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–+ servings
A sloped glass filled with the apple cocktail with an apple slice and cinnamon stick as garnish
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Apple Butter Old Fashioned

This apple butter old-fashioned combines the warmth of bourbon with the cozy flavors of apple butter, cider, and bitters. It’s a beautifully balanced drink that's easy to make and perfect for fall entertaining or a quiet night in.
Course Cocktail
Cuisine American
Keyword apple butter cocktail, apple butter old fashioned
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cocktails
Calories 307kcal
Author Elaine Benoit

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces bourbon
  • 4 ounces apple cider
  • 2 ounces apple butter (unsweetened)
  • 10 drops aromatic bitters

Garnish

Instructions

  • Get a cocktail shaker and fill halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass, and glassware.
  • Add bourbon, apple cider, apple butter and bitters.
    4 ounces bourbon, 4 ounces apple cider, 2 ounces apple butter, 10 drops aromatic bitters
  • Cap shaker and vigorously shake for 15 seconds.
  • Add fresh ice to glasses and strain and divide the cocktail between the glasses. Add ice from the shaker as well.
  • Add 1 apple slice to each glass and 1 slice to the rim of the glasses. Add a cinnamon stick to each glass.
    4 apple slices, 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Sip, smile, and enjoy.

Notes

Helpful tips

  • Sugar-free apple butter is ideal for this cocktail, as it lets the bourbon and cider shine. If sugar-free isn't available, opt for one that’s lightly sweetened to avoid overpowering the drink.
  • Woodford Reserve bitters are a personal favorite. With flavors like aromatic, orange, chocolate, and spiced cherry, there's room to experiment. For this cocktail, aromatic bitters work beautifully.
  • Other excellent bitters options include Angostura and Peychaud’s, both reliable and widely available.
  • Choose the best bourbon your budget allows. A good mid-range bourbon makes a noticeable difference. If you're looking for value, Evan Williams is a dependable and affordable option.
  • Apples tend to carry pesticide residue, so washing them well is essential. A quick method: apply an unscented, natural foaming hand soap, scrub with a vegetable brush, and rinse under cold water. Whole Foods carries a great selection of gentle, natural soaps.
  • Large ice cubes not only look great in an old fashioned glass but also melt more slowly, keeping your drink chilled without watering it down. Consider using a silicone mold for consistent, slow-melting cubes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg