It all starts with a delightful, aromatic pot of apple cider simmering on the stove, as per this Old-Fashioned recipe drawn from Deb Perelman’s Smitten Kitchen Keepers, turning the cider into a delightful sweet concentrate. Next, bourbon, bitters, and ice come together to create an inviting cocktail that’s bound to be consumed as rapidly as a massive cheese ball. (Meaning, very quickly!)
Reasons this recipe is a staple for me:
* Makes enough for 6 but can be easily multiplied for larger gatherings
* Can be prepared up to one! month! in advance!
* Evokes the feeling of visiting a cider mill at the height of fall
* The cider concentrate also serves as a base for non-alcoholic beverages for kids and non-drinkers (just add seltzer)
* Every person I’ve made this for has expressed pure joy
For serving, I strongly suggest acquiring vintage holiday glassware from garage sales, as it enhances the overall experience.
If I find the grocery store cider lacking, I might toss in some cinnamon sticks, star anise, or orange peel to enrich the flavor — or even the new pumpkin pie spice 2.0 from Burlap and Barrel that I can’t get enough of.
As for the spirit, bourbon is my favorite because it’s composed of at least 51% corn, which is sweet. Coupled with the aging process in oak, it develops warm dessert-like notes that pair beautifully with cider. If you prefer a more robust drink, rye has a bolder flavor owing to the rye berries. Alternatively, you could use some peaty scotch to add a punchy edge! Perfect for keeping warm during winter.
Fun fact: The audiobook version of Smitten Kitchen Keepers was recently released. You can listen to Deb’s inviting voice narrating the background stories of each recipe — or simply follow the steps below visually:
Apple-Cider Old-Fashioned
1 quart (4 cups, or 950 grams) regular or spiced apple cider
½ teaspoon pumpkin or apple pie spice (if using non-spiced cider)
12 shakes of orange or Angostura bitters (do not skip! This harmonizes everything and prevents it from tasting overly boozy)
2 cups (475 grams) rye or bourbon whiskey (or more, as needed)
Ice
Apple slices, for garnish (or dried orange wheels from Trader Joe’s)
Prepare the cider concentrate: Bring the apple cider and spice, if using, to a boil in a 3-to-4-quart saucepan at high heat until it darkens and thickens, reducing to about ⅔ cup in volume. This process typically takes about 25-30 minutes on my stovetop. Stir occasionally, especially towards the end, to ensure it doesn’t over-reduce. (If it does, the drink isn’t ruined, but it may become thicker and harder to mix.)
Combine with whiskey: Allow to cool to room temperature; then whisk in the bitters. Gradually whisk in the whiskey in a thin stream until fully integrated. Taste and add more whiskey, up to ½ cup, if you desire. Pour the mixture into a lidded carafe and chill thoroughly until you’re ready to serve.
To serve: Place one large or several small ice cubes in an Old-Fashioned glass (6 ounces). If the apple cider has settled, give it a stir again and pour it over the ice. Garnish with an apple slice, if desired, and raise your glass to the new season.
What are your thoughts? What beverages do you enjoy during the holidays? Hot chocolate? Chilled wine?
P.S. Here are 5 interesting things I observed at a drinks party, plus tips for hosting a cookie swap.
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen Keepers: New Classics for Your Forever Files by Deb Perelman. Copyright © 2022 by Deb Perelman. Excerpted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission from the publisher.
**Apple Cider Old-Fashioned: My Most Beloved Holiday Cocktail Recipe**
As the weather turns chillier and the foliage shifts into brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold, there’s no finer way to capture the essence of the season than with a festive cocktail. The Apple Cider Old-Fashioned has become my go-to beverage for the holidays. It presents an enjoyable variation on the traditional Old-Fashioned, marrying the warm, spiced essence of fall with the classic elegance of bourbon. Whether you’re throwing a festive event or just lounging beside the fire, this drink is bound to impress.
In this piece, I’ll guide you through the history of the Old-Fashioned, elucidate why apple cider is the ideal seasonal addition, and of course, explain how to create this delightful drink in your own home.
—
### **The Old-Fashioned: An Ageless Classic**
The Old-Fashioned ranks among the oldest and most esteemed cocktails globally, its roots tracing back to the early 1800s. Its allure lies in its straightforwardness: a primary spirit (usually whiskey or bourbon), a hint of sugar, dashes of bitters, and a citrus garnish. Over decades, bartenders have played with numerous variations; yet, the essence of the drink remains—the smoothness, balance, and deep satisfaction it brings.
The Apple Cider Old-Fashioned elevates this traditional recipe by incorporating fall flavors, resulting in a drink that’s both reminiscent and fresh. The inclusion of apple cider provides natural sweetness and a touch of tartness, while seasonal spices like cinnamon and cloves enhance the drink’s warmth and depth.
—
### **Why Choose Apple Cider?**
Apple cider embodies autumn and the festive season. Its rich, fruity profile and subtle spice make it a flexible ingredient for cocktails. When combined with bourbon, the cider’s inherent sweetness harmonizes with the whiskey’s strong, oaky characteristics, yielding a blend that’s equally comforting and celebratory.
Utilizing apple cider also allows for personalization of the drink to suit your palate. Whether you enjoy a sweeter version or one with a sharper, tangy edge, the decision is up to you. For added depth, consider spiced apple cider infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
—
### **The Recipe: Crafting an Apple Cider Old-Fashioned**
Now that you’re aware of the inspiration behind this cocktail, let’s dive into the preparation process! This recipe is simple and calls for just a few ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
#### **Ingredients:**
– 2 oz bourbon (or rye whiskey for a spicier option)
– 1 oz apple cider (either spiced or regular)
– 1/4 oz maple syrup (or simple syrup, if you prefer)
– 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ice (large cubes or a single sphere are ideal)
– Orange peel (for garnish)
– Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Your Glass**
Start by placing a large ice cube or sphere in a rocks glass. A larger ice piece melts slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting the flavors.
2. **Mix the Drink**
In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters. Gently stir with a bar spoon for around 20-30 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients well.
3. **Strain and Serve**
Strain the mixture into your prepared rocks glass over the ice.
4. **Garnish**
Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it above the glass and giving it a light twist. Rub the peel along the rim of the glass for an enhanced aroma, then place it in the drink. For an extra festive flair, add a cinnamon stick as a garnish.
5. **Enjoy**
Take your time to sip and relish the warm, spiced taste of the season.
—
### **Tips for Crafting the Perfect Apple Cider Old-Fashioned**
– **Select Your Bourbon Carefully**: Opt for a premium bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice that will beautifully complement the apple cider. Excellent choices include Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, or Buffalo Trace.
– **Experiment with Sweeteners**: While maple syrup lends a rich sweetness, consider alternatives like honey, brown sugar syrup, or even a splash of spiced liqueur for a unique twist.
– **Add a Smoky Touch**: For more complexity, think about using a smoked bourbon or incorporating a drop of liquid smoke into the mixture.
– **Prepare in Batches for Gatherings**: If you’re hosting during the holidays, it’s simple to scale up the recipe and make a batch of Apple Cider Old-Fashioneds in advance. Just mix
