This Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail is a rock-solid cocktail with the right ingredients.

One way to ensure a fantastic finished product is to start with quality ingredients.

We selected a good bourbon, fresh unfiltered apple cider, and an old-fashioned spiced mixer.

Just three ingredients to make this a delicious start, middle, and finish to your evening sipping.

Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

It is Fall, so we are not gonna compare apples to oranges; besides, we got better things to do with our apples anyway.

And by better, I mean drink. Who doesn’t enjoy sipping apple cider in the cool of autumn?

Since we are northern folk, it is cold in the north this time of year, so we sometimes enjoy a dram or two of whiskey with our cider.

Also, by whiskey, we mean bourbon. The sweetness of good cider mixed and stirred with the tasty mule kick of bourbon is a winning combination.

You will cotton to this lovely mixed drink because it tastes of autumn apples; the bourbon notes seep through and tantalize as only good bourbon can.

What You Will Need

Ice. For this cocktail recipe, we use ice cubes to make the drink and ice to serve and enjoy with the finished cocktail.

Bourbon. We are not breaking the bank or reaching for our best top-shelf bourbon because it would be a waste. Instead, go for your favorite mid-grade bourbon.

Spiced Old Fashioned Mixer. I love premixed mixers because they are an easy way to add flavor and character to a cocktail, and when you don’t have time to make your own, premixed mixers save you time.

Apple Cider. As soon as I see the leaves falling, I start craving apple cider; maybe it is a childhood thing, but whatever it is, our fridge stays stocked with gallons of apple cider.

Fresh Sage. Sage is my signature autumn herb, so I am using a fresh sprig of purple sage as a garnish for this cocktail.

Try our other apple cider recipes: Sparkling Apple Cider Potion Mocktail, Spiked Apple Cider Recipe, and White Peach + Apple Cider Cocktail.

Great cocktails start in the mixing glass or cocktail shaker.

I chilled the mixing glass and serving glasses for this recipe.

I allowed both to sit in the lower part of the fridge for 10 minutes.

This helps ensure a nicely chilled cocktail.

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

1 serving

Ingredients:

1 1/2-ounce good bourbon
1/2-ounce old-fashioned mix
2 ounces apple cider
large ice cube
Garnish: slices of honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples

Equipment:

Directions:

Fill the mixing glass or shaker halfway with ice, add bourbon whiskey, old fashioned mixer, and apple cider.
Stir vigorously with a long-handled bar spoon for 30 seconds.
Strain into a standard cocktail glass over ice.
Take 2-3 slices of apple, slide them onto a cocktail skewer, and place them on top of the glass.
Serve.

Smoked Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Want to try a Smoked Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail?

If you are curious about making smoked cocktails at home, then the Crafthouse by Fortessa Cocktail Smoking Box is the way to go.

This smoking box is easy to use and delivers enough smoke to give your cocktails the right hint of hickory smoke that will take your home bar to the next level.

What Is In An Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail?

An Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is made with bourbon, apple cider, old-fashioned mix, and ice. It’s a straightforward fall cocktail with warm bourbon notes balanced by the crisp sweetness of fresh apple cider.

Can I Make Homemade Old-Fashioned Mix?

Yes! If you’d rather skip the store-bought version, you can make your own old-fashioned mix at home.

Combine:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
1 teaspoon orange bitters (optional)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

Heat the water and sugar until dissolved, remove from the heat, then stir in the remaining ingredients.
Let the mixture cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

What Is The Best Bourbon To Use?

The best bourbon depends on the flavor you’re after.

Wheated bourbons like Maker’s Mark are smooth, slightly sweet, and highlight the apple cider without overpowering it.

High-rye bourbons like Bulleit Bourbon bring a peppery spice that complements cinnamon, cloves, and other fall spices often found in apple cider.

Classic bourbons like Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve offer notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spices for a balanced cocktail that’s easy to sip.

How Can I Adjust The Flavor?

If you’d like a sweeter cocktail, add a splash more apple cider or a drizzle of maple syrup.

For a stronger bourbon flavor, increase the bourbon by ½ ounce.

Why Does My Cocktail Taste Too Strong Or Too Sweet?

Some of these tips will help adjust your bourbon cocktail to your liking:

Measure your ingredients instead of pouring by eye.
Use fresh, chilled apple cider for the best flavor.
Stir just long enough to chill the cocktail without over-diluting it.
Serve over one large ice cube instead of several small cubes to slow dilution.
Taste before serving and adjust with a little extra cider or bourbon if needed.

Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead Of Time?

Yes. Combine the bourbon, old-fashioned mix, and apple cider in a pitcher or sealed container and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Wait to add ice and garnishes until serving so the cocktail stays crisp and flavorful.

Best Apple Cider To Use

Fresh, unfiltered apple cider delivers the richest apple flavor.

During the fall, locally made cider from an orchard or farmers market is often the best choice because it has a fuller, more robust apple taste.

Can I Use Apple Juice Instead Of Apple Cider?

You can, but the flavor will be lighter and sweeter. Apple cider has a deeper, richer taste that gives this cocktail its signature fall flavor.

How Can I Garnish An Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail?

Thin slices of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples make a beautiful garnish.
You can also add a cinnamon stick, star anise, a dehydrated apple slice, an orange peel, or a fresh rosemary sprig for an elegant seasonal presentation.

Can I Make A Large Batch For A Party?

Yes! One thing we love about this drink is you can easily multiply the ingredients to create a batch cocktail.