Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon: 5-Minute Cozy Bliss

Name: Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon: 5-Minute Cozy Bliss
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon; 1/2 oz apple cider; 1/4 oz maple syrup; 2 dashes aromatic bitters; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 thin apple slice (for garnish); Ice cubes

Author: lia

Published: September 6, 2025

Updated: September 8, 2025

Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

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There’s something magical about autumn evenings—when the air turns crisp and the leaves start to rustle, all I want is a drink that wraps me in warmth like my favorite sweater. That’s where this Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon comes in. It’s my go-to when I crave the comfort of a classic cocktail but with a cozy, seasonal twist. Trust me, the first sip tastes like a bonfire under the stars, with just the right balance of smoky bourbon, sweet apple, and spicy cinnamon.

I stumbled onto this recipe one chilly October night when friends dropped by unannounced. With only bourbon, a half-empty jug of apple cider, and a cinnamon stick left in my pantry, I improvised—and wow, was it a hit! Now it’s my signature drink for fall gatherings, football Sundays, and those nights when you just need to unwind. Simple to make but packed with flavor, it’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy without any fuss. So grab your mixing glass—let’s make those shorter days a little brighter.

Table of Contents

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

Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon - detail 1

This isn’t just any cocktail—it’s your new fall obsession. Here’s why:

5-minute magic: Seriously, you’re sipping cozy vibes faster than you can say “pumpkin spice”
That perfect autumn hug: The cinnamon warms you up while the apple keeps it fresh—like wearing flannel by a fire pit
Impressively easy: No fancy techniques needed, just good ingredients and a steady stirring hand
Better than basic: Elevates your usual Old Fashioned with seasonal flair that’ll wow your friends
Versatile mood-setter: Equally perfect for Thanksgiving pre-dinner drinks or solo “I survived Monday” celebrations

Every sip tastes like the best parts of fall—without raking a single leaf.

Ingredients for Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy cocktail sing:

2 oz bourbon (I swear by Woodford Reserve – its caramel notes work magic here)
1/2 oz apple cider (the unfiltered kind with pulp gives the best flavor)
1/4 oz pure maple syrup (grade B for that deep, rich sweetness)
2 dashes aromatic bitters (Angostura is my go-to)
1 cinnamon stick (for stirring and garnish)
1 thin apple slice (I prefer Honeycrisp – it holds up beautifully)
Large ice cube (trust me, it melts slower and keeps your drink perfect)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No bourbon? A good rye whiskey works in a pinch. Out of apple cider? Try 1/4 oz apple brandy instead – just reduce the maple syrup slightly. For cinnamon lovers, swap the stick for a pinch of ground cinnamon (but go easy – it’s potent!). The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is – make it your own!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need a fancy home bar setup for this cocktail! Here’s what I always grab:

Mixing glass (or a pint glass in a pinch)
Bar spoon (that long twisty one – helps you stir like a pro)
Rocks glass (the short, sturdy kind that feels good in your hand)
Ice mold (for those pretty big cubes – or just use regular ice in a pinch)
Jigger (or a tablespoon measure if you’re keeping it casual)

See? Nothing crazy – just basics that make all the difference in crafting that perfect autumnal sip.

How to Make Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

Okay, let’s get mixing! Here’s my foolproof method for crafting this autumn masterpiece:

Chill your glass first – Pop that rocks glass in the freezer while you prep. A frosty glass keeps every sip crisp.
Build the base – In your mixing glass, combine bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters. Give it a quick swirl to wake up the flavors.
Ice bath time – Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with ice cubes (the more, the better!). Grab your bar spoon and stir like you mean it – about 30 seconds until you see a slight frost form on the outside.
The grand pour – Strain over your chilled rocks glass with that beautiful big ice cube. Watch how the liquid cascades like liquid amber – that’s when you know it’s perfect.
Garnish game strong – Gently clink the cinnamon stick against the glass before dropping it in. Rest your apple slice on the rim so it gets a light bourbon kiss with each sip.

The secret? Take your time stirring – rushing makes a watery cocktail. And that first sip? Pure autumn magic in a glass.

Tips for the Perfect Cocktail

For extra cinnamon punch, lightly crush the stick before stirring. Prefer sweeter? Add maple syrup drop by drop until it sings. Always use fresh ice – freezer-tasted cubes ruin the flavor. And most importantly – taste as you go! Your perfect balance might be different than mine.

Serving Suggestions for Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon

Autumn Spice Old Fashioned with Apple and Cinnamon - detail 2

This cocktail shines brightest when paired with the right bites and moments. I love serving it with spiced pecans or a sharp cheddar board—the salty snacks make the drink’s sweetness pop. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving aperitifs, bonfire nights, or just curling up with a book when the first chill hits. For parties, I prep a batch without ice and let guests pour over their own cubes—instant cozy vibes!

Storage & Reheating

Truth time – this cocktail is best fresh, but you can prep the mix ahead! Combine all ingredients (except ice) in a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just add ice when ready to serve – the cinnamon stick actually gets more flavorful overnight!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about this Autumn Spice Old Fashioned? I’ve got answers – here’s what friends always ask when they try this cozy cocktail:

Can I use whiskey instead of bourbon?
Absolutely! Rye whiskey makes a fantastic swap if you prefer its spicier kick. Just know it’ll taste slightly drier – you might want an extra drop of maple syrup to balance it.

How can I make it sweeter?
Easy fix! Add maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon at a time after stirring – raw sweeteners don’t blend well once chilled. Or try a sweeter bourbon like Maker’s Mark if you always find yourself craving more sweetness.

Can I make this non-alcoholic?
You bet! Swap bourbon for 1 oz each of apple cider and ginger beer, plus 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. The cinnamon and bitters still give that sophisticated edge – perfect for mocktail lovers.

Why a big ice cube?
Small cubes melt too fast and dilute your drink. That single large cube chills without watering down all those beautiful autumn flavors. Pro tip: Use filtered water for crystal-clear ice.

How strong is the cinnamon flavor?
Subtle but present – the stick infuses gently as you sip. For bolder spice, lightly crush it before adding, or rim your glass with cinnamon sugar. Just taste as you go – that cinnamon can sneak up on you!

Nutritional Information

Just between us – we’re making cocktails, not diet plans! But since you asked, here’s the scoop per serving (all estimates, of course): 180 calories, 8g sugar (thanks to that maple magic), and 10g carbs – mostly from the cider’s natural sweetness. Sodium and fat? Practically nonexistent. So go ahead, savor that second glass – autumn calories don’t count when they taste this good.

Did this Autumn Spice Old Fashioned become your new fall favorite? I’d love to hear! Leave a comment below with your twists – maybe you tried it with pear instead of apple, or added a dash of nutmeg? Your ideas might inspire someone else’s cozy cocktail moment!