Apple Cider Cocktail 🍎🥃🍂 Crisp, Spiced, and Perfectly Balanced for Autumn Evenings

This cocktail blends fresh apple cider with warm spices and a smooth kick of bourbon or whiskey. It’s cozy enough for chilly nights but bright enough to serve at fall gatherings.

A cinnamon-sugar rim and fresh apple slices make it as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredients (Makes 2 cocktails)

For the cocktail

• 1 cup chilled apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
• 4 oz bourbon or whiskey
• 1 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• Ice cubes

For the garnish (optional)

• Cinnamon-sugar mix (for rimming the glass)
• Apple slices
• Cinnamon sticks

Step 1: Prepare the glasses

Mix cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Moisten the rim of each glass with a bit of lemon juice, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 2: Mix the cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine apple cider, bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.

Step 3: Serve

Strain into the prepared glasses over fresh ice. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Flavor Variations

• Swap bourbon for dark rum for a smoother, sweeter profile
• Add a splash of ginger beer for extra spice and fizz
• Use spiced apple cider for more depth of flavor
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with sparkling water and a dash of vanilla extract

Pro Tips

• Chill the cider ahead of time for the most refreshing cocktail
• Use large ice cubes to slow dilution and keep flavors bold
• For batch serving, multiply ingredients and mix in a large pitcher, then pour over ice to serve

Final Thoughts

The Apple Cider Cocktail is crisp, warming, and autumn in a glass. Whether you’re sipping fireside or serving a crowd, it’s an easy way to toast the season in style.

Shake it. Sip it. Savor fall with every glass. 🍎🥃🍂

🍎 Apple Cider Recipes

Explore All Apple Cider Recipes → From cozy hot drinks to refreshing cocktails, these recipes highlight the crisp, sweet flavor of apple cider.

• 🥂 Apple Cider Mimosa – Bubbly brunch cocktail with a fall twist.
• 🍏 Classic Homemade Apple Cider – Fresh, spiced cider made from scratch.
• 🍺 Classic Hard Apple Cider – Naturally fermented for a crisp, boozy kick.
• 🍹 Apple Cider Cocktail – A simple, refreshing cider-based drink.
• 🍸 Apple Cider Margarita – A fall twist on the classic margarita.
• 🍷 Apple Cider Sangria – Fruity, spiced sangria perfect for parties.
• 🥂 Apple Cider Punch – Crowd-pleasing drink with a festive touch.
• 🔥 Hot Apple Cider – Warming, spiced comfort in a mug.
• 🥘 Crockpot Apple Cider – Slow-cooked cider for rich, deep flavor.
• 🍂 Mulled Apple Cider – Simmered with spices for a holiday favorite.