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Perfect Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

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A cozy and approachable apple cider bourbon cocktail perfect for fall and holiday gatherings, featuring simple ingredients and customizable garnishes for a warm, inviting drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 ounces bourbon whiskey
  • 3 ounces apple cider (fresh or store-bought, preferably unfiltered)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (Grade A amber)
  • 0.5 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
  • Thin apple slices (from crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, for garnish)
  • Whole cloves (optional, for garnish and aroma)
  • Ice cubes (large cubes or spheres preferred)

Instructions

  1. Chill your glassware in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving.
  2. Wash and thinly slice apples (4 to 5 slices per glass). Set out cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in separate bowls for easy access.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, combine 1.5 ounces bourbon, 3 ounces apple cider, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 0.5 ounces fresh lemon juice.
  4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds for a frothy texture or stir gently for about 20 seconds for a smoother drink.
  5. Fill the chilled glass with 3 to 4 large ice cubes or spheres.
  6. Strain or carefully pour the cocktail into the glass over the ice.
  7. Garnish with 2 to 3 apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and optionally 1 or 2 whole cloves.
  8. Lightly dust the surface with a pinch of ground cinnamon before serving.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider for best flavor. Adjust cider-to-bourbon ratio to taste. Thin apple slices release more aroma. Let cinnamon stick infuse gently before sipping. Avoid overusing maple syrup to maintain balance. For fizz, add club soda just before serving. Leftover mixed cocktail can be refrigerated up to 24 hours but add fresh ice and garnishes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider bourbon cocktail, fall cocktail, bourbon drink, apple cider drink, autumn cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, holiday cocktail