Description
The Hocus Pocus Old Fashioned is a cozy, spiced cocktail perfect for chilly autumn nights. Combining bourbon with a homemade spiced honey syrup infused with rosemary, cinnamon, and optional star anise, alongside apple or pumpkin butter and a touch of citrus, this drink balances sweetness, warmth, and a touch of magic. Garnished with cinnamon sticks and optionally topped with ginger beer for fizz, it’s a whimsical yet simple concoction that elevates the classic Old Fashioned with seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Spiced Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- Star anise (optional)
Cocktail
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) bourbon
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple butter or pumpkin butter
- 1-2 dashes orange bitters
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) honey syrup (from above)
- Ginger beer, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Spiced Honey Syrup: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup honey, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon), and star anise if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. This syrup is enough for about 6 drinks.
- Prepare Your Glass: Rim your serving glass with spicy cinnamon sugar to add an extra layer of flavor and a festive touch.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled honey syrup, 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple or pumpkin butter, and 1-2 dashes orange bitters. Fill the shaker with ice, then shake vigorously to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Serve the Drink: Strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with cinnamon sticks for aroma and style. Optionally, top with a splash of ginger beer for a fizzy finish.
- To Make a Mocktail: Omit the bourbon. Replace it with 1 tablespoon apple cider or sparkling apple cider and add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Shake with ice and serve similarly.
Notes
- Spooky yet whimsical – magical, spicy, sweet, and simple… a cozy cocktail perfect for chilly autumn nights.
- Rimming the glass with spicy cinnamon sugar adds a festive and flavorful touch.
- The spiced honey syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week and can be used in other cocktails or teas.
- Adjust the amount of honey syrup to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- The option to top with ginger beer adds a refreshing and lightly fizzy element but is entirely optional.
- The mocktail version provides a delightful non-alcoholic alternative while maintaining the autumn-inspired flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
