Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

Apple cider and maple syrup give the classic Old Fashioned a seasonal update in this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned. Bourbon stays at the center, while orange bitters, cider, and maple add fruit, spice, and a soft sweetness that fits cooler weather.

What I like about this cocktail is that it still feels like a whiskey-forward drink. The cider does not take over, and the maple syrup adds a deeper sweetness than plain sugar. Orange bitters bring a citrus note that helps connect the bourbon and apple flavors.

This is an easy cocktail for Thanksgiving, fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or quiet nights at home. The cinnamon stick garnish gives the glass a warm aroma without adding extra preparation, making it practical when you are serving guests.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Cider and Maple Old Fashioned adds seasonal ingredients to a familiar bourbon cocktail without making the recipe complicated.

• Bourbon stays front and center. The recipe uses 2.5 ounces, so the whiskey remains the main flavor.
• Apple cider adds a subtle fruit note. It gives the cocktail a fall feel without turning it into a cider-heavy drink.
• Maple syrup brings deeper sweetness. It adds a mild caramel-like character that works naturally with bourbon.
• Orange bitters add citrus and spice. Just a few dashes make the drink more aromatic.
• The ingredient list is short. You only need four liquid ingredients.
• The cinnamon garnish is simple. It adds a seasonal aroma without extra mixing.

This is a good option when you want an autumn cocktail that still feels close to a classic whiskey drink.

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple, but each one brings a clear flavor to the glass. Bourbon provides oak and warmth, maple syrup adds sweetness, cider adds apple, and orange bitters bring citrus.

• 2.5 ounces bourbon
• 0.5 ounce maple syrup
• 0.5 ounce apple cider
• 2-3 dashes of orange bitters
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Bourbon gives the cocktail most of its structure. Bottles with vanilla, caramel, oak, or baking spice notes work especially well with apple and maple.

Maple syrup adds a darker style of sweetness than simple syrup. Real maple syrup is the best choice because its flavor stays noticeable even in a whiskey-forward cocktail.

Apple cider gives the drink a light orchard note. Since only half an ounce is used, it supports the bourbon rather than replacing it.

Orange bitters add citrus peel character and mild spice. They are especially useful here because orange works naturally with both apple and whiskey.

The cinnamon stick adds aroma as you sip and reinforces the fall theme.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choose a bourbon with enough character to remain noticeable alongside the maple and cider.

• Woodford Reserve: A good option if you want oak, vanilla, and baking spice.
• Buffalo Trace: Works well for a softer bourbon profile with caramel and fruit notes.
• Maker’s Mark: A slightly sweeter bourbon that fits naturally with maple syrup.
• Old Forester 86 Proof: A good pick if you want the whiskey to stay bold in the finished drink.
• Rye whiskey: Replace bourbon with rye for a drier version with more spice.
• Apple brandy: Replacing a small portion of the bourbon with apple brandy can give the drink a stronger apple note.

If apple cider is unavailable, cloudy apple juice can work, though it may taste a little sweeter and less spiced.

Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup when possible. Pancake-style syrup can contain other sweeteners and flavors that may make the cocktail taste less clean.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few basic bar tools for this drink.

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Cocktail strainer
• Rocks glass

Rocks glasses are the natural choice for an Old Fashioned-style cocktail.

Large ice cubes work especially well because they melt slowly and keep the bourbon cold without thinning it too quickly.

How to Make It

The recipe is shaken rather than stirred, making it easy to combine the thick maple syrup with the other ingredients.

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters.
• Shake to combine the ingredients well.
• Strain the mixture into two rocks glasses filled with ice.
• Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick.
• Enjoy your Cider and Maple Old Fashioned!

Make sure the maple syrup is fully mixed before pouring. A firm shake helps prevent it from settling at the bottom of the shaker.

Pro Tips

A few small choices can make this cocktail taste cleaner and keep the whiskey character clear.

• Use real maple syrup. Its deeper flavor works better with bourbon than pancake-style syrup.
• Chill the cider first. Starting cold helps the cocktail reach serving temperature faster.
• Use fresh ice in the glasses. Shaker ice has already begun to melt.
• Choose a flavorful bourbon. A bottle with noticeable oak or spice stands up well to the maple.
• Do not overdo the cider. The original amount keeps the drink whiskey-forward.
• Use large ice cubes when possible. They slow dilution.
• Add the cinnamon stick right before serving. Fresh cinnamon gives off a stronger aroma.
• Shake until the maple is fully mixed. Thick syrup needs a little extra effort to combine.

Different maple syrups can also change the final flavor. Darker syrup tends to bring a stronger maple note, while lighter syrup is more delicate.

Variations

The recipe is easy to adjust while keeping its bourbon, apple, and maple character.

• Rye Cider Old Fashioned: Replace bourbon with rye whiskey for more spice.
• Apple Brandy Version: Replace a small portion of the bourbon with apple brandy.
• Smoky Version: Add a small amount of smoky whiskey alongside the bourbon.
• Spiced Maple Version: Use maple syrup infused with cinnamon or cloves.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey-style spirit with cider, maple syrup, and non-alcoholic orange bitters.

You can also garnish with an orange peel alongside the cinnamon stick if you want the citrus aroma to stand out more.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Cider and Maple Old Fashioned is especially suited to fall and early winter when cider and maple flavors feel right at home.

It works well for:

• Thanksgiving
• Fall dinner parties
• Holiday gatherings
• Weekend whiskey nights
• Fireside drinks
• After-dinner cocktails

The bourbon, apple, and maple notes pair nicely with roasted, smoky, and salty foods.

Try it with:

• Roasted pork
• Glazed ham
• Aged cheddar
• Smoked almonds
• Roasted squash
• Apple tart
• Pecan pie

It also works well alongside drinks such as a Maple Old Fashioned, Maple Whiskey Sour, or Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail.

I especially like this one after a fall dinner because it has enough apple and maple to feel seasonal while still drinking like a bourbon cocktail.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best made and served fresh over ice.

You can combine the bourbon, maple syrup, cider, and bitters ahead of time if you are preparing for a gathering. Keep the mixture covered and refrigerated.

Stir the pre-mixed base well before using because maple syrup can settle.

Do not add ice until you are ready to shake and serve. This prevents the cocktail from becoming diluted too early.

The recipe instructions divide the mixture between two rocks glasses, so keep that serving size in mind when scaling the recipe for a group.

Add the cinnamon sticks just before serving so they stay dry and fragrant.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions about the Cider and Maple Old Fashioned.

What does a Cider and Maple Old Fashioned taste like?

It has a strong bourbon base with mild apple, maple sweetness, orange bitters, and a cinnamon aroma from the garnish.

What bourbon should I use?

A bourbon with vanilla, caramel, oak, or baking spice notes works especially well. Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Old Forester are all good options.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes. Cloudy apple juice is the closest substitute, though the drink may taste a little sweeter and lighter.

Can I use regular bitters instead of orange bitters?

You can use aromatic bitters, but they will give the cocktail a spicier and less citrus-forward flavor.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

Yes. Combine the liquid ingredients and refrigerate them. Shake with ice and garnish when you are ready to serve.

Why does the recipe make two glasses?

The original instructions call for straining the mixture into two rocks glasses. If you prefer a stronger single serving, keep the original recipe method in mind before changing the portion size.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like the Cider and Maple Old Fashioned, these cocktails offer similar bourbon, apple, maple, and fall flavors.

• Spiced Apple Tiki Smash
• Maple Bourbon Harvest
• Maple-Bourbon Smash
• Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash
• Applejack Rabbit Cocktail

These drinks give you several ways to use bourbon, cider, maple, and fall spice in easy cocktails for cooler weather.