Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned a Fall Wedding Toast

Fall Wedding Toast Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned

By Emma PrescottSeptember 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself planning a fall wedding? Honestly, finding the perfect drink can be tough. But I've got just the thing! This fall signature wedding cocktails recipe is a total winner.

It mixes warm spices with bourbon for a taste that is both cozy and elegant!

Brief Overview

This Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a modern twist on a classic. It brings autumnal charm to your wedding reception drinks .

It's super easy to make, and takes about 10 minutes if you skip infusing your own apple cider. This recipe yields one cocktail.

You can easily scale up for a crowd.

Main Benefits

The apple cider adds a boost of Vitamin C. This makes it a guilt free treat to enjoy. It's perfect for a wedding cocktail hour , or any fall get-together.

This recipe is special because it's adaptable. You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste.

Looking for the best fall wedding drinks ? This Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned is it. It’s a memorable sip that screams autumn! Let’s dive into the ingredients, shall we?

Autumn Inspired Ingredients

We will need good quality bourbon. The signature wedding cocktails calls for the right booze. Also, spiced apple cider store-bought or infused! Maple syrup adds sweetness and Angostura bitters some depth.

Don't forget an orange peel for the garnish!

Kick It Up With Spiced Apple Cider

Let's talk about that spiced apple cider. Making your own is a game changer. Simply simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg.

It's a cozy autumn scent fills your kitchen. I have another recipe on my blog for apple cider cocktails you should definitely check out! Simmer for just 15 minutes, then let it steep for at least two hours, or better yet, overnight.

Trust me, this infusion takes the old fashioned variations to another level! It's like bottling autumn itself. This is one of my favorite festive cocktail ideas .

Serving Suggestions

This fall signature wedding cocktails pairs beautifully with cheese and charcuterie. Think apple slices and spiced nuts. You can also serve it with autumnal desserts.

Apple pie or pumpkin cheesecake would be divine! For autumn wedding cocktails , presentation matters! Serve this wedding cocktail recipes in chilled glasses with large ice cubes and an orange peel.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Fall Signature Wedding Cocktails

So, you wanna whip up my Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned variations ? Sweet! Let’s make sure you've got all the bits and bobs.

Honestly, nothing too fancy needed for this autumn wedding cocktails recipe! It’s way easier than dealing with seating charts, trust me.

Main Ingredients

Alright, here's the shopping list for this amazing wedding cocktail recipes .

Apple Cider (Unfiltered): 4 cups (950 ml). The good stuff is key. cloudy cider is much better.
Cinnamon Sticks: 2 (approx. 3 inches/7.5 cm). Sniff 'em first! They should smell amazing.
Whole Cloves: 4 . These little guys pack a punch, so don't overdo it.
Star Anise: 2 . Adds a subtle licorice note. looks so pretty in the glass too.
Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon . Freshly grated is best. pre-ground works in a pinch.
Bourbon Whiskey: 2 ounces (60 ml). something with caramel and spice notes.
Spiced Apple Cider: 1/2 ounce (15 ml). Use your infused one, or good store-bought stuff.
Maple Syrup: 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml). Pure maple syrup only, alright? No Aunt Jemima's.
Angostura Bitters: 2 Dashes . Don't skip these! Adds a depth of flavor that's essential.
Orange Peel: For garnish. Get a nice, thick peel.
Cinnamon Stick: For garnish (optional). Because it looks cute, duh!

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens for your festive cocktail ideas . It is all about how you feel.

Spice Combo: Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise. Basically, autumn in a glass.
Flavor Enhancers: Angostura bitters. That orange peel express is a must .
Substitutions: No maple syrup? Honey or agave will do the trick. No spiced cider? Add a pinch of cinnamon to regular cider.

Equipment Needed

Don't need a full bar to nail these fall wedding drinks .

Muddler: For gently mashing the maple syrup and bitters. A wooden spoon handle will do.
Mixing Glass/Cocktail Shaker: For chilling the drink. Even a mason jar works in a pinch.
Jigger/Measuring Spoons: Gotta measure! I just eye ball.
Ice Cube Tray: Big ice cubes are the way to go.
Old Fashioned Glass: a short, sturdy glass for serving.

Seriously, that's it! Creating stunning signature wedding cocktails don’t need fancy stuff. This Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktails will make your wedding reception drinks unforgettable.

And those apple cider cocktails ? People will be raving about them! It makes the perfect cocktail hour recipes and an amazing fall signature wedding cocktails .

So go ahead and give it a shot.

Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned: Your Fall Signature Wedding Cocktails Sorted!

Okay, lovebirds! Planning your big day? What about fall wedding drinks ? Honestly, a good signature wedding cocktails can make or break the mood.

I'm talking about creating a vibe, not just serving booze.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first. Get your stuff together! You will need your bourbon, apple cider (store-bought is fine, honestly!), maple syrup, bitters, and an orange.

Chop that orange peel and grab your muddler. This prep work is essential for smooth cocktail hour recipes .

Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned: step-by-step

Infuse Cider (Optional): Simmer apple cider with 2 cinnamon sticks , 4 cloves , 2 star anise , and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for 15 minutes . Let it sit for 2 hours . This gives a really deep flavor, trust me.
Muddle: In your glass, gently muddle 1/4 ounce maple syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
Booze Time: Add 2 ounces bourbon and 1/2 ounce spiced apple cider to the glass.
Ice It Up: Fill the glass with ice. Large cubes, please!
Stir (Gently): Gently stir everything. Don't overdo it.
Garnish: Rub orange peel around the rim and pop it in. A cinnamon stick makes it extra fancy.

Pro Tips for Epic Autumn Wedding Cocktails

Want to take your cocktail game to the next level? Try infusing your own cider. It's super easy, and the aroma is incredible.

Also, chill your glasses beforehand. Keeps things nice and frosty. Wedding reception drinks should be served cold!

Avoid over muddling. You want flavors to meld, not become a mush. And if you’re making these ahead, just prep the cider infusion. Don’t fully assemble the cocktail until serving.

This apple cider cocktails and bourbon cocktails is perfect for your big day. And hey, who knows? Maybe you'll even come up with your own old fashioned variations ! Your guests will be raving about your festive cocktail ideas .

These wedding cocktail recipes will make your wedding unforgettable!

Recipe Notes for Your Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty. You've got your ingredients for the fall signature wedding cocktails all lined up. Now, here are a few things to keep in mind to make this autumn wedding cocktail really shine at your big day.

Think of these as my little secrets, passed down from years of watching happy couples celebrate!

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good

Presentation is key, innit? For your signature wedding cocktails , consider serving these in elegant Old Fashioned glasses. You know, the kind that makes you feel all fancy.

A simple garnish of orange peel and a cinnamon stick transforms this drink from "nice" to "bloody brilliant". Thinking about food pairings? Try serving these alongside some fancy cheeses and spiced nuts.

Or, pair the wedding reception drinks with mini apple pies. Delish!

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

So, you've made a batch of the infused apple cider, and you've got some left over. No worries! Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even freeze it. Just make sure to use an airtight container. For the cocktail itself, it's best to make it fresh.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Got guests with dietary needs? No sweat! You can easily make this festive cocktail idea adaptable. If you need to make a non-alcoholic version of the apple cider cocktails , swap out the bourbon for a non-alcoholic alternative.

Agave nectar or honey are nice stand ins for maple syrup. Swap in spiced rum or apple brandy for more interesting old fashioned variations .

Nutrition Basics: A Little Info

Okay, so it's not exactly a health food. However, each glass has approximately 200 calories. It also has a bit of sugar, about 12 grams.

So, maybe don't have too many. Everything in moderation, eh?

Listen, whipping up a batch of these wedding cocktail recipes is easier than you think. These fall wedding drinks are sure to be a hit! Experiment with these tips and tricks and remember, the most important ingredient is love.

Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have time to infuse the apple cider? Can I still make these fall signature wedding cocktails?

Absolutely! While infusing the apple cider adds a special touch, you can certainly use a good quality store-bought spiced apple cider. Look for one that's naturally spiced and not overly sweet.

If you only have regular apple cider, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glass before mixing to get a similar warming flavour. Remember, even Mary Berry uses shop bought pastry sometimes!

Help! My Old Fashioneds are always too strong. How can I adjust this fall signature wedding cocktails recipe?

No worries, we've all been there! The beauty of a cocktail is that it's customisable. You can reduce the amount of bourbon slightly and increase the apple cider and maple syrup to balance it out. Start with a smaller adjustment (maybe 1.5 ounces of bourbon) and taste as you go.

Alternatively, ensure you're using plenty of large ice cubes, as these will dilute the drink more slowly than smaller ones, preventing it from becoming too watery too quickly.

Can I make a large batch of this Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned ahead of time for my wedding reception?

You can definitely prep elements in advance! Infuse the apple cider up to a few days beforehand and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to mix the cocktails individually or in small batches just before serving. Pre-mixed cocktails can lose their fizz and freshness.

If you must batch the cocktails, exclude the ice, and add fresh ice just before serving for the best flavour. You could also pre-batch the bourbon, cider, maple syrup and bitters together, then pour over ice as guests arrive.

What are some good garnishes besides orange peel for these fall signature wedding cocktails?

While orange peel is classic, feel free to get creative! A cinnamon stick is a lovely, thematic choice. You could also use a dehydrated apple slice, a sprig of rosemary (for a more savoury note), or even a few cranberries threaded onto a cocktail skewer.

A light dusting of cinnamon powder across the top can also add a lovely visual and aromatic touch. Just make sure whatever you choose complements the overall flavour profile.

I'm looking for non-alcoholic fall signature wedding cocktails, can this recipe be adapted?

Absolutely! The bourbon can be replaced with a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative (there are some surprisingly good options available now), and you can use non-alcoholic spiced apple cider. Agave nectar is a great substitute for the maple syrup as well.

Play around with the ratios to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Top with a splash of sparkling cider for an extra festive touch!