Make this easy White Peach + Apple Cider Cocktail with rye whiskey, fresh peach, and spiced simple syrup.
See how to make this fall cocktail made with whiskey and why it should be on your drinking list for this season.
White Peach + Apple Cider Cocktail
It’s almost fall, y’all, and my cocktails change with the seasons.
Right now, our local grocery stores have plenty of apples and fresh peaches, and I can put them into my favorite fall cocktails.
Say hello to our Peach + Apple Cider Cocktail, with delicious fall flavors like apples, peaches, cinnamon, and rye whiskey!
Yes, rye whiskey.
What You Will Learn About This Rye Whiskey Drink:
- Learn the exact ingredients and simple steps for making this White Peach + Apple Cider Cocktail with rye whiskey and homemade spiced peach syrup.
- Get our tips for choosing apple cider, fresh peaches, and whiskey that complement each other without making the cocktail overly sweet.
- Find easy substitutions, seasonal variations, batching instructions, and a non-alcoholic option for fall entertaining.
So what is rye whiskey anyway?
Well, I’m glad you asked! In the U.S., the U.S. government defines “rye whiskey” as made from a mash of at least 51 percent rye.
Additional ingredients include a mash of corn and malted barley, distilled to no more than 160 U.S. proof (80% ABV, or alcohol by volume).
The whiskey is then aged in charred, new oak barrels for varying lengths of time.
But the key to this refreshing cocktail is the spiced white peach and apple simple syrup I made with peach slices, cinnamon, rosemary, and clove.
And instead of a granulated sugar base, I used light brown sugar.
Light brown sugar gives the simple syrup a richer taste that complements the rest of the ingredients perfectly.
Adding cinnamon sticks was a natural choice because I don’t think anything complements fall apples better than cinnamon’s unique flavor.
Once all the ingredients are in the pot, simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes with a tight-fitting lid on.
Add this wonderful fall-inspired simple syrup to your cocktails and be prepared to be wowed!
A good cocktail starts with a great spirit, and you can’t go wrong with the Charkoota Rye they’re serving up at New Holland Knickerbocker!
Just an ounce and a half is all it takes to make this one of the fall cocktails you won’t soon forget!
Let’s hear it for fall cocktails, and this one is a delicious doozy. Cheers!
How To Make A White Peach + Apple Cider Cocktail
1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces Charkoota Rye
- 1-ounce white peach & apple spiced simple syrup (recipe below)
- 3 ounces apple cider
- ice
- white peach and apple slice garnish
Directions:
- Into a cocktail shaker, add ice, rye whiskey, white peach & apple spiced simple syrup, and apple cider.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for thirty seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with fresh slices of white peach and apples.
- Serve.
Tips For Making The Best Apple Cider Cocktail:
- Use refrigerated fresh apple cider rather than apple juice
- Let the simple syrup cool completely
- Shake with plenty of ice
- Use fresh ice for serving
- Adjust syrup based on the sweetness of the cider
- Don’t overpower the drink with too many fall spices
How to make a white peach & apple spiced simple syrup
Ingredients:
Yield: 1-1/2 cups
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 1 white peach, washed, pitted, and cut into thin slices (you will use about 4-5 slices in this recipe)
- 1 small apple, washed, cored, and cut into thin slices (you will use about 4-5 slices in this recipe)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4 whole cloves
Directions:
- Wash the peaches and apples thoroughly. Leave the skins on both fruits. Cut the peach in half, remove the pit, and slice it thinly. Core the apple and slice it thinly.
- Add 1 cup water and 1 cup packed light brown sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add 4-5 white peach slices, 4-5 apple slices, 1-2 cinnamon sticks, 2 sprigs of rosemary, and 4 whole cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to steep for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer, gently pressing the fruit to release the juices.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.
Transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in the fridge.
Can I make the white peach & apple spiced simple syrup ahead of time?
Yes, we recommend making this syrup ahead of time. It makes it easier to prep as much as possible, especially if you plan on making this cocktail for a fall or holiday party.
How long does this syrup last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 1-2 weeks.
Can I make this fall cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, you can do some prep work ahead of time, such as making the simple syrup the day before or earlier in the day.
You can also combine the rye whiskey, apple cider, and simple syrup ahead of time.
Wait to add the ice and garnish until it’s time to serve.
Do I need to peel the peaches and apples?
Nope! For this recipe, we’re leaving the skin on, which makes the prep for this syrup and cocktail easy!
Just make sure you wash the fruit thoroughly.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes. Look for a cider with a strong, fresh apple flavor rather than just swapping it out for apple juice.
What kind of whiskey works best with apple cider?
Rye whiskey works especially well because its spicy character balances the sweetness of the apple cider and peach syrup. Bourbon also works for a slightly sweeter variation.
What To Serve With A Peach Cider Cocktail
Fall Charcuterie Board
Baked Brie
Crostini
Sharp cheeses
Smoked meats
Pork appetizers
Fall dinner party foods
How can I make this as a mocktail?
You can’t substitute the rye whiskey, but to get close without alcohol, swap it for a whiskey alternative, ginger beer, or sparkling water.
This non-alcoholic whiskey is one of the best substitutes.
How can I make this into a batch cocktail for fall parties and gatherings:
8 servings
- 12-ounces of rye whiskey
- 8 ounces of white peach and apple simple syrup
- 24 ounces of apple cider
Add ingredients into a large pitcher. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Don’t add ice to the pitcher; it will dilute the drink.
When you’re ready to serve, add ice to individual rocks glasses and garnish with white peach and apple slices.
What if I can’t find white peaches?
If you’re making this and can’t find white peaches, look for frozen white or yellow peaches to make the simple syrup.
Love apple cider? Find more delicious fall recipes using apple cider below:
How To Make A White Peach + Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Charkoota Rye
- 1- ounce white peach & apple spiced simple syrup recipe below
- 3 ounces apple cider
- ice
- white peach and apple slice garnish
How to make a white peach & apple spiced simple syrup
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 1 white peach washed, pitted, and cut into thin slices (you will use about 4-5 slices in this recipe)
- 1 small apple washed, cored, and cut into thin slices (you will use about 4-5 slices in this recipe)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4 whole cloves
Instructions
- Into a cocktail shaker, add ice, rye whiskey, white peach & apple spiced simple syrup, and apple cider.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for thirty seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with fresh slices of white peach and apples.
- Serve.
Directions for making the simple syrup
- Wash the peaches and apples thoroughly. Leave the skins on both fruits. Cut the peach in half, remove the pit, and slice it thinly. Core the apple and slice it thinly.
- Add 1 cup water and 1 cup packed light brown sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add 4-5 white peach slices, 4-5 apple slices, 1-2 cinnamon sticks, 2 sprigs of rosemary, and 4 whole cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to steep for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer, gently pressing the fruit to release the juices.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.
- Transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in the fridge.
Sandra Garth says
I love that there’s a Michigan whiskey in this recipe. Hopefully, I can find it here in Saginaw. Thanks for the inspiration!
helveticademioblique says
This cocktail sounded delicious. I missed the part of the recipe with the instructions for the syrup. I had to look that up separately. I hope you add that part.