Simple Maple Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Fall drinks hit different when you make them yourself. There’s something about mixing your own cocktail that feels more special than ordering one at a bar. Plus, you can adjust everything to your taste – more maple syrup, less whiskey, whatever makes you happy.

That’s why I love this maple apple cider old fashioned. It takes the classic whiskey drink and gives it a cozy autumn twist. The apple cider adds a fruity sweetness while the maple syrup brings that warm, rich flavor we all crave when the leaves start changing. It’s like drinking fall in a glass.

Want something fancy for your next dinner party? This is it. Craving a nightcap after a long day? Also perfect. Honestly, any excuse to make this drink works for me.

What Kind of Whiskey Should I Use?

For this maple apple cider old fashioned, you’ll want to use a good quality whiskey or brandy that can hold its own against the sweet apple and maple flavors. Bourbon works really well here because its natural vanilla and caramel notes complement the maple syrup beautifully. If you prefer rye whiskey, that’s a great choice too since the spice will add some nice complexity to balance out the sweetness. Brandy, especially apple brandy if you can find it, makes this cocktail feel extra seasonal and pairs naturally with the apple cider. Whatever you choose, don’t go too cheap since the spirit is really the backbone of this drink, but you also don’t need to break the bank with your most expensive bottle.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy cocktail is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps, so here’s what you can switch up:

• Apple cider: If you don’t have apple cider, try apple juice mixed with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It won’t be quite as complex, but it’ll still give you that apple flavor you’re after.
• Whiskey or brandy: Bourbon works great as a whiskey substitute, or try rum for a different twist. Just stick with something that has good flavor since it’s the star of the show.
• Maple syrup: Real maple syrup is best here – don’t substitute with pancake syrup as it’ll change the whole flavor profile. If you’re out, honey works in a pinch, but use a bit less since it’s sweeter.
• Bitters: Angostura bitters are classic, but orange bitters or even walnut bitters can add a nice seasonal touch. Don’t skip the bitters entirely – they balance out the sweetness.
• Garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes! Try pear slices instead of apple, or add a sprig of rosemary along with the cinnamon stick for an herbal note.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when crafting this cocktail is using fake maple syrup instead of the real deal – artificial syrup will give you a cloying, overly sweet drink that masks the whiskey’s character.

Another common error is adding too much apple cider, which can water down your cocktail and throw off the balance – start with less and taste as you go, since cider sweetness varies by brand.

Don’t skip the muddling step if your recipe calls for it, and make sure to use quality bitters rather than whatever’s been sitting in your cabinet for years, as fresh bitters make a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Finally, serve it immediately over fresh ice rather than letting it sit, because dilution happens quickly and can turn your perfectly balanced old fashioned into a watery disappointment.

What to Serve With Maple Apple Cider Old Fashioned?

This cozy fall cocktail pairs beautifully with rich, savory appetizers that complement its sweet and spiced flavors. Try serving it alongside a charcuterie board loaded with aged cheddar, gouda, and some salty prosciutto – the combination of sweet cocktail and savory bites is perfect for entertaining. Roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts also make great bar snacks, and their buttery crunch works really well with the maple and apple notes in the drink. For something more substantial, consider pairing it with bacon-wrapped scallops or mini meatballs, as the smoky, savory elements balance out the cocktail’s sweetness nicely.

Storage Instructions

Pre-Mix: You can mix the apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters ahead of time and store this base in the fridge for up to a week. Just add the whiskey and ice when you’re ready to serve. This makes it super easy to whip up cocktails for a party or when friends drop by unexpectedly.

Prep Garnishes: Cut your apple and orange slices fresh for the best flavor, but you can slice them a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge with a damp paper towel. The cinnamon sticks will keep indefinitely in your spice cabinet, so you can always have them ready for cocktail hour.

Serve Fresh: This cocktail is definitely best enjoyed right after mixing since the ice will dilute it over time. If you need to make several at once, mix them one at a time just before serving to keep that perfect balance of flavors intact.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 120-150
• Protein: 0-1 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8-15 g

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup apple cider (freshly pressed for best flavor)
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup
• 1 orange slice
• 1 apple slice
• 3 drops aromatic bitters (I use Angostura bitters)
• ice cubes
• 2 fl oz whiskey (or brandy, your preference)
• 1 cinnamon stick

Step 1: Mix the Cocktail Base

• 1/4 cup apple cider (add more or less as desired)
• 2 oz quality whiskey or brandy
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 3 drops aromatic bitters

In a glass, combine the apple cider, whiskey or brandy, maple syrup, and aromatic bitters.

Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well mixed and the syrup is fully dissolved.

I like to taste the mix at this stage to decide if I want a little extra maple syrup for added sweetness.

Step 2: Serve and Garnish the Cocktail

• ice cubes
• 1 orange slice (garnish)
• 1 apple slice (garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick (garnish)

Add a handful of ice cubes to the mixed cocktail to chill it.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick, and a slice each of apple and orange for an aromatic and festive touch.

For extra elegance, you can gently press the cinnamon stick in the drink to release more flavor.