Apple Cider Old Fashioned (Fall Old Fashioned)

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, an Apple Cider Old Fashioned will keep you warm.

I arrived in this quaint, rustic and slightly crooked village shortly after sundown. My train had run out of coal while making the final leg of its journey through New England, onward toward my dotty old aunt’s town. An eccentric, my relative claimed to have come into possession of an ancient artifact of unknown origin, and wished for me to study it. My days working in the gift shop of a now-closed oddities museum confused my poor aunt, as she mistook me for an authority on all things mysterious. My uncle even informed me this “artifact” was something he gifted her from the mall, and for whatever reason, her imagination ran wild. Oh well. A trip to see my boisterous aunt is always welcome.

But then the train ran out of coal, which I found odd. Could’ve sworn this particular steamliner was one of those rare atomic-powered locomotives proposed in the 1950s… but then again, perhaps my imagination is running away with me. I was the last passenger on the train and was asked to disembark and await the arrival of the next one. This could take a few hours, as this nameless hamlet was a little off the beaten track. There was a tavern nearby, however, and I was pointed in its direction.

Trudging down a cobblestone path that wound itself from the station through a tangle of gnarly and ominous-looking trees, I soon found myself in what I assumed was the town square… a handful of buildings lined a tiny street, all of them seemingly built on foundations that had gone slightly askew. A fog had shrouded most of their details, and the only light that cut through this chilly, autumn night came from the moon above… except for a warm glow, peering through the windows of one of the little buildings. I followed the light, and found myself in the tavern. A lone proprietor held vigil behind the bar, their gaze locking onto me as I stepped through the door. This must’ve been a slow night, as nobody else was here. I approached and politely asked what was good. The barkeep smiled, winked and turned their back. Out of my view, I could hear glasses clink, a spoon stir, booze being poured and then suddenly, standing before me, was a golden-colored dram. Larger than expected, and garnished with a generous-looking apple slice as well as a cinnamon stick, I looked at the bartender with a curious expression.

They simply smiled. “Take a sip.”

A swirl of aromas greeted my nose, causing my mouth to water. Bourbon and bitters hit my senses, but a sour, sweet scent was dancing among those notes. I took a deep mouthful, allowing it to slosh around my mouth before letting it tumble down my gullet. Bourbon and bitters yes, so this was an Old Fashioned… but a different kind of Old Fashioned.

I would wile away my downtime in this tavern, in total silence, drinking more than my fair share of these warming and delicious Apple Cider Old Fashioneds. When my new train finally arrived, I napped like a snuggled kitten for the rest of the trip. This nameless place won’t soon be forgotten.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In An Apple Cider Old Fashioned?

Old Fashioneds are usually made with either rye whiskey or bourbon. Rye will be spicier and burn a little more going down. For the Apple Cider Old Fashioned, we’ll use bourbon, which is smoother and more complex. This spirit also brings notes of caramel, vanilla and fruit, which melds wonderfully with the tart and sour apple flavor from the cider.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

An Old Fashioned glass, filled with clear and large ice cubes, is the traditional and proper way to enjoy your Apple Cider Old Fashioned. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick, if you like.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPLE JUICE AND APPLE CIDER?

For starters, don’t make this cocktail using apple juice. Stick with cider. And as for the difference, I’ll let Springfield’s own Ned Flanders simplify things for us: “If it’s clear and yella’, you’ve got juice there fella. If it’s tangy and brown, you’re in cider town.”

Old-Fashioned Variations Worth Trying

If the classic combination of spirits, sugar and bitters has you looking forward to the end of the workday, as well as that first, satisfying sip, try your hand at making some of these tasty riffs on the classic cocktail. Twist & Toast has easy-to-make recipes that are waiting to quench your thirst. Invite some friends over tonight and start mixing.

• Classic Old Fashioned – If you’ve never made yourself the original, iconic drink, there’s no better time than the present.
• Smoked Old Fashioned – Dripping with atmosphere and flavor, this mysterious-looking tipple is a perfect late-night companion.
• Irish Old Fashioned – Bring some velvety and buttery notes to your next libation.
• Maple Old Fashioned – Need a hearty concoction to warm you up on those cold nights? This sweet and strong treat is what you’re craving.