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
Scale
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.
