Apple Cider With Bourbon | An Easy Fall Cocktail
Fresh apple cider gets a grown-up twist with a little bourbon. This simple cocktail tastes like the perfect festive drink for the fall season.
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I don’t make a lot of fall cocktails, but this bourbon apple cider cocktail is all I need. A hint of sweetness from the sweet apple cider, the warming spices from the bourbon, and a hint of freshness from the lemon make this a cozy cocktail for a fall gathering or the holiday season.
Ingredients in an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
- Apple Cider-The sweetness of the cider makes this a perfect drink even if you aren’t a big bourbon drinker
- Bourbon- We like Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch or for a more affordable option Jim Beam works well.
- Lemon peel – this gives a subtle hint of lemon that rounds out this cocktail and makes it really special, just use a vegetable peeler to take off a little bit of the lemon peel without getting any of the white rind.
- Apple slices or a cinnamon stick- for a garnish. This is a great way to make the drink a little extra special.
What type of bourbon should I use?
The bourbon you select for your Apple Cider Cocktail will change the flavor profile of your cocktail. The choice of any mid-range bourbon (like Jim Beam) works very well. We have been using Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch— a classic, versatile bourbon known for its balanced taste. It’s mild sweetness and mellow oak notes complement the apple cider beautifully.
Experiment with other bourbons too, as each brand may bring its unique character to the cocktail. Just make sure it’s a bourbon you enjoy sipping on its own, as its flavors will shine through in your cocktail.
How to Make Apple Cider with Bourbon
- In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon and the apple cider.
- Shake with some ice to get it really cold.
- Pour over ice in a rock glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel on top of the drink and a slice of apple on the glass.
- That’s it, now it’s just time to relax and enjoy!
FAQS
Is apple cider the same as unfiltered apple juice?
No, apple cider and apple juice are not the same. Apple cider is typically unfiltered and retains apple solids, resulting in a cloudier appearance and a more robust, tart wonderful apple flavor. Apple juice, is filtered to remove solids and pasteurized for a longer shelf life, giving it a clear appearance and a sweeter taste.
Can you make a hot apple cider cocktail?
You can easily make this recipe a mulled cider cocktail. – Warm the apple cider in a small pot on the stove with a cinnamon stick. Bring to a low simmer (barley boiling), then warm on low for a few minutes to let the cinnamon infuse the cider. Stir in the bourbon, and then ladle the mixture into a mug. Garnish with an orange peel or an orange slice instead of a lemon peel and a slice of apple and enjoy. This is such a warming and simple fall cocktail for colder autumn days.
Printable Recipe Card
Apple Cider With Bourbon | An Easy Fall Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Apple Cider
- 2 oz. Mid-shelf Bourbon like Jim Beam or Evan Williams 1778 Small Batch
- 1 the peel of a lemon removed with a vegetable peeler
- 1 slice of apple or a cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon and the apple cider.
- Shake with some ice to get it really cold.
- Pour over ice in a rock glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel on top of the drink and a slice of apple on the glass.
- That’s it, now it’s just time to relax and enjoy!
