This apple butter old fashioned adds a spoonful of spiced fruit spread to classic bourbon, apple cider, and bitters for a warm, smooth cocktail.
It takes about 5 minutes and uses a cocktail shaker, so you can serve a fall drink at home without special tools. Club soda adds a light fizz, and a sugar rim with apple slices makes the glass look finished.
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Why This Apple Butter Old Fashioned Recipe Works
Apple butter brings body and a deep baked apple flavor that regular simple syrup cannot match. Because it is thick, shaking it with the liquids blends it fully instead of leaving clumps.
Apple cider softens the bourbon, and aromatic bitters add depth, so the drink tastes balanced rather than sugary. A splash of club soda lengthens it and makes it easier to sip.
Ingredients for Apple Butter Old Fashioned
- 2 tablespoons apple butter, store bought or homemade
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters, or orange bitters
- 1/4 cup pasteurized apple cider
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 1/2 ounces club soda, chilled
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for the rim, optional
- 1 cup ice cubes for serving
- 2 apple slices for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Apple butter. Choose a smooth spread without added chunks so it dissolves quickly when shaken.
Bourbon. A mid priced bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes works well, since the other flavors are soft.
Apple cider. Use pasteurized cider for safety, and keep it cold until you mix the drink.
Aromatic bitters. Two dashes add spice and depth, and orange bitters give a brighter edge.
Club soda. It adds a gentle fizz without extra sweetness.
How to Make Apple Butter Old Fashioned
1. Shake the base Add the apple butter, bitters, apple cider, and bourbon to a cocktail shaker and shake hard for about 15 seconds until the apple butter blends in.
2. Rim the glass Wet the rim of a rocks glass, dip it in coarse sugar, and fill the glass with fresh ice.
3. Pour over ice Pour the shaken mixture over the ice, leaving about an inch of room at the top.
4. Top with soda Add the chilled club soda and give it one gentle stir so the fizz stays lively.
5. Garnish and serve Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick, then serve right away.
How to Serve Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Please drink responsibly and do not drive after drinking. Serve the cocktail in a chilled rocks glass beside oven baked BBQ chicken or Dutch oven pot roast for a relaxed fall dinner. A bowl of whipped feta dip with honey makes a good starter, and a strawberry pineapple mojito gives guests a fruitier choice. For an alcohol free version, replace the bourbon with cooled strong black tea and a squeeze of lemon.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Butter Old Fashioned
This cocktail is ideal mixed fresh. To prepare for guests, combine the apple butter, cider, bourbon, and bitters in a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then shake with ice and top each glass with club soda. Do not add the soda ahead of time, because it goes flat quickly. Leftover apple butter keeps well in a covered jar in the refrigerator. Do not store a finished drink with melted ice.
Tips and Variations for Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Make it alcohol free. Replace the bourbon with 2 ounces cooled strong black tea and 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a zero proof version.
Chill the glass. Place the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes for a colder drink.
Shake hard. Strong shaking breaks up the thick apple butter and blends it evenly.
Use large ice. Big cubes melt slowly and keep the drink from tasting watery.
Adjust sweetness. Use a little less apple butter if you prefer a drier cocktail.
Try rye. Rye whiskey adds a peppery edge if you want a spicier drink.
Make it warm. Swap the club soda for hot cider on a cold night for a warm version.
Use pasteurized cider. Pasteurized cider is the safer choice, as noted in the FDA safe food handling guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Butter Old Fashioned
What is in apple butter old fashioned?
It combines apple butter, bourbon, apple cider, aromatic bitters, and club soda, served over ice with a sugar rim.
Can I make apple butter old fashioned for a crowd?
Yes. Mix the base in a jar up to 2 days ahead, then shake and top each serving with club soda.
Can I make apple butter old fashioned without bourbon?
Yes. Use cooled strong black tea and lemon juice for a zero proof version with a similar depth.
What kind of bourbon should I use?
Pick a smooth bourbon with caramel notes, since the apple butter adds plenty of sweetness.
Can I use homemade apple butter?
Yes. Homemade works well as long as it is smooth and not too chunky.
Apple Butter Old Fashioned with Bourbon and Apple Cider
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Rocks glass
- Jigger
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp apple butter store bought or homemade
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters or orange bitters
- ¼ cup pasteurized apple cider
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 ½ oz club soda chilled
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar optional, for the rim
- 1 cup ice cubes for serving
- 2 apple slices for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Shake it. Combine the apple butter, bitters, cider, and bourbon in a shaker and shake for 15 seconds.
- Rim the glass. Dip the glass rim in coarse sugar, then fill the glass with ice.
- Pour and top. Pour the shaken mixture over the ice and finish with chilled club soda.
- Garnish. Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick, then serve right away.
