What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

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!

What if I can't find the dry cider you linked?

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.

What are your tips for prepping this ahead of time?

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.

Can I make this a mocktail?

Absolutely! Leave out the bourbon and use something bubbly like club soda, apple spindrift or seltzer in place of the dry cider.

Bourbon Apple Cider

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This bourbon apple cider cocktail is an absolute stunner! It makes a beautiful signature cocktail at Thanksgiving or other fall gatherings.

Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 drink 1x
Category: Cocktails
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 ounce bourbon
2 ounces cold pressed apple cider (not apple juice)
0.5 ounce brown sugar cinnamon syrup (see notes)
2 ounces dry cider
Garnishes: cinnamon stick, apple slice(s), fresh thyme sprigs
Optional: cinnamon/sugar rim (see notes)

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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.
Pour the contents of the shaker into the glass and top with the dry cider. Stir gently.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slice and sprigs of fresh thyme.

Equipment

shaker & bar tools

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Notes

The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
Brown sugar cinnamon syrup: simmer ½ 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: 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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drink
Calories: 151 calories
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams

Find it online: https://healthyishappetite.com/bourbon-apple-cider/