Bobbie'sKitchen
Cocktails & Mocktails

Caramel Apple Old Fashioned

A rich bourbon Old Fashioned with crisp apple, warm caramel and aromatic spices.

Caramel Apple Old Fashioned, photographed by Bobbie
The original food picture from Bobbie's recipe card.
Makes 1 drink (or a pitcher for 8) 10 minutes total (5 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook), as printed; syrup method requires 10–15 minutes simmeringBuy ingredients on Amazon Make a shopping list for this
Contains alcoholAdults onlyMake ahead

Contains alcohol — adults only. Bobbie confirmed the vanilla is stirred into the syrup after it comes off the heat, before cooling. The 5-minute cook heading still differs from the 10–15-minute syrup method printed on the card. Pitcher: mix the printed pitcher ingredients with ice; garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks and rosemary. Tips: use fresh unfiltered cider and homemade caramel; try smoked bourbon; adjust syrup sweetness; use a large ice cube; make syrup ahead; a sugared rim and caramel drizzle add a festive touch. Variations: smoked bourbon and maple bitters; nutmeg or ginger; maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Mocktail: omit bourbon and use sparkling apple cider with a dash of bitters. Syrup keeps airtight refrigerated up to 2 weeks; mixed cocktail without ice can be refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead; stir before serving. Pair with charcuterie, festive pork or turkey, herb stuffing, Brie with honey, candied pecans, pumpkin appetizers, apple pie or fall desserts.

Ingredients

Caramel apple syrup (about 1 cup, enough for 8 drinks)

  • 1 cup fresh apple cider (240 ml)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce (60 ml)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 orange peel strip
  • 1 lemon peel strip
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cocktail (1 drink)

  • 2 oz bourbon (60 ml)
  • ¾ oz caramel apple syrup (22 ml)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
  • Large ice cube
  • Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Rim (optional)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Drizzle of caramel sauce

Pitcher (8 servings, as printed)

  • 16 oz bourbon (480 ml)
  • 6 oz caramel apple syrup (180 ml)
  • 16 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 8 dashes orange bitters (optional)

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Method

  1. 1

    Make the caramel apple syrup: in a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, caramel sauce, cinnamon stick, cloves, orange peel and lemon peel. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the mixture to reduce slightly. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, then let cool and strain. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  2. 2

    Prepare the glass (optional): mix brown sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Dip the rim of a rocks glass in caramel sauce, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture.

  3. 3

    Make the cocktail: in the prepared glass, add a large ice cube. Pour in bourbon, caramel apple syrup, Angostura bitters and orange bitters (optional). Stir gently for 10–15 seconds.

  4. 4

    Garnish and enjoy: add an apple slice, cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary.

Get this in a pack

Caramel Apple Old Fashioned is printed in Holiday Cocktails & Mocktails

29 recipes, each on its own printable page, with a shopping list. Instant download. See what's inside

$9

Or get every pack in one go: The Whole Kitchen Collection — $39

From Bobbie's “Bobbie's Recipe Card 96”. Written up by Bobbie's Kitchen · Updated 26 October 2026