If you’re looking for a delightful drink to warm your heart this fall, look no further than the Apple Butter Old Fashioned! This cocktail is like a cozy hug in a glass, combining the rich flavors of apple butter with the crispness of apple cider. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this festive cocktail that everyone will love.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to bring the essence of autumn right into your glass. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a relaxing night in, this Apple Butter Old Fashioned is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just five minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this delicious cocktail without any hassle!
Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweetness of apple butter and cider makes it appealing for all ages—just skip the bourbon for a refreshing mocktail.
Versatile Enjoyment: This cocktail is perfect for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to festive family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare your apple butter mixture ahead of time so you can easily mix it up when guests arrive.
Deliciously Unique: The blend of flavors offers a delightful twist on the classic old fashioned, making it stand out at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! They are simple, wholesome, and perfect for capturing that fall feeling. Here’s what you’ll need for your Apple Butter Old Fashioned:

For the Cocktail

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 and cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about cocktails is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

Make it Sparkling: Substitute club soda with ginger ale or sparkling water for an extra fizz.
Add More Spice: Include a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg in your shaker for an added layer of warmth.
Use Different Fruit Butters: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using pear or pumpkin butter instead of apple butter.
Turn It Into a Mocktail: Simply omit the bourbon and add more club soda or sparkling juice for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

How to Make Apple Butter Old Fashioned

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by placing apple butter, bitters, apple cider, and bourbon in a cocktail shaker. This step is crucial because shaking them together allows all those wonderful flavors to meld perfectly. Shake vigorously until everything is well combined!

Step 2: Prepare Your Glass

Next, rim your glass with coarse sugar if you like that sweet touch. Fill it with ice—it’s important to chill your drink properly so every sip is refreshing!

Step 3: Pour and Top Off

Pour your apple butter mixture over the ice-filled glass. Then, top it off with club soda. This adds that lovely effervescence that makes cocktails so enjoyable!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finally, serve your Apple Butter Old Fashioned garnished with apple slices and a cinnamon stick if desired. This not only looks beautiful but also enhances those autumnal aromas as you sip.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious drink! Cheers to cozy evenings and great company!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Butter Old Fashioned

Creating the perfect Apple Butter Old Fashioned is all about the details, so here are some tips to elevate your cocktail game!

Choose Quality Ingredients: Using a good quality bourbon and fresh apple cider will enhance the flavors of your cocktail. It’s worth investing in high-quality spirits and fresh produce to make your drink truly shine.
Homemade Apple Butter: If you have time, try making your own apple butter! It allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels, ensuring a personalized taste that can’t be beaten.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of apple butter based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more; if you prefer a more tart flavor, reduce it slightly.
Chill Your Glasses: For an extra refreshing touch, chill your glasses beforehand. This simple step keeps your drink colder longer and enhances the overall drinking experience.
Experiment with Bitters: While aromatic bitters are traditional, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavored bitters such as orange or cinnamon. They can add an exciting twist to your cocktail!

How to Serve Apple Butter Old Fashioned

Serving your Apple Butter Old Fashioned can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices not only look beautiful but also complement the apple flavor in the drink.
Cinnamon Stick: A cinnamon stick adds a charming rustic touch and can infuse a subtle spice into your cocktail as you sip.
Caramel Drizzle: For a fun twist, consider drizzling some caramel sauce around the inside of the glass before pouring in the drink for an elegant look and extra sweetness!

Side Dishes

Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy brie pairs wonderfully with cocktails, providing a savory balance to the sweetness of the drink.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and warmth; their delightful flavor complements the fall theme of this cocktail.
Savory Flatbreads: Consider serving warm flatbreads topped with seasonal vegetables or cheeses for a cozy pairing that enhances the overall experience.
Pumpkin Soup: A small cup of creamy pumpkin soup can be an excellent starter, setting a warm tone for enjoying your Apple Butter Old Fashioned.

Enjoy every sip of this cozy fall cocktail! Cheers!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Butter Old Fashioned Cocktail is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch of the apple butter mixture ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy this cozy drink whenever you like.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple butter mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It should stay fresh for up to one week.
When ready to enjoy another drink, simply shake it up again with fresh ice and club soda.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the apple butter mixture in ice cube trays for quick use later.
Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

Since this cocktail is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary.
Just give your stored mixture a good shake before serving over ice.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Apple Butter Old Fashioned Cocktail!

Can I use a different type of bitters for the Apple Butter Old Fashioned?

Absolutely! While aromatic bitters are traditional, feel free to experiment with orange bitters or even chocolate bitters for a unique twist.

How do I make my own apple butter for the Apple Butter Old Fashioned?

Making your own apple butter is simple! Cook down peeled and chopped apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a splash of water until soft. Blend until smooth and let it simmer until thickened.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Apple Butter Old Fashioned?

Yes! You can substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or simply use more apple cider for a delightful mocktail version.

What can I use instead of club soda in my Apple Butter Old Fashioned?

If you prefer not to use club soda, try sparkling water or ginger ale for a bit of sweetness and fizz.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Apple Butter Old Fashioned as I am! It’s such a warm and inviting drink that truly captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a quiet night at home, this cocktail is sure to please. Enjoy making it, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me; I’d love to hear how it turned out!