The Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe is a delightful twist on a timeless classic that brings cozy autumn flavors right to your glass. This cocktail beautifully balances the rich, spiced sweetness of apple butter with the warmth of bourbon and the crispness of apple cider, creating a drink that feels both elegant and inviting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a sophisticated evening drink, this recipe offers a unique yet approachable way to savor fall in a glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the magic of the Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe. Each one plays a special role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the cocktail truly memorable.
- Apple butter: This smooth, spiced spread adds rich, apple cinnamon sweetness that defines the cocktail’s character.
- Aromatic bitters: Just a couple of dashes bring depth and subtle spice to brighten the flavors.
- Apple cider: A fresh, crisp element that balances the bourbon and enhances the apple theme.
- Bourbon: The heart of any Old Fashioned, its smoky, oaky notes provide warmth and complexity.
- Club soda: Adds a bubbly lift to lighten and refresh the drink.
- Coarse sugar (optional): Perfect for rimming your glass, it adds a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the cocktail.
- Apple slices and cinnamon stick (optional garnish): A charming finishing touch that boosts aroma and visual appeal.
How to Make Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe
Step 1: Shake Up the Base
Start by combining 2 tablespoons of apple butter, 2 dashes of aromatic bitters, ¼ cup of apple cider, and 2 ounces of good quality bourbon in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously to blend the flavors thoroughly, ensuring the apple butter fully incorporates into the liquid base. This step creates the rich, flavorful foundation that makes this Old Fashioned so special.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
Next, rim your glass with coarse sugar if you like a sweet, crunchy contrast with each sip. Then fill the glass generously with ice to keep your cocktail perfectly chilled as you assemble it.
Step 3: Pour and Top
Pour the apple butter mixture over the ice in your prepared glass. Top it off with 1½ ounces of club soda, which adds just the right amount of fizz to lighten the drink and keep it refreshing without overpowering its full-bodied character.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe with a garnish of thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick for aroma and eye-catching charm. These simple garnishes elevate the sensory experience, inviting your guests to enjoy the drink with all senses engaged.
How to Serve Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe
Garnishes
The apple slices and cinnamon stick are classic yet thoughtful garnishes that complement the drink’s flavor beautifully. The cinnamon stick works as a fragrant stirrer, releasing warm spice with each swirl, while the apple slices add a fresh, crisp aroma and make the cocktail instantly inviting.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light, savory snacks that balance its sweet and spicy profile. Think roasted nuts, sharp cheddar cheese, or mild charcuterie. These sides refresh the palate and make your Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe the centerpiece of a cozy gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve your cocktails in rustic mason jars or vintage rocks glasses, emphasizing autumnal charm. You can even rim the glass with a cinnamon sugar blend instead of plain sugar for an extra layer of warmth. Adding a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary as garnish can turn your drink into a showstopping conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover apple butter mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir or shake before serving again to recombine any settled ingredients.
Freezing
Since this recipe features fresh apple cider and club soda, freezing the entire mixed drink isn’t recommended as carbonation and texture will be compromised. However, you can freeze apple butter separately in small portions for future cocktail mixing.
Reheating
This cocktail is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so reheating is not advised. If you want a warm twist, consider gently warming the apple butter before mixing, but serve the final drink chilled for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter adds a wonderful depth and personal touch to the Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe. Make sure it’s smooth enough to mix well in your shaker.
What bourbon works best in this cocktail?
Go for a good quality bourbon with rich vanilla and caramel notes that complement the apple butter’s sweetness. Mid-priced bourbons work beautifully here.
Can I make this recipe for more than two drinks?
Definitely. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities while keeping the ratios consistent. Mixing in a larger cocktail shaker or pitcher makes batching easy and perfect for parties.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
Yes! Swap the bourbon for an apple or spiced whiskey-flavored non-alcoholic spirit and keep the apple cider and bitters to maintain the flavor complexity.
How long does this cocktail last once made?
Best enjoyed immediately for the freshest taste and carbonation. If stored, consume within a couple of days and shake gently before drinking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cocktail that feels like a warm hug in a glass, the Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe is your new best friend. Its cozy flavors and simple preparation shine through with every sip. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy of this perfect fall-inspired drink!
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Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 drinks
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a cozy, autumn-inspired cocktail blending the rich flavors of apple butter, aromatic bitters, and bourbon. Lightly sparkling with club soda and elegantly garnished with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, this drink offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes ideal for seasonal sipping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters (or orange bitters)
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 2 ounces good quality bourbon
- 1½ ounces club soda
- Coarse sugar (optional, for rim)
- Apple slices (optional, for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the apple butter, aromatic bitters, apple cider, and bourbon into a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to thoroughly mix the flavors and create a smooth blend.
- Prepare Glass: If desired, rim your serving glass with coarse sugar by moistening the edge and dipping it into the sugar. Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill the drink properly.
- Assemble Drink: Strain the apple butter mixture over the ice-filled glass, then gently top with 1½ ounces of club soda to add a refreshing sparkle and lighten the cocktail.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the drink with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick to enhance both aroma and presentation. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- The apple butter can be homemade or purchased from the store depending on preference.
- Using aromatic bitters adds depth, but orange bitters can create a fruitier profile.
- Club soda adds effervescence without extra sweetness – adjust quantity to taste.
- Rimming the glass with coarse sugar is optional but gives a nice crunchy contrast.
- For a non-alcoholic variation, replace bourbon with additional apple cider and add a splash of non-alcoholic bitters.
