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Best Homemade Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cozy Cocktail

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A cozy, spiced apple cider Old Fashioned made with bourbon, fresh apple cider, and warm spices. This happy accident turned into the perfect fall and winter cocktail that’s quick, easy, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 3 ounces fresh apple cider (unfiltered)
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (optional)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 small pinch flaky sea salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
  • 1 star anise pod (for garnish)
  • 1 thin slice fresh orange (for garnish)
  • 2 to 3 whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your glass: Start with a clean lowball glass. Place the cinnamon stick and star anise pod in the glass.
  2. Add the sweetener (if using): Pour 1 teaspoon of maple syrup into the glass. Let it settle at the bottom.
  3. Add the bitters: Give the Angostura bottle two firm dashes directly into the glass, aiming for the center.
  4. Add the pinch of salt: Drop a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt into the glass.
  5. Pour the apple cider: Measure out 3 ounces of fresh apple cider and pour it over the spices and sweetener. For a warmer drink, gently heat the cider in a small saucepan for 2 minutes before adding.
  6. Add the bourbon: Measure 2 ounces of bourbon or rye and pour it in.
  7. Stir gently: Use a bar spoon or teaspoon to stir everything together with 10 to 15 slow, deliberate stirs until the maple syrup is dissolved.
  8. Add the orange slice: Float a thin slice of fresh orange on top. Optionally, stud the orange slice with 2 to 3 whole cloves before adding.
  9. Finish with a fresh cinnamon stick: Add one more cinnamon stick for serving. Ensure the star anise is visible.
  10. Let it rest for 30 seconds: Allow the flavors to marry before taking your first sip.

Notes

Don’t skip the pinch of salt—it balances the sweetness and enhances the spice notes. For a cozier experience, warm the cider before adding. Use a large ice cube if serving cold to prevent dilution. Toast spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds to release their essential oils. Batch for a crowd by multiplying ingredients and mixing in a slow cooker on warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider old fashioned, bourbon cocktail, fall cocktail, winter cocktail, cozy cocktail, apple cider drink, old fashioned recipe

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/best-homemade-apple-cider-old-fashioned-cozy-cocktail/