Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is smooth, bold and infused with cozy fall flavors. Made with sweet apple cider, a splash of bourbon and just a little bit of apple cider simple syrup, it's the perfect drink to sip fireside on a chilly night.
Whether you're hosting a fall gathering, relaxing after a long day, or looking for a signature cocktail to serve at Thanksgiving, this easy bourbon apple cider cocktail is a crowd-pleasing favorite. It's quick to shake up and even easier to enjoy.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
- More Cocktail Recipes You Will Love
- How to Serve a Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
- What to Serve with an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About our Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
If you love bourbon drinks, you must try our Apple Cider Old Fashioned, Hot Toddy or our Bourbon Lemon Cocktail.
Why You Will Love This Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
- Cozy Fall Flavor: Sweet apple cider and bold bourbon make for the ultimate fall cocktail pairing.
- Simple Ingredients: All you need are a few staples you can find at most grocery stores.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Serve this for Thanksgiving, a fire pit hangout, or any fall party.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the simple syrup to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Quick to Make: It comes together in a cocktail shaker in under 5 minutes.
Ingredients
This cozy cocktail recipe uses simple ingredients for a bold, smooth sip with a touch of fall spice.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Sweetened Apple Cider: Brings natural sweetness and crisp apple flavor.
- Bourbon: Adds warmth, depth and caramel notes.
- Apple Cider Simple Syrup: Optional, but great for enhancing the apple flavor and balancing the bourbon.
- Ice: Chills and dilutes the drink slightly for a smooth sip.
All you need to shake up this quick bourbon cocktail is a cocktail shaker, shot glass and a teaspoon.
Substitutions and Variations
This cocktail is easily customizable depending on what you have on hand or your personal taste.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Rim: Add a festive touch by rimming your glass with cinnamon and sugar.
- Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer: Top with a splash for a bubbly twist and a little spice.
- Citrus Kick: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or orange juice for brightness.
- Mocktail Version: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon or simply skip it for a spiced apple cider mocktail.
- Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup and regular simple syrup in place of apple cider simple syrup for a hint of extra fall flavor.
How to Make an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
This cocktail couldn't be easier to make with just a few ingredients and a cocktail shaker.
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add apple cider, bourbon and simple syrup. Shake until chilled and strain into two low-ball glasses filled with ice.
Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick.
Hint: The fresher the cider, the better the flavor in your cocktail.
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How to Serve a Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
This cozy fall cocktail shines with the right presentation. Here are some simple ways to serve a bourbon apple cider cocktail.
- Shaken: Shake in a cocktail shaker until chilled and strain over ice.
- Glass: A rocks glass or lowball is perfect for this bourbon cocktail.
- Garnishes: Add a thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick for festive flair.
What to Serve with an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
- Fall Appetizers: Cranberry baked brie, cranberry sauce muffins, bacon wrapped sausages or mini cheeseballs.
- Sweet Treats: Pumpkin banana bread, apple pie, apple dumplings or our Crockpot cinnamon roll casserole.
Top Tips
Want bar-quality results at home? Follow these top tips when mixing your bourbon apple cider cocktail.
- Chill Everything: Cold ingredients and ice make for the smoothest, most refreshing sip.
- Balance the Sweetness: Start with less syrup and adjust to taste.
- Batch for a Crowd: Multiply ingredients and mix in a large pitcher for easy serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About our Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Before you start pouring, here are a few common questions about bourbon apple cider cocktails.
A mid-range bourbon like Bulleit or Jim Beam works well, smooth enough to enjoy but not too pricey.
You can skip the bourbon or use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a delicious spiced mocktail.
Fresh apple cider is best, but in a pinch, apple juice will work. Just know it may be sweeter and less tart.
Yes, you can gently warm the cider and bourbon in a small saucepan for a cozy hot toddy-style cocktail.
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Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Shot Glass
- Teaspoon
Ingredients
- 6 ounces sweetened apple cider
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 1-3 teaspoon Apple Cider Simple Syrup
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add apple cider, bourbon and simple syrup. Shake until chilled and strain into two low-ball glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick.
Notes
- The fresher the cider, the better the flavor in your cocktail.
- Cold ingredients and ice make for the smoothest, most refreshing sip.
- Start with less syrup and adjust to taste.
- Multiply ingredients and mix in a large pitcher for easy serving.
Nutrition
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So good and so perfect for fall and apple season!
Happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
This is the perfect drink for the Fall-flavored bourbon lovers! Perfectly balanced.