Welcome to a cozy twist on a classic cocktail! The Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a delightful blend of rich apple butter, warm spices, and the timeless charm of an Old Fashioned cocktail.
Perfect for autumn evenings or holiday gatherings, this recipe takes the beloved whiskey-based drink and adds a luscious apple butter flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cocktails or eager to try something new, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and smoothness that will elevate your cocktail game.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the simple ingredients and steps to create this delicious drink at home. Plus, I’ll share tips to perfect your mixology skills and ideas for serving that will impress your guests.
So grab your favorite whiskey, some apple butter, and let’s shake up something special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Apple Butter Old Fashioned offers a unique twist on a classic, combining the deep flavors of apple butter with the robust character of bourbon or rye whiskey. This recipe is perfect for those who love the comforting essence of fall spices and the smooth bite of a well-crafted cocktail.
Not only does it bring a nostalgic warmth to your glass, but the ingredients are also easy to find and the method is straightforward, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Plus, the apple butter adds a velvety texture and natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar or syrups.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 tbsp apple butter (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel (for garnish and aroma)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: cinnamon stick for garnish
Equipment
- Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
- Bar spoon for stirring
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer (if using a shaker)
- Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass
- Zester or peeler for orange peel
Instructions
- Prepare the mixing glass: Add the apple butter to your mixing glass or cocktail shaker.
- Add bitters and whiskey: Pour in the 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey.
- Mix ingredients: Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the apple butter with the whiskey and bitters. This may take about 20-30 seconds to fully dissolve the apple butter into the liquid, creating a smooth blend.
- Add ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently for another 20 seconds. This chills the drink and slightly dilutes it for perfect balance.
- Strain into glass: Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it skin-side down and giving it a firm twist. Then, drop the peel into the glass. Optionally, add a cinnamon stick for a warm aroma and extra flair.
- Serve and enjoy: Sip slowly and enjoy the rich, spiced notes of apple butter paired beautifully with your favorite whiskey.
Tips & Variations
“For the best apple butter flavor, try using homemade apple butter or a high-quality artisanal brand. It makes all the difference!”
- Whiskey Choice: Bourbon offers a sweeter, fuller flavor, while rye whiskey adds a spicier, drier profile. Experiment to find your favorite base.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a small drizzle of maple syrup or honey alongside the apple butter.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg directly into the mixing glass for a more pronounced fall spice flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace whiskey with a spiced apple cider or a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute for a festive mocktail.
- Serving Variation: Serve this cocktail warm by gently heating the apple butter and whiskey mixture and topping with a cinnamon stick for a cozy winter drink.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Alcohol | 14 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
The Apple Butter Old Fashioned pairs beautifully with hearty fall and winter dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted pork, caramelized Brussels sprouts, or a rich cheese board featuring aged cheddar and gouda.
The apple butter’s sweetness complements savory flavors and adds a cozy touch to your meal.
For a casual gathering, serve this cocktail with spiced nuts or apple slices dusted with cinnamon. It also makes a perfect pre-dinner drink during holiday parties or an elegant nightcap by the fireplace.
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Check out these delightful recipes that complement the cozy vibe of the Apple Butter Old Fashioned:
- Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide
- Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy
- Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious
Conclusion
The Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season while paying homage to a beloved classic cocktail. Its rich apple butter base brings depth and warmth, perfectly balanced by the smooth kick of bourbon or rye whiskey.
This recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests at any gathering.
Whether you’re cozying up on a crisp autumn evening or looking for a festive drink to serve at your next party, this cocktail is sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and make the recipe your own.
Cheers to delicious, creative cocktails that bring a little extra joy to your glass!
📖 Recipe Card: Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Description: A cozy twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail using rich apple butter for added depth and sweetness. Perfect for fall evenings or whenever you want a comforting drink.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 tsp apple butter
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add bourbon, apple butter, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled and combined.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Express orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 6g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Apple Butter Old Fashioned”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A cozy twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail using rich apple butter for added depth and sweetness. Perfect for fall evenings or whenever you want a comforting drink.”, “prepTime”: “PT5M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT5M”, “recipeYield”: “1 serving”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 oz bourbon”, “1 tsp apple butter”, “1/4 oz simple syrup”, “2 dashes Angostura bitters”, “Orange peel, for garnish”, “Ice cubes”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bourbon, apple butter, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled and combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Express orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “0.2g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “6g”}}