Whiskey Apple Cider Cocktail

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This Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail is a refreshing and simple fall cocktail combining smooth bourbon with spiced apple cider. Served over ice with a splash of ginger beer and a cinnamon sugar rim, this festive drink is great for a holiday party, game nights,

For more Fall cocktails, try my ? Try my Autumn Sangria and Creamy Espresso Martini!

apple cider whiskey cocktail with sliced apples and rosemary sprigs for garnish.

This apple cider bourbon cocktail recipe is the drink of the season! Apples are synonymous with autumn—apple picking, apple pie, apple butter —so why not cocktails with apple cider?

The bourbon, the tartness of the fresh apple cider, the warming spices and the sweetness of maple syrup come together beautifully in this cozy cocktail.

We top it off with a splash of ginger beer for a bubbly finish that adds a touch of spice. This is truly the perfect cocktail.

Whether you’re hosting a Fall gathering or just relaxing after one of those beautiful crisp fall days, this classic cocktail is a bonafide hit!

Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail Ingredients
Substitutions
How to Make Apple Cider Cocktail
Pro Tips
Storage
Recipe FAQs
More Cocktail Recipes
Whiskey Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail Ingredients

ingredients to make apple cider bourbon cocktail - whiskey bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider, lemon juice, and ginger beer.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Bourbon Whiskey – It doesn’t have to be fancy type of whiskey. Just choose your favorite whiskey, one you enjoy sipping. The warmth and depth it adds to this cocktail are what make it so comforting. Make whiskey sour next with leftover whiskey!

Fresh Lemon Juice – a splash of lemon juice adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the apple cider and maple syrup. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will do, but fresh is worth the extra effort.

Real Apple Cider – not apple juice! This is essentially unfiltered apple juice. It’s thicker with a more intense apple flavor, which is exactly what we want here. The cloudy appearance is just from the natural pulp—don’t worry, that’s where all the good stuff is!

Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup is a must here. It adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bourbon and the sweetness of the cider. Don’t be tempted to use pancake syrup—it just won’t taste the same!

Cinnamon – warm spices pair perfectly with bourbon – if you’re a whiskey lover, you know cinnamon and bourbon go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Ginger Beer – it’s a great way to add spicy notes to an already cozy and comforting drink, perfect for this time of year. I love the added fizz too.

Substitutions

Whiskey: Instead of Bourbon, swap it for another whiskey variety. Tennessee whiskey has smoother finish and Scotch has a smokier flavor. Rye whiskey can also be a great choice for amore spicy whiskey.
Sweetener: if you don’t have maple syrup or simply don’t like it, you can use simple syrup instead.
Bubbly: If you’d prefer to skip the additional alcohol, top your drink with ginger ale or sprite, for a sweeter twist. Go with seltzer for a lighter, bubbly finish without the added sweetness.
Garnish: Beyond apple slices, you could garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, rosemary, or even a slice of fresh ginger for a spicier aroma. Dried apple chips also make a fun, crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal.

How to Make Apple Cider Cocktail

To make the cinnamon sugar rim, add maple syrup to a shallow bowl. Then add cinnamon sugar to another shallow bowl. Dip the rim of the martini glass into the maple syrup and then into the cinnamon sugar.

apple cider, whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with a jigger next to it.

Step 1: Add Bourbon, lemon juice, apple cider, cinnamon, and maple syrup to a glass or cocktail shaker.

a hand stirring the apple cider cocktail together in a cocktail shaker with a spoon.

Step 2: Stir together. Then add ice and top with ginger beer and stir to mix. Garnish with sliced fresh apples and/or cinnamon sticks.

Pro Tips

Chill your glasses. For an extra refreshing drink, chill your glasses in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps keep the cocktail cold without watering it down as quickly.
Fresh is best. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice whenever possible. It adds a brighter, fresher flavor compared to bottled juice, which can make a noticeable difference in the cocktail.
Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter apple cider cocktail, add a little extra maple syrup. If you want it less sweet, reduce the maple syrup or tonic water instead of ginger beer.
Prep the garnishes. To make serving smoother when guests arrive, prepare your apple slices and rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar in advance. This way, you can focus on pouring and topping the drinks when it’s time to serve.

Storage

Apple cider cocktails are best served immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors. However, if you need to store the cocktail, mix the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, ginger, and maple syrup together and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving. Once you add the ginger beer, it’s best to drink it right away, as the bubbles won’t hold up well in storage.

apple cider cocktail in a glass on top of a golden tray garnished with rosemary and sliced apples.

Recipe FAQs

What alcohol is best with apple cider?

Bourbon is a great choice to pair with apple cider because its rich, warm flavors complement the tartness of the cider. You can also try other whiskeys like rye or Tennessee whiskey, as well as rum or brandy for a different twist.

Are there any alcohols I should avoid when making an apple cider cocktail?

While most spirits can work with apple cider, highly flavored or spiced liquors could clash with the natural taste of the apple cider. I suggest avoiding tequila or gin.

Can I serve this hot?

Yes, you can serve this cocktail warm. Gently heat the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, ginger, and maple syrup on the stove until warm, but not boiling. Skip the ginger beer and use grated ginger instead. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a cozy drink.

Can I make this ahead of time?

To make serving a breeze, you can prepare the cocktail mix ahead of time. Combine the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, ginger, and maple syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
For a quick pour and serve, have your glasses garnished with the cinnamon sugar rim ahead of time. When your guests arrive, simply add ice to the prepared glasses, pour in the cocktail mix, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple slices, and you’re all set!