The older and more reserved I become, the more I enjoy Old Fashions and their many variations. With the holiday just around the corner, I thought it would be nice to add some seasonal flavor and spice to the spirit-forward classic cocktail. I will be making these for Thanksgiving and I know that my family enjoys apple spice so I whipped up a quick spiced apple syrup with clove, star anise, and cinnamon. The syrup in the Old Fashioned is perfect for OF drinkers and especially for those who are still on the fence about the cocktail. The syrup adds a deep apple flavor which complements the caramel notes found in the bourbon. It’s a winner, for sure!
How to Make a Spiced Apple Old Fashioned
Step 1
Add the spiced apple syrup, bitters, and bourbon to a mixing glass and stir together. Add in the ice and stir until the glass is chilled and the cocktail has reached your desired dilution.
Step 2
Add one large ice cube to an old-fashioned glass and pour the cocktail over the ice. Garnish with smoked rosemary and enjoy!

Spiced Apple Old Fashioned
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minute
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
Description
A delicious old-fashioned cocktail for the holidays made using a spiced apple simple syrup and bourbon.
Ingredients
Spiced Apple Simple Syrup
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
Old Fashioned
- 1/2 oz spiced apple simple syrup
- 2 or 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 oz Bourbon
- Ice
- Rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Spiced Apple Simple Syrup
- Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to ensure that the sugar is dissolved then reduce the heat to low and let the liquid simmer on low until the syrup forms. This should take about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool.
The Old Fashioned
- Add the spiced apple syrup, bitters, and bourbon to a mixing glass and stir together. Add in the ice and stir until the glass is chilled and the cocktail has reached your desired dilution.
- Add one large ice cube to an old-fashioned glass and pour the cocktail over the ice. Garnish with smoked rosemary and enjoy!
Keywords: Spiced Apple Old Fashioned