Maple Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Mixing up cocktails that match the season just feels right, doesn’t it? This Maple Apple Cider Old Fashioned is honestly one of my go-tos when there’s a chill in the air.

It’s a simple blend—smooth bourbon, fresh apple cider, and a good pour of maple syrup—for a warm, balanced drink you can whip up in minutes. Somehow, the flavors just click. Cozy and a little bit refreshing at the same time.

No need to be a pro bartender here. With just a handful of ingredients and some basic tools, you’ll have a drink that tastes like autumn in a glass.

The maple gives it depth, the cider brightens things up, and the bourbon, well, it’s the glue that holds it all together.

Let’s get into what you’ll need, how to mix it, and what you can expect from that first sip. Honestly, once you try it, you might end up making it every other weekend.

Maple Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I like this drink because it’s got the warmth of bourbon whiskey, crisp apple cider, and the unmistakable sweetness of pure maple syrup.

Cinnamon and orange bitters round it out, giving the whole thing a cozy, balanced vibe—perfect for a cool night or just winding down at home.

Equipment

My setup is usually pretty simple. I just make sure everything’s clean so the flavors stay sharp.

• Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Jigger for measuring
• Fine mesh strainer
• Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass)
• Small knife for cutting garnish
• Peeler for orange peel
• Ice cubes or a big ice sphere

A large ice cube is my favorite—melts slow, so you don’t end up with a watered-down drink halfway through.

Ingredients

Good spirits and fresh mixers really do make a difference. I’d swear by it.

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey (Knob Creek is solid, or try a maple bourbon)
• 1 oz fresh apple cider
• 0.5 oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 dash aromatic bitters
• Optional: 0.25 oz apple brandy for a little extra depth
• Ice cubes or a big ice sphere
• Garnish: orange peel, orange slice, and cinnamon stick

If I can get my hands on fresh-pressed cider with no added sugar, I go for it. And the maple syrup—definitely 100% pure.

Instructions

Here’s how I put it together, aiming for that perfect balance.

• Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice.
• Add bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters.
• Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds—just enough to chill and mix everything.
• Strain into a rocks glass over a big ice cube.
• Express the oils from an orange peel over the top, then drop it in.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice.

I always stir instead of shaking. Keeps the drink clear and gives it that silky feel.

Notes

Sometimes I’ll swap in half apple brandy for a fruitier twist. Maple bourbon is fun too if you want a little more sweetness without extra syrup.

If I’m after something a bit lighter, I cut the bourbon to 1.5 oz and bump up the cider a touch.

The cinnamon stick isn’t just for looks—it slowly adds a hint of spice as you sip. I steer clear of artificial syrups; they just drown out the real flavors.

Tasting Notes

When I take the first sip of this maple old fashioned, the smooth sweetness of maple syrup jumps out at me. It mingles with the bourbon’s warmth, and honestly, it feels balanced—never too much.

The apple cider brings a gentle fruitiness, kind of like those crisp fall afternoons. It’s not tart, more like a fresh edge that keeps the maple from getting too heavy.

I still catch the depth of a classic old fashioned—the bourbon’s definitely leading the way here. Maple and cider just soften things, adding those seasonal touches.

The aroma? Super inviting. There’s that mix of fall flavors—apple, a little maple, and just a whiff of citrus from the orange peel.

Here’s how I’d break down the main flavors:

• Sweetness: Light maple syrup, mellow and smooth.
• Fruit: Fresh apple cider, with a soft crispness.
• Spice: Just a subtle warmth from the bitters.
• Body: Full, rich, but somehow still easygoing.

Every sip of this apple cider old fashioned feels steady and, yeah, really well put together. The flavors just get along—nothing’s fighting for attention, which makes it easy to keep sipping.