Description
The Hocus Pocus Old Fashioned is a cozy, autumn-inspired cocktail that combines the warmth of bourbon with spiced honey syrup, fresh herbs, and seasonal flavors like apple or pumpkin butter. This magical and sweet drink is perfect for chilly nights and offers an optional mocktail variation for a non-alcoholic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Spiced Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- star anise (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
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
- cinnamon sticks, for garnish
- ginger beer, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Make the spiced honey syrup: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup water, honey, rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), and star anise if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Allow it to boil for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat and let it cool completely. This syrup yields enough for about 6 drinks.
- Prepare the glass: Rim your serving glass with spicy cinnamon sugar for an added seasonal touch and flavor enhancement (recipe for cinnamon sugar rim is in the notes).
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared honey syrup, 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple or pumpkin butter, and 1-2 dashes of orange bitters. Add ice to fill the shaker, then shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Serve the drink: Strain the cocktail mixture into the rimmed glass. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and, if desired, top with a splash of ginger beer for some fizz and extra flavor.
- Mocktail option: For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon. Instead, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider or sparkling apple cider along with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix with the other ingredients and serve as above.
Notes
- Spicy cinnamon sugar rim: Mix 1 tablespoon sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to rim the glass.
- This cocktail is perfect for autumn and chilly evenings with its cozy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
- The optional star anise adds a subtle licorice note that complements the spices.
- Adjust the sweetness by controlling the amount of honey syrup used.
- Ginger beer topping adds a refreshing fizz but can be omitted for a stronger drink.
- The mocktail option offers an enjoyable alternative without alcohol.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.05 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
