This Whiskey Apple Cider Cocktail is a refreshing fall drink, 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 holidays, parties, and game nights.
Equipment
Cocktail Shaker
Grater for fresh ginger
Bar Spoon
Ingredients
2ozBourbon
1ozLemon Juice
1/3cupApple Cider
1/4tspCinnamon
2tbspMaple Syrup, (more or less depending on your preference)
4ozGinger Beer
For Cinnamon Sugar Rim
1tbspMaple Syrup
1tspCinnamon
1tbspSugar
Sliced Apples for garnish
Instructions
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 cocktail glass into the maple syrup and then into the cinnamon sugar.
Add Bourbon, lemon juice, apple cider, cinnamon, maple syrup to a glass and stir together. Then add ice and top with ginger beer and stir to mix.
Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, and/or cinnamon sticks.
Notes
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.