This bourbon apple cider cocktail is an absolute stunner! It makes a beautiful signature cocktail at Thanksgiving or other fall gatherings.
Hello, November in a glass!
If you’re a fan of festive drinks, you will absolutely want to make this your autumn house signature. The classic flavor pairing of bourbon and apple cider is elevated with a homemade brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup (it’s incredible) and just a touch of dry cider to bring the bubbles. The garnishes are on point.
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need to make this seasonal favorite:
Ingredients
- bourbon – I’ve tried a few different types and prefer one with a little spice to it. I wouldn’t recommend a sweet or honey variety.
- cold-pressed apple cider – check the ingredient photo below for the color reference. Note that this is not the same as traditional apple juice.
- brown sugar cinnamon syrup – you can find the instructions for making this in the notes of the recipe card below. It’s a quick homemade simple syrup that calls for brown sugar in place of granulated sugar, and is then steeped with cinnamon sticks. It takes about 10 minutes to make. Super easy!
- dry cider (this one made in Colorado is my favorite) – this is a drink that contains alcohol made from fermented apples. It’s popular as a gluten-free alternative to beer and is generally easy to find. Know that you can substitute any dry cider or even prosecco if you can’t find the one that I linked. The goal is to provide a bit of bubbles without adding more sweetness. If you want to cut down on the amount of alcohol in this drink, you can also substitute club soda or your favorite seltzer water here.
- garnishes: the garnishes of any cocktail are almost just as important as the actual ingredients. I like apple slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh thyme sprigs for interest.
- optional fancy rim – you’ll need cinnamon and sugar if you choose to serve it this way. I like to mix it in a 1:4 ratio (ex: one teaspoon cinnamon + four teaspoons sugar). It’s another way to make the presentation pop, but isn’t necessary if you want to avoid the extra step.
Cocktail FAQs & Substitutions
See this article for a quick explanation. The biggest reason why I like cold-pressed cider in this recipe is because of the rich color and depth of flavor. It’s really reminiscent of fall!
Use any brand that you can find, as long as it’s not overly sweet. You can also sub a prosecco that’s on the dry side, or club soda if you want to cut down on the amount of alcohol.
If you plan to serve this to a group, here are my suggestions: one day in advance, make the syrup. Once cooled, make a large batch of the bourbon, cold-pressed apple cider, and syrup (you can store this in a large mason jar in the fridge). I don’t recommend prepping the garnishes ahead of time, because the apple slices and thyme will likely brown.
When ready to serve, get your garnishes prepped and your glasses rimmed. Shake and pour 3.5 ounces of your mason jar mixture into each glass of ice. Top each with 2 ounces of bubbles, then garnish.
Absolutely! Leave out the bourbon and use something bubbly like club soda, apple spindrift or seltzer in place of the dry cider.
This is a drink that feels fancy but is actually simple to make once you have the syrup made. And speaking of the syrup, you will love having extra on hand for use in mocktails and coffee drinks.
One can of dry cider will serve six, so it works especially well if you plan to make these for a small group. Better yet, host a cocktail party and don’t forget the snacks (a bourbon apple cider would pair perfectly with my whipped goat cheese).
More Seasonal Favorites:
Bourbon Apple Cider
This bourbon apple cider cocktail is an absolute stunner! It makes a beautiful signature cocktail at Thanksgiving or other fall gatherings.ย
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ounce bourbonย
- 2 ounces cold pressed apple cider (not apple juice)ย
- 0.5 ounce brown sugar cinnamon syrup (see notes)ย
- 2 ounces dry ciderย
- Garnishes: cinnamon stick, apple slice(s), fresh thyme sprigs
- Optional: cinnamon/sugar rim (see notes)
Instructions
- Add bourbon, cold-pressed cider and brown sugar cinnamon syrup to a jar or cocktail shaker with ice and shake well.
- Optional: dip the rim of a rocks glass in apple cider and coat with a mixture of cinnamon/sugar (1:4 ratio).
- Fill glass with ice.ย
- Pour the contents of the shaker into the glass and top with the dry cider. Stir gently.ย
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slice and sprigs of fresh thyme.
Equipment
Buy Now โ Notes
- The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
- Brown sugar cinnamon syrup:ย simmer ยฝ cup each brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium low heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring often. Remove from heat and add two cinnamon sticks. Let stand until cool. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a jar or other airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
- Cinnamon/sugar rim:ย mix cinnamon and granulated sugar in a 1:4 ratio, in a small shallow dish or plate. Dip just the the rim of your glass in apple cider before tapping it in the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Need help? Watch this video.ย
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 151 calories
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Photos by Ashley McLaughlin
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