Easy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Apple cider takes on a grown-up twist with the addition of bourbon in this delicious Apple Cider Cocktail. Made easy with just a handful of ingredients it’s the perfect excuse to throw a fall gathering.
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We just love fall cocktails like Pumpkin Spice Hot Buttered Rum, Smashing Pumpkin Cocktail and Mulled Wine, or Glühwein as it’s called in German-speaking countries.
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Easy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
As soon as I spot the grocery stores stocking apple cider, I jump for joy an immediately start thinking about all the recipes I can make with it. This year my first apple cider recipe is one of my new favorites and will be one I plan on making all season long. This easy bourbon apple cider cocktail will have you ditching all your pumpkin beer and PSL’s this fall.
Because who said fall has to be all about the pumpkin? Mixed with fresh apple cider, ginger beer, and just enough bourbon to warm you up on a chilly night, it’s the epitome of autumn and you need it in your life.
So let’s not waste any more time, because the leaves are changing as we speak, it’s time to celebrate the season the right way, with as many apple recipes as possible.
What’s In A Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail?
- Apple cider
- Bourbon
- Lemon juice
- Ginger beer or ginger ale
- Apple slice, thyme sprig and cinnamon stick for garnish
What Kind Of Bourbon Should I Use?
Any mid-range bourbon will work for this recipe. I used Jim Beam and loved it, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand, or whatever brand you prefer.
You could also swap out the bourbon for any other dark liquor you prefer if bourbon isn’t your liquor of choice. I would stay away from the clear liquors like vodka or gin though because you really need the flavors that dark liquor bings to make this cocktail have all those great fall flavors we love.
How To Make This Easy Bourbon Cocktail
This recipe is eas easy as {apple} pie 😉 and will give you ALL of those fall feelings. You only need a few simple tools and it can be thrown together in minutes. So, if you randomly get in the mood for a fall cocktail this season, you’ll want to keep everything on hand to make this cocktail.
To mix up this creation you’ll just fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the cider, bourbon and lemon juice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
Then top it off with ginger ale or ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick and thyme sprig.
Can I Make This Apple Cider Cocktail Without Alcohol?
Yes! Good news, this is a cocktail that can be made without alcohol, and still, taste delicious. I never want anyone to miss out on all the seasonal recipes I love so much, which means I want to make sure anyone and everyone can enjoy an ice-cold glass of this apple cider drink.
To make this recipe as a mocktail, just follow the directions below, and skip the bourbon. You don’t have to replace it with anything else, just omit the bourbon and you have yourself a delicious fall drink everyone will love.
Can I Make My Bourbon Cocktail In Advance?
None of the ingredients in this drink is anything that needs to sit or soak into each other, so there is no need to make the drink in advance. I actually suggest waiting until shortly before you want to serve it so it stays nice and ice cold and your ice doesn’t melt at all.
Make This Apple Cider Cocktail At Your Next Party
This apple cider cocktail would make the best attendee at your first fall party of the season. Just imagine everyone around a fire roasting marshmallows while sipping on this cozy apple drink that will warm your soul.
To make your next party really over the top, it needs to be about more than just the company and the drinks. Make it a whole experience everyone will remember and set up this gourmet smores bar. It is always a hit when I break out the smores bar, not only tasty but so fun!
Don’t Miss Out On All The Apple Recipes This Season!
Apple Pie Bars With Crumb Topping – Easier than apple pie and just as delicious. Made with fresh apples and a buttery crumb topping, they are sturdy enough to eat with your hands.
Fried Apples Recipe – Fresh apples, sugar, and butter-fried on the stovetop with cinnamon…so delicious! Learn how to make fried apples for breakfast, dessert, snacks, or even as a side dish!
Apple and Brown Sugar Coffee Cake – This easy-to-follow recipe with all the taste of fall pairs perfectly with a morning cup of coffee.
Easy Apple Pumpkin Cupcakes – A scrumptious harvest treat; optional to serve as cupcakes with no frosting as a breakfast or snack muffin!
Caramel Apple Moscow Mule – Perfect for autumn! Made with sweet caramel vodka, fresh apple cider, and ginger beer it’s sure to become the official cocktail of fall!
Apple Cider Pumpkin Beer Shandy – The perfect addition to your holiday menu. Made with delicious apple cider and pumpkin beer and garnished with fresh apples, pomegranate seeds, and rosemary
Like This Apple Cider Cocktail? Pin It!
Tools used to make this Easy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Bar Shaker: cocktail shaker will not only look great on your bar cart, but it also helps you make amazing bar quality cocktails!
Farm Fresh Tumbler: I love the farmhouse look of these cups and they couldn’t be more perfect for this cocktail. It makes me feel like its a drink they serve at an apple orchard.
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Easy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Apple cider takes on a grown-up twist with the addition of bourbon in this delicious Apple Cider Cocktail. Made easy with just a handful of ingredients it's the perfect excuse to throw a fall gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 ounces ginger beer or ginger ale
- apple slice, thyme sprig and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add cider, bourbon and lemon juice. Shake for 30 seconds and strain into ice-filled rocks glass.
- Top off with ginger ale or ginger beer.
- Garnish with apple slice, cinnamon stick and thyme sprig.
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Have you had that special Angry Orchard Hard Cider that is made in old bourbon barrels? This reminds me of that. What a fun, autumnal drink!
I’m really excited to try this cocktail, bourbon and apples are always so good together!
I would never of thought to put these flavors together but wow this sounds good!
This drink is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spice! Try freezing the cider, bourbon, and lemon and then adding the ginger beer to make a slush. Yum!
Any suggestions for making a large quantity? Like for one gallon how much of what?
Can you use apple juice in place of the apple cider?
SURE. for the most part, apple cider is basically unfiltered apple juice. Cider will usually have a tangier taste.