This post may contain affiliate links, which are always marked with *. Please read my disclosure for more information.
Get all the fall feelings in just 3 minutes with this simple apple cider bourbon cocktail. Loaded with sparkling apple flavors spiced up with a dash of bourbon, the cinnamon-sugar rim perfectly tops it off and makes it a complete apple pie in a glass.
Jump to:
Once fall rolls around I always want to have ALL the apple flavors. So it makes sense that this bourbon apple cider cocktail is one of my favorite fall cocktails.
This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail tastes like apple pie in a glass and is a delicious grown-up treat to sip on all through the season.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy to make - just 3 minutes and a few simple steps
- Apple pie in a glass thanks to the cinnamon-sugar rim
- Super festive with sparkling apple cider
- Deep apple flavor thanks to the concentrated apple juice
- A nice bourbon kick to break up the sweetness
- Easy to prep ahead - perfect for big gatherings!
What you need to make an Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredient substitutions
- Bourbon can be switched for another type of whiskey, or rum
- Non-alcoholic apple cider can be switched for hard cider, but that will make this drink a lot stronger
- Sparkling apple cider can be switched for still apple cider - you might then want to add a dash of soda water to keep it sparkling
What kind of Bourbon should I use?
You can use any kind of bourbon - or another type of whiskey. I always use Jim Beam or Jack Daniels.
How to make it
- Rub the apple wedge all around the rim of the glass. Roll the rim in the cinnamon-sugar to coat.
- Add bourbon, concentrated apple juice and ice cubes to the glass and stir - or use a cocktail shaker to mix if making multiple cocktails at the same time
- Fill up with apple cider
- Garnish with an apple slice or apple wedge and serve immediately!
Tips & tricks
- To keep the apple wedge from browning, toss it with some lemon juice
- Make it non-alcoholic by swapping bourbon for ginger juice
- Prep ahead - see instructions below
Recipe FAQ
The sweet apple flavors go great with blue cheese and camembert style cheeses, a classic turkey dinner, creamy dishes in general (think pastas, soups and creamy sauces) and roasted pork dishes. I'd recommend a Blue Cheese & Apple Puff Pastry Pizza, Gorgonzola Gnocchi with Walnuts or Red Wine Pork Chops.
Yes, this is a great idea if you're making it for a big party - but don't finish it all the way. This is how I would do it:
1. Prep your glasses with the cinnamon sugar rim
2. Mix together the bourbon and concentrated apple juice in a pitcher or straight in the glasses
3. Chill if possible
4. Just before serving: add ice, fill up with sparkling apple cider, and decorate with an apple wedge
More 5-minute Cocktails
Looking for more quick & easy cocktail recipes to make for Thanksgiving and all your other fall gatherings?
Did you love this recipe? Rate it five stars!
...and let me know what you loved about it in the comments.
Recipe
Apple Cider Cocktail with Bourbon
Print RateIngredients
- 1 apple wedge
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces apple juice concentrate
- ice cubes
- 4 ounces sparkling non-alcoholic apple cider
Instructions
- On a plate, mix together cinnamon and sugar. Bring out a lowball glass and rub your apple wedge all around the rim. Place upside down on the plate with cinnamon sugar and roll the rim around to coat it evenly.½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 apple wedge
- Place the glass right side up again and pour in bourbon and apple juice concentrate. Add ice cubes and mix with a spoon. Fill up with sparkling apple cider and decorate with the apple wedge. Serve!2 ounces bourbon, 2 ounces apple juice concentrate, ice cubes, 4 ounces sparkling non-alcoholic apple cider
Equipment needed for this recipe
Video
Notes
Ingredient substitutions
- Bourbon can be switched for another type of whiskey, or rum
- Non-alcoholic apple cider can be switched for hard cider, but that will make this drink a lot stronger
- Sparkling apple cider can be switched for still apple cider - you might then want to add a dash of soda water to keep it sparkling
Tips & tricks
- To keep the apple wedge from browning toss it with some lemon juice
- Make it non-alcoholic by swapping bourbon for ginger juice
- Prep it ahead of time - add ice and sparkling apple cider right before serving
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Irina
I love this cocktail that might become my new favorite. I have never tried apple cider and bourbon combination, but it seems delicious!
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thank you Irina, happy to hear that! 😀 It's such a great combo!
Andrea Metlika
This is my kind of drink. Love the flavors!
Chris Collins
Ooooo this is my kinda cocktail! I can see me sipping on waaaaaaay too many though!!
Anita
Yummy. This apple cider cocktail is the perfect drink for autumn.
Beth Sachs
Oh my! Yes please to one of these..shame it's not Friday yet. Perfect for Halloween parties too.