Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1 oz (30 ml) spiced apple cider
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) spiced simple syrup (or 1/4 oz / 7.5 ml maple syrup)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel, for garnish
  • Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Spiced Simple Syrup (Optional): Combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the syrup with spices. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain out the solids.
  2. Chill the Glass: Put a couple ice cubes in your Old Fashioned glass to chill it while you build the cocktail.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add bourbon, spiced apple cider, spiced simple syrup (or maple syrup), and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  4. Shake Well: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
  5. Strain and Serve: Discard ice from your chilled glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass over one large ice cube or several smaller ones.
  6. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass by gently twisting it, then rub the peel around the rim. Drop the peel into the glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick (optional).