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This easy bourbon apple cider cocktail recipe is the perfect drink for Fall. Served either hot or cold, this boozy apple cider drink is a great cocktail for a crowd.
Fall is by far my favorite season. I love all the smells, flavors, and activities that come with this time of year. This delicious apple cider cocktail is made with simple ingredients, but perfectly spiced for those warm, fuzzy fall feelings!
This cozy cocktail is a great recipe for trick-or-treating, a fall gathering, or a Halloween party this fall season. Serve with a caramel apple bar, pepperoni pizza dip, and a big pot of three-bean chili.
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Ingredients and Notes for this Recipe
- Apple Cider - I love using real apple cider vs. apple juice for this Fall cocktail. Cider is unfiltered with a more complex flavor. Apple juice, however, is filtered and has a sweeter, straightforward flavor. Depending on availability and your preference, either can be used.
- Bourbon - The addition of bourbon whiskey is a great pairing with the apple cider in this easy recipe. It's a bit sweeter than regular whiskey, so it works nicely for this cocktail. You don't need to use an expensive bourbon, but whatever kind of bourbon you like will work well.
Variations to Try
- Non-Alcoholic - To make a non-alcoholic apple cider drink, omit the bourbon and replace with extra apple cider.
- For a Crowd - Double or triple this recipe to make a large batch. Serve the warm cocktail in a slow cooker, garnished with cinnamon sticks, or the cold version in a large beverage pitcher, garnished with fresh apple slices or orange slices.
How to Make an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Combine the Ingredients - Simmer the juices and spices on the stovetop for about 5 minutes, then stir in the honey and bourbon off the heat.
Garnish and Serve - Serve the mixed drink warm in a mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick. For a cold apple cider cocktail, cool the mixture and then serve over ice, garnished with fresh apple slices or orange slices.
Amanda's Expert Tips
- Add the honey and bourbon when the pot is off the heat. The honey will get bitter, and the alcohol will dissipate.
- Cool the drink completely before serving it over ice. If not, the heat from the drink will melt the ice quickly and then water down the drinks.
- Make and serve this drink in a slow cooker! Combine the cider, juices, and spices in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir in the honey and bourbon, and set to warm for serving.
Glossary
If you don't recognize a tool or skill I mentioned, you can look it up in my Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information!
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Mix the cider, juices, and spices 24 hours ahead and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Heat the ingredients on the stovetop, then follow the remaining instructions.
To serve cold, make and cool the drink completely. Store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance.
Flavorful Cocktail Recipes
If you loved this easy bourbon apple cider cocktail recipe, check out these other delicious cocktail recipes that I know you will love, too!
Recipe
Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple cider
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lemon juice, approximately 1 ½ - 2 lemons
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 6 ounces bourbon whiskey
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- Combine apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, nutmeg and one of the cinnamon sticks in a medium size pot on the stovetop.
- Heat the mixture over medium high heat until it just begins to boil, then lower the heat to medium low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the bourbon and the honey.
- Serve the drink warm in a mug garnished with a cinnamon stick or cool the mixture completely and serve in a glass over ice.
Notes
- Apple Cider - Apple cider has more complex flavor since it's unfiltered. Apple juice is filtered will have a sweeter flavor. Either can be used.
- Bourbon - Bourbon whiskey pairs perfectly with apple cider. It's a bit sweeter than regular whiskey. You don't need to use an expensive bourbon, but your favorite kind will work.
- Non-Alcoholic - Omit the bourbon and replace with extra apple cider.
- For a Crowd - Double or triple the recipe and serve in a slow cooker to keep it warm. For a cold version of this drink, serve it out of a large beverage pitcher.
- Slow Cooker - To cook the drink in a slow cooker, combine the cider, juices and spices in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir in the honey and the bourbon and set to the warm setting for serving.
- Make Ahead - Mix the cider, juices and spices can be mixed up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Follow the instructions for heating and adding the remaining ingredients as directed. For the cold version, make and cool the cocktail and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance.
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