Cozy 5-Minute Autumn Spice Old Fashioned Recipe You’ll Crave

There’s something magical about that first crisp autumn evening when the leaves start turning and you crave a drink that warms you from the inside out. That’s when I reach for my favorite twist on the classic – the Autumn Spice Old Fashioned Recipe with Apple and Cinnamon. It’s become my little ritual after raking leaves or coming in from a pumpkin patch visit.

The blend of bourbon’s warmth with sweet apple and spicy cinnamon just feels like fall in a glass. And the best part? You can whip it up in just 5 minutes with ingredients you probably already have. Trust me, once you try this cozy cocktail, it’ll become your seasonal go-to too.

Table of contents:

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Spice Old Fashioned recipe with Apple and Cinnamon

This isn’t just any old cocktail—it’s autumn in a glass. Here’s why I’m obsessed:

• The perfect balance of warm bourbon, sweet apple, and spicy cinnamon—it’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds
• Ready in 5 minutes flat (faster than it takes to carve a pumpkin!)
• Easy to customize—make it sweeter, stronger, or add a splash of maple if you’re feeling fancy
• Smells amazing—the cinnamon stick garnish makes your whole kitchen smell like a fall candle
• Works just as well for solo sipping as it does for impressing guests at Thanksgiving

Ingredients for Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy fall cocktail – exact measurements matter for that perfect balance!

• 2 oz bourbon (my go-to is Buffalo Trace, but use your favorite)
• 1/2 oz apple cider – the fresh, unfiltered kind makes all the difference
• 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters – Angostura works beautifully here
• For garnish: 1 cinnamon stick and 1 thin apple slice

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No cinnamon syrup? Swap in maple syrup with a pinch of ground cinnamon. Fresh apple cider beats juice for depth of flavor – I get mine from the farmers market October through November. Bourbon flexibility: rye adds spice, while wheat-forward bourbons create a smoother sip.

How to Make Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

Making this cocktail is as easy as pie (apple pie, of course!). Here’s how I do it every time:

1. Prep your glass: Pop a rocks glass in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you mix – a chilled glass keeps your drink colder longer.
2. Build the cocktail: Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add the bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and bitters. I like to count “one Mississippi, two Mississippi” for those bitters dashes – about 1/8 teaspoon total.
3. Stir it right: Use a long bar spoon and stir for a full 30 seconds – the ice will dilute the drink just enough to mellow the flavors perfectly.
4. Strain and garnish: Discard the ice water if you used that chilling method, add one large ice cube to your glass, then strain the mixture over it. Top with the cinnamon stick and apple slice – I nestle them together so you get both aromas in every sip!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Autumn Spice Old Fashioned

Here’s what I’ve learned after making dozens of these:

• If it’s too sweet, add an extra dash of bitters; too strong? A splash more cider.
• Use one big ice cube instead of small ones – it melts slower so your drink doesn’t get watery.
• For extra cinnamon flavor, lightly toast the garnish stick over a gas burner for 2-3 seconds first.
• Always taste your cider first – some are sweeter than others, so adjust syrup accordingly.

Serving Suggestions for Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

This cocktail begs to be paired with autumn’s best bites! I love serving mine with sharp cheddar and apple slices, or for dessert, a slice of spiced pear cake. Always use a heavy rocks glass – it feels substantial in hand and shows off that gorgeous amber color. Want to go all out? Line up a few on a wooden tray with toasted pecans for the ultimate fall happy hour.

Storing and Reheating

Let’s be honest – this cocktail is best fresh! But if you must prep ahead, mix everything (except ice) and store chilled for up to 2 hours. Don’t add ice until serving or it’ll get watery.

Nutritional Information for Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

Here’s what you’re looking at nutrition-wise for one cocktail (though let’s be real – who stops at one?):

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Carbs: 10g

Remember – these numbers can change depending on your bourbon’s proof, how sweet your cider is, and whether you go heavy on that delicious cinnamon syrup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Fresh apple cider has a richer, more complex flavor than juice, but in a pinch, juice works – just add an extra dash of bitters to balance the sweetness. I’ve found cloudy, unfiltered apple juice works best.

What bourbon works best?
I love Buffalo Trace for its caramel notes, but any quality bourbon between 90-100 proof shines. Rye-forward bourbons add spice while wheat-based ones (like Maker’s Mark) make it smoother. Avoid anything too smoky or peaty.

Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap the bourbon for 2 oz of strong-brewed cinnamon tea and keep the other ingredients. It’s surprisingly delicious – my pregnant sister-in-law’s favorite “mocktail” version!

How long does cinnamon syrup last?
Homemade cinnamon syrup keeps for 2-3 weeks refrigerated. I always make a big batch in October – it’s perfect for coffee, pancakes, and of course, more cocktails! You can find more recipe ideas on Pinterest.

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