Apple Cider Old Fashioned Recipe

I love a seasonal cocktail and there’s nothing more Fall than Apple Cider. Since I prefer a Brandy Old Fashioned vs a Traditional Old Fashioned I created an Apple Cider Old Fashioned recipe that’s made with brandy. It’s milder and lets the apple cider flavor shine through. Enjoy!

Jump to my Apple Cider Old Fashioned Recipe

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Brandy vs. Whiskey

A traditional old fashioned is made with whiskey but brandy gives a more mild, slightly sweet flavor to the classic cocktail. People will ask why a Wisconsin Old Fashioned is different, and using brandy instead of whiskey is the key difference. Brandy isn’t sweet by any means, which is why we add sugar, but it won’t burn your chest the way whiskey does.

I find that brandy goes really well with apple cider. Since brandy is made from grapes it’s complements the apple in the cider, as opposed to whiskey that can overwhelm the apple cider flavor. Since traditional apple cider is just made from raw apple juice, and there is no sweetener added, it’s important to pair with a mild alcohol.

The secret to a good old fashioned is a) the alcohol used (I always choose brandy) 2) including ALL the ingredients 3) the correct proportions. I’ve made countless old fashioneds and I like 2 to 1 parts mixer to alcohol.

What Tools Do You Need to Make an Apple Cider Old Fashioned?

• Double Old Fashioned Glasses | The drink is in the name! These cut crystal glasses are made for this cocktail. They’re pricey but gorgeous and make great gifts!
• Jigger | Part of any well-equipped bar.
• Muddler | Getting those orange flavors into the drink enhances the cocktail.
• Large Ice Cube Mold | The larger the ice cube, the slower it will melt and water down the drink

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Apple Cider Old Fashioned Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• ½ of an orange slice
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• 3 dashes bitters
• 2 oz brandy (I prefer Korbel)
• 4 oz apple cider
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• Apple slice for garnish

Directions

1. Place brown sugar and orange in an old fashioned glass
2. Add bitters and muddle breaking up the orange
3. Add ice cube, brandy, and apple cider
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple

More Apple Cider Cocktail Recipes:

• Apple Cider Donut Martini
• Warm Spiked Apple Cider
• Cranberry Apple Cider Martini

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