When the air turns crisp and leaves start to change, I find myself reaching for something warm and spiced. This Apple Butter Old Fashioned brings together rich apple butter, smooth bourbon, and a touch of apple cider for a cocktail that feels like autumn in a glass. It is a cozy twist on the classic that has become my go-to fall drink.
What is an Apple Butter Old Fashioned?
An Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a seasonal variation of the classic whiskey cocktail. The traditional old fashioned uses sugar, bitters, water, and whiskey as its foundation. This version swaps in apple butter for the sweetener and adds apple cider and bourbon to create layers of warm apple flavor with hints of cinnamon and spice.
The trend gained popularity in recent years as bartenders and home enthusiasts discovered that apple butter adds depth without overwhelming the bourbon. It bridges the gap between sweet and spicy, making it perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, and weekend evening sips. I first tried this drink at a local restaurant and knew I had to recreate it at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe. Here is what you will need for one cocktail:
- 2 ounces bourbon (see recommendations below)
- 1 tablespoon apple butter
- 1 ounce apple cider
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice cubes (large cubes work best)
- For the rim: coarse sugar and a splash of apple cider
Choosing the Right Apple Butter
You can use store-bought or homemade apple butter for this recipe. If buying from the store, look for brands with simple ingredients and no artificial flavors. I prefer apple butter with a thick, spreadable consistency rather than something watery. The flavor should be concentrated and slightly spiced with cinnamon.
Homemade apple butter works wonderfully if you have it on hand. It tends to have a fresher, more nuanced apple flavor. However, do not stress if you do not have time to make your own. Several quality store brands produce excellent apple butter that works perfectly in cocktails.
Selecting Your Bourbon
The bourbon you choose sets the foundation for this cocktail. I recommend mid-range bourbons with enough character to stand up to the apple butter without being overpowered. Brands like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Bulleit work exceptionally well.
Avoid using your most expensive bourbon for this drink since the apple butter and cider bring strong flavors that will mask subtle tasting notes. On the other hand, avoid very young or low-proof bourbons that might get lost. The goal is a bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes that complement rather than compete with the apple.
How to Make an Apple Butter Old Fashioned?
Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced cocktail every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start by rimming your glass with sugar for a decorative and flavorful touch. Pour some coarse sugar onto a small plate. On another plate, pour about 2 tablespoons of apple cider. Hold your old fashioned glass upside down and dip the rim about 1/4 inch into the cider, then immediately dip it into the sugar. Rotate gently to coat evenly. Set aside to let it dry while you prepare the drink.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Add 1 tablespoon of apple butter to your cocktail shaker. Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of apple cider, 2 dashes of angostura bitters, and 1 dash of orange bitters. The apple butter will not dissolve completely right away, but the shaking process will incorporate it evenly.
Step 3: Shake Vigorously
Add a handful of ice to your shaker and secure the lid. Shake forcefully for about 15 to 20 seconds. You want to thoroughly chill the mixture and emulsify the apple butter into the liquid. The mixture should look slightly frothy when you open the shaker.
Step 4: Strain Over Ice
Place a large ice cube or several regular cubes in your prepared glass. Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the mixture from your shaker into the glass. The strainer catches any small apple butter chunks for a smooth drink.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add your garnish to complete the presentation. A cinnamon stick placed at an angle looks elegant and adds a subtle spice aroma as you sip. Thin apple slices arranged on the stick or floating on top provide visual appeal and hint at the apple flavors within. Your cocktail is ready to enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cocktail
A few techniques elevate this cocktail from good to exceptional.
For the sugar rim, patience pays off. Let the rim dry for a minute or two before adding ice. If you pour immediately, the sugar may dissolve into the drink and settle at the bottom rather than staying on the glass.
Large ice cubes melt slower and prevent your drink from becoming watered down too quickly. I keep silicone ice cube trays specifically for cocktails for this reason. The slower melt also means you can savor the flavors without the taste changing as the ice melts.
When measuring apple butter, use a proper measuring spoon rather than eyeballing it. Too much apple butter makes the drink overly sweet and heavy. Too little and you lose that distinctive flavor that makes this cocktail special.
Some recipes call for building the drink directly in the glass without shaking. While this works, shaking produces a smoother result and ensures the apple butter fully incorporates. I prefer the shake method for better texture and temperature.
Garnish Ideas
The garnish does more than look pretty. It adds aroma and enhances the drinking experience.
A cinnamon stick is the classic choice for this cocktail. Place it at an angle against the rim of the glass. As you sip, the cinnamon scent mingles with the bourbon and apple notes.
Apple slices should be cut thin and fresh. A mandoline slicer produces paper-thin slices that curl gracefully. For a more substantial garnish, cut a standard slice and fan it against the side of the glass. Rub the slice lightly between your fingers before adding it to release the natural oils and aroma.
Orange peel makes a nice secondary garnish if you want to enhance the citrus notes from the orange bitters. Simply cut a strip of peel and place it alongside the cinnamon stick. The oils will slowly release as you drink.
For special occasions, consider a combination of all three. Arranged thoughtfully, they create an attractive presentation worthy of any dinner party.
Variations to Try
This recipe adapts well to different preferences and occasions.
Mocktail Version
To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with an equal amount of apple cider or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative if you can find one. The apple butter, cider, and bitters still provide complex flavor. Add a splash of ginger beer for brightness and carbonation if desired. This version works well for designated drivers or anyone reducing alcohol consumption.
Batch Recipe for Parties
When serving a crowd, scale up the recipe proportionally. For a party of eight, multiply all ingredients by eight and combine in a large pitcher. Keep the pitcher chilled and stir occasionally to recombine the apple butter, which may settle. Have additional apple cider on hand to adjust consistency and sweetness to taste.
Prepare the sugar rims in advance by rimming all glasses before your guests arrive. Set them on a tray with the cinnamon sticks and apple slices arranged beside them so guests can garnish their own servings. This keeps the flow natural while ensuring everyone gets a properly garnished drink.
Ginger Beer Variation
For a lighter, more effervescent drink, top your prepared cocktail with ginger beer instead of serving it straight. The ginger adds a pleasant bite that contrasts with the sweet apple butter. This variation works especially well with the mocktail version.
Storage and Shelf Life
Apple butter itself keeps well when stored properly. An opened jar of commercial apple butter typically lasts several months in the refrigerator. Homemade apple butter, which lacks preservatives, should be used within two to three weeks when refrigerated.
For longer storage, homemade apple butter can be canned using proper water bath methods. Canned apple butter keeps for about a year in a cool, dark place. Before using any stored apple butter, check for signs of mold, off smells, or unusual texture.
The cocktail itself should be consumed immediately after making. While you can pre-mix the liquid ingredients without ice and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, adding ice and garnishes must happen at serving time for the best experience.
FAQs
What is in an Apple Butter Old Fashioned?
An Apple Butter Old Fashioned contains bourbon, apple butter, apple cider, angostura bitters, and orange bitters. It is garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
What type of bourbon works best for an Old Fashioned?
Mid-range bourbons with character work best. Brands like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Bulleit complement the apple butter without being overpowered. Avoid very expensive or very young bourbons.
Can I make this cocktail with store-bought apple butter?
Yes, store-bought apple butter works perfectly. Look for brands with simple ingredients and a thick, spreadable consistency. Avoid varieties with artificial flavors.
What are the best garnishes for an Old Fashioned cocktail?
Classic garnishes include a cinnamon stick and thin apple slices. Orange peel also works well to enhance citrus notes. All three combined creates an attractive presentation for special occasions.
How do you rim a glass with sugar for a cocktail?
Dip the glass rim about 1/4 inch into a liquid (like apple cider), then immediately dip it into coarse sugar. Rotate gently to coat evenly and let dry for a minute or two before adding the cocktail.
Is apple butter cocktail seasonal or year-round?
While apple butter is most associated with fall, this cocktail works year-round. The apple and cinnamon flavors feel especially fitting for autumn, but the recipe uses pantry staples that are available in any season.
What is the difference between apple butter and applesauce in cocktails?
Apple butter is cooked longer than applesauce, reducing it to a thick, concentrated paste with more intense apple flavor and added spices like cinnamon. Applesauce is thinner and milder, which can result in a less flavorful cocktail.
Ready to Try This Apple Butter Old Fashioned?
This Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe delivers everything you want in a fall cocktail. The warm apple butter flavors blend beautifully with quality bourbon, while the apple cider and bitters add complexity. The sugar rim and thoughtful garnishes make it feel special without requiring advanced bartending skills.
Whether you are hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, enjoying a quiet autumn evening, or looking for something different to serve at your next dinner party, this recipe fits the occasion. The variations give you flexibility to adapt it to your preferences and circumstances.
Give this Apple Butter Old Fashioned a try and see why it has become a seasonal favorite. I think you will find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again as the weather cools down.
