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Hocus Pocus Old Fashioned Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

The Hocus Pocus Old Fashioned is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, featuring a spiced honey syrup infused with rosemary, cinnamon, and star anise. This aromatic bourbon drink is complemented by lemon juice, apple or pumpkin butter, and a dash of orange bitters, served with a spicy cinnamon sugar rim and garnished with cinnamon sticks. Perfect for autumn or Halloween celebrations, it offers an enchanting balance of sweet, spiced, and citrusy flavors.

Ingredients

Spiced Honey Syrup

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • Star anise (optional, 1-2 pieces)

Drink

  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) bourbon
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon apple butter or pumpkin butter
  • 1-2 dashes orange bitters
  • 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) spiced honey syrup
  • Ice, for shaking
  • Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
  • Spicy cinnamon sugar, for rimming glass (see notes)
  • Ginger beer, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the spiced honey syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup honey, 2 sprigs rosemary, 2 cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), and star anise if using. Bring to a boil over high heat, then boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. This syrup makes enough for about 6 cocktails.
  2. Prepare the glass: Rim your serving glass with spicy cinnamon sugar by moistening the rim and dipping it into the sugar mixture. Set the glass aside.
  3. Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled spiced 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.
  4. Shake the drink: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and mixed.
  5. Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and optionally top with ginger beer for a fizzy finish.
  6. Optional mocktail version: Omit bourbon. Instead, use 1 tablespoon apple cider or sparkling apple cider and add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to mimic the richness and complexity of the original drink.

Notes

  • To make spicy cinnamon sugar: combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat. Mix well.
  • The spiced honey syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Star anise is optional but adds a lovely licorice aroma to the syrup.
  • Adjust the amount of honey syrup to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
  • For a stronger cinnamon flavor, use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon when making syrup.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/hocus-pocus-old-fashioned-recipe/