’ll usually pair it with some nuts or a slice of apple to play up the flavors even more.
Must Have Ingredients
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|
Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
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Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
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Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
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Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
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WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
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Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
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Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
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Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
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1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
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Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
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Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have every ingredient sitting around. That’s when I start thinking about swaps—because I still want that Cinnamon Apple Old Fashioned, you know?
If I’m out of apple cider, I’ll reach for pear juice. White grape juice works too, honestly. Both bring in a gentle sweetness and a bit of fruity kick.
Missing cinnamon? No big deal. I’ll toss in a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, or maybe just drop a cinnamon stick into the glass while it chills.
Not a fan of whiskey? Well, bourbon gives it a warmer, richer vibe. Or I’ll use dark rum if I’m feeling like something sweeter.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet I put together:
| If Missing | Try using |
|---|---|
| Apple cider | Pear juice, white grape juice |
| Cinnamon | Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon stick |
| Whiskey | Bourbon, dark rum |
For garnishes, if apple slices are out, I’ll just grab an orange slice or even a cherry. Why not?
If I’m going for a non-alcoholic version, I skip the whiskey. More cider and a splash of club soda does the trick.
Honestly, it’s pretty easy to riff on this drink and make it my own.
