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Applejack Old Fashioned

Applejack Old Fashioned

The Applejack Old Fashioned is a seasonal twist on the timeless Old Fashioned, perfect for autumn or winter evenings. This cocktail highlights the smooth, fruity depth of apple brandy, giving the drink a rich base with hints of orchard sweetness. Maple syrup replaces the traditional sugar, adding warmth and a subtle, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spirit. Aromatic bitters and baking spice bitters bring layers of flavor, tying in notes of cinnamon and clove for extra comfort. Finished with an orange peel garnish, this drink is cozy, flavorful, and sophisticated, making it ideal for sipping on cool nights.

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Tasting Notes

The Applejack Old Fashioned is a seasonal twist on a classic cocktail, bringing together rich, warming flavors with refined balance. Apple brandy serves as the foundation, offering crisp orchard fruit notes alongside smooth depth. Maple syrup replaces the traditional sugar cube, adding earthy sweetness with a hint of caramel richness. Angostura bitters contribute herbal and spiced complexity, while baking spice bitters introduce a warm blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. The garnish of orange peel or cinnamon stick enhances aroma and presentation, rounding out the drink with citrus brightness or cozy spice for a polished, autumn-ready cocktail.

See also  Spiced Pear Martini

Equipment and Glassware

This Applejack Old Fashioned is simple in technique but benefits from precise bar tools. A mixing glass and bar spoon are essential for stirring the drink to proper dilution and chill. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, balancing sweetness, bitterness, and spirit. A strainer allows a clean pour into the serving glass. For presentation, a rocks glass is ideal, especially with a large-format ice cube that chills without quickly diluting the flavors. A sharp peeler or channel knife is useful for preparing the orange peel garnish. If desired, a cinnamon stick doubles as both a garnish and aromatic stirrer.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces apple brandy
  • 0.5 ounce maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash baking spice bitters
  • Orange peel or cinnamon stick optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a chilled mixing glass, combine the apple brandy, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and baking spice bitters.
  • Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  • Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube, if available.
  • Express the oils from an orange peel by gently squeezing it over the glass, then drop the peel into the drink.
  • Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of warmth and spice.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of this Applejack Old Fashioned.

Pro Tips

  • Use a quality apple brandy for depth and complexity.
  • Stir gently but long enough for proper dilution and chill.
  • Large ice cubes are best to prevent over-dilution.
  • Warm the orange peel slightly before expressing for stronger oils.
  • Choose maple syrup with a robust flavor grade for richer sweetness.
  • Baking spice bitters can be swapped for chocolate or cardamom bitters.
  • Double strain to remove small ice shards for a smoother finish.
  • Adjust syrup quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
See also  Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash

When to Serve

The Applejack Old Fashioned is perfectly suited for autumn and winter occasions, offering a cozy yet classic feel. It’s an ideal pre-dinner cocktail for holiday gatherings, pairing beautifully with hearty dishes and seasonal menus. Its warming flavors also make it a fitting fireside drink on cold evenings, whether shared with guests or enjoyed solo. Because it has the familiar structure of a traditional Old Fashioned, it appeals to cocktail enthusiasts while offering something new and seasonal. Its balance of fruit, spice, and richness makes it versatile, celebratory, and a thoughtful choice for both casual and formal settings.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

  • Apple Brandy: Laird’s Applejack, Christian Drouin, Copper & Kings
  • Bitters: Angostura, Fee Brothers, Bitter Truth
  • Maple Syrup: Crown Maple, Coombs Family Farms, Butternut Mountain Farm

Similar Cocktails

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Applejack Old Fashioned

Applejack Old Fashioned

Prep Time: 4 minutes
No ratings yet
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple brandy cocktails, applejack cocktails, bitter cocktails, fall brandy cocktails, fall cocktails, maple syrup cocktails, old fashioned variations
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner

Instructions

  • In a chilled mixing glass, combine the apple brandy, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and baking spice bitters.
  • Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  • Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube, if available.
  • Express the oils from an orange peel by gently squeezing it over the glass, then drop the peel into the drink.
  • Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of warmth and spice.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of this Applejack Old Fashioned.

Notes

Pro Tips
  • For an extra burst of flavor, lightly flame the orange peel before expressing the oils.
  • Use a high-quality apple brandy for the best balance of fruity and rich notes.
  • If you prefer a stronger spice profile, add an extra dash of baking spice bitters.
 
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Applejack Old Fashioned
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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google Guide and MuckRack.

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