Get ready for the perfect Fall apple cocktail recipe, a robust and boozy but balanced drink that is mellowed by cinnamon and vanilla flavors. I call this a gateway Old Fashioned recipe, because so many people who try it are surprised that they like it, given that they are not typically Old Fashioned drinkers. Yet, even the Old Fashioned purists will appreciate this balanced cocktail featuring a play between smoke, sweet, bitter and warm spices flavors.
You do not have to smoke this Old Fashioned cocktail to enjoy it, but the smoke does bring out a nice layer that helps enhance the whiskey and balance the sweetness. You may substitute the Apple Pie syrup for one of our other Old Fashioned-friendly syrup flavors like Orange Vanilla or Rhubarb Vanilla and still have great results, if less seasonally intune. Â