This apple cider cocktail is my idea of the perfect fall drink. Easy to make with 5 ingredients, it's bright, boozy, and packed with warming fall flavors.
Jack and I love making this apple cider cocktail recipe for cozy fall nights in. It combines some of his favorite cocktail ingredients (bourbon and Angostura bitters—this man loves an old fashioned!) with some of mine (ginger beer and a squeeze of lemon). Then, we throw apple cider into the mix for a sweet, seasonal finishing touch.
As much as we enjoy making this apple cider cocktail for ourselves at home, I really wanted to share it with you because it’s perfect for fall entertaining. This fruity, fizzy, and warming drink fits right in at a holiday party or gathering with friends. Garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and woodsy thyme give it some extra festive flair. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Cheers, friends!
Apple Cider Cocktail Ingredients
This apple cider cocktail recipe calls for 5 simple ingredients:
- Apple cider, of course! For the best tangy apple flavor, pick some up from an apple orchard or a farmers market, or look for local fresh apple cider at your grocery store. Otherwise, Martinelli’s cider is a good widely available option. In a pinch, apple juice works too.
- Bourbon – We love the oak-y notes it adds to this cocktail. If you have a favorite brand, feel free to use it here. Otherwise, we like Four Roses, Bulleit, or Woodford Reserve.
- Angostura bitters – They’re a classic ingredient in whiskey cocktails like an old fashioned or Manhattan, and they add lovely depth to this one too. They give it notes of warm spices like cinnamon and clove.
- Ginger beer – It adds sweetness, fizz, and a spicy ginger bite. My favorite brands are Fever Tree and Topo Chico.
- Fresh lemon juice – For a little brightness, if desired.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make This Apple Cider Cocktail
This apple cider cocktail recipe is easy to make—no cocktail shaker or other special equipment required!
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice. We like to use a rocks glass, but any medium glass will do.
- Add the bourbon, apple cider, and bitters, then top with the ginger beer and gently stir to combine.
- Add a squeeze of lemon, then taste and adjust. For a sweeter cocktail, add a little more apple cider. For a boozier one, go up on the bourbon.
- When you find a balance of flavors you love, top with your desired garnishes, and enjoy!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Garnish Options
While you technically could serve this apple cider bourbon cocktail without garnishes, my personal opinion is that they really make it.
Every time you take a sip, you inhale the warm scent of cinnamon and anise, the sweet apple slices, and woodsy thyme. Delicious, right?
Feel free to choose just one or two of the options if you don’t have them all on hand, or experiment with others. Here are a few variations that would be great:
- Use whole cloves instead of the star anise or cinnamon stick.
- Replace the apple with an orange slice or lemon peel.
- Substitute a sprig of rosemary for the fresh thyme.
More Fall Cocktails to Try
If you love this recipe, try one of these fall cocktails next:
Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces ginger beer
- squeeze of lemon, optional
For garnish
- Cinnamon stick
- Star anise
- Apple slice
- Fresh thyme sprig
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add the bourbon, apple cider, bitters. Top with the ginger beer and gently stir. Add a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, apple slice, and/or fresh thyme and serve.
I made this with brandy instead of bourbon, and it’s delicious!
Ooh yum! So glad you enjoyed it, Lora!
Hi, This cocktail look delicious but what can I substitute for bourbon?