Why we love this apple cider bourbon cocktail
I’m always looking for simple ways to use ingredients I already have on hand for cocktails. We’ve had apple cider stocked in the fridge since mid-September, and as long as stores are selling, I don’t plan on that changing. It’s just so versatile for cocktails and even mocktails (I even used it in my pumpkin rum punch!)
Pairing it with bourbon and ginger beer makes so much sense. The crisp, slightly tart apple cider balance the sweet and spicy ginger beer, and a cinnamon sugar rim is the perfect finishing touch.
More apple cocktails you’ll love: apple cider margaritas / caramel apple martini / apple cider sangria / apple juice and vodka cocktail
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apple cider – Fresh pressed apple cider will give you the best flavor.
- Bourbon – Use your favorite bourbon, but any whiskey will work in this cocktail if you don’t have bourbon on hand.
- Lemon juice – Fresh squeezed is always best, but bottled could work here since we have so many other flavors going on.
- Ginger beer – I always use Fever Tree Refreshingly Light ginger beer because it’s lower in sugar content, while not using artificial sweetener, but you can use any brand you prefer.
- Cinnamon sticks – I love adding a cinnamon stick to my cocktail shaker to infuse my drink, but this is totally optional (and I think I even forgot to do it in the video I made for this recipe!).
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
How to make an bourbon apple cider cocktail
Prep your glass. Rim your glass with a cinnamon sugar blend and set aside. Chill it in the fridge if you have time.
Shake your cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker.
Garnish and serve. Strain your cocktail into your prepared highball glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer. Then, garnish with an apple fan on a cocktail skewer.
More bourbon cocktails to try: carrot bourbon cocktail / bourbon sidecar / bourbon pear cocktail / hibiscus pineapple bourbon cocktail / hot honey peach bourbon smash
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3 ounces apple cider
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- For garnish: thin apple slices, cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Rim a highball glass with cinnamon sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add bourbon, lemon juice and apple cider. Cover and shake until cold.
- Strain into prepared highball glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer.
- Stick a cocktail skewer through 4-5 thin apple slices and fan out. Add the garnish to the glass before serving.
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