A Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail is the best way to toast the change of seasons! This cider drink has all the makings of a tasty fall cocktail - bourbon, apple cider and a squeeze of citrus - but a subtle, herb-infused simple syrup and a shot of applejack take it over the top. The result is a smooth sipper that you'll make on repeat all season long.
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While we hate to say goodbye to summer, we don't mind saying hello again to some of our fall favorites, like our cozy blankets, fuzzy sweatshirts and, of course, this Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail.
Trust us; this apple cider drink is the BEST way to welcome the change of seasons!
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What makes this drink unique
➤ It's one of the few apple cider cocktail recipes that uses applejack, a smooth, blended apple brandy. Just a shot adds body and even more apple flavor to this drink.
➤ You can definitely use plain simple syrup in this apple cider drink but I highly recommend making the thyme-infused simple syrup. The subtle herb infusion adds the perfect bit of extra to this drink and is quick and simple to make.
➤ It's easy to multiply for a crowd. This seasonal apple cider cocktail recipe is right at home at any fall gathering, from tailgating to Thanksgiving. Everyone loves it!
Ingredients
A handful of ingredients combine to make these truly crave-worthy cider cocktails:
A few ingredient notes:
・Bourbon: Use your favorite brand. We used Bulleit.
・Applejack: This mellow apple spirit adds even more apple flavor to this drink. Substitute apple brandy or even Calvados in a pinch.
・Fresh apple cider is a must. Apple juice is more sugary and doesn't give you the same result.
・Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Don't be tempted to use the bottled stuff as it's full of preservatives that can make your drink taste unbalanced.
・Thyme-infused simple syrup: This is just regular simple syrup that has been gently infused with fresh thyme. It's easy to make at home and is much less expensive than buying a bottle. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until ready to use. Check out our quick & easy guide for how to make simple syrup for all the details.
・Bitters: We used Angostura Bitters but feel free to experiment with other flavors of skip entirely if you don't have any on hand.
Instructions
The only prep work for this drink is making the thyme-infused simple syrup. And that couldn't be easier:
Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until dissolved. Remove from heat, add thyme and steep for 15-20 minutes. Cool, strain and refrigerate.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the bourbon, applejack and apple cider.
Pour in the lemon juice and thyme-infused simple syrup.
Add bitters. Shake and strain into ice-filled glass. Garnish with apple slices and/or thyme sprigs, if desired.
FAQs
The short answer is no, I don't recommend swapping in traditional, clear apple juice for apple cider here.
Apple juice is typically sweeter than fresh apple cider because of added sugar or corn syrup so the resulting cocktail will be far too sweet.
If you absolutely cannot find fresh apple cider, you can try using the Simply Apple Pure Pressed Apple Juice and decrease the amount of simple syrup if needed. The cocktail won't taste quite the same, but it will be much closer than if you tried to use regular apple juice.
That's easy - your favorite! A good cocktail is one you like to drink, so pick a bourbon you love. You can also use whiskey if you prefer. I used Bulleit Bourbon for this recipe.
Ready for a short history lesson? Early American colonists wanted something a little stronger than just hard apple cider, so they left barrels of hard cider outside to freeze. This process was called "jacking" because it allowed them to separate the unfrozen alcohol from the ice in the barrels. The result was a higher proof "applejack".
Today's version of applejack has evolved to become a blended version of apple brandy and other neutral grain spirits. The result is a mellower flavor than pure apple brandy and is a fantastic complement to the bourbon in these fall cider cocktails. The Laird family makes a variety of apple spirits and makes the applejack I used in this recipe.
Expert tips for making the best apple cider cocktail
✘ Fresh apple cider makes a huge difference in this flavor of this drink. Don't substitute clear apple juice. Cider is tangier than apple juice and is a big part in what keeps the flavors balanced.
✘ Can't find Applejack? You can swap in regular apple brandy or even Calvados in its place.
✘ The thyme-infused simple syrup is a nod to this chilly weather-tolerant herb. It adds lovely depth to the drink, but if you don't have time to make it, you can use regular simple syrup instead.
✘ Hosting a crowd? These drinks can easily be multiplied as a batch cocktail for your guests (I highly recommend adding these to your Thanksgiving menu!). Or tuck a few into a thermos the next time you tailgate for the big game along with a container of our crazy popular Layered Greek Dip.
More fall cocktails
Looking for more drink inspo? Don't miss our archives filled with tasty Cocktail Recipes!
Made this? Loved it? Tell us everything!
Leave a quick star rating and comment below so we can trade tips and cheer each other on.
Who knows? Your twist might become someone else's new favorite!
Recipe
Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce bourbon
- 1 ounce applejack
- 1 ounce fresh apple cider
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce thyme-infused simple syrup (see instructions in notes below)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
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Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add bourbon, applejack, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters. Shake vigorously.1 ounce bourbon, 1 ounce applejack, 1 ounce fresh apple cider, ½ ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce thyme-infused simple syrup, 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Strain into ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and apple slices, if desired.
Notes
- Apple cider gives the best flavor to this drink. Don't use clear apple juice or your drink will too sweet and taste unbalanced.
- I used Laird's Applejack and Bulleit Bourbon to test this recipe but feel free to use other brands of apple brandy and bourbon/whiskey if you prefer.
- No time to make the herb-infused simple syrup? Use regular simple syrup instead.
- Recipe adapted from Gramercy Tavern.
To make the thyme-infused simple syrup:
-
- Combine sugar and water in small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add 4 sprigs of fresh thyme. Allow to steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain and refrigerate until ready to use. It will keep for up to 10 days in the fridge.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Kim says
Just to let you know I made this tonight and I really enjoyed it. It's going into my fall rotation. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it! It's a keeper this time of year. Cheers!
Lauren C says
Have you ever batched this cocktail? Would love guidance on how to do that if so!
Hi Lauren, We LOVE to batch our cocktails. Takes away one less thing to do when entertaining. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you plan to have. Serve in a pitcher with a stir spoon and an ice bucket nearby for guests to pour into low ball glasses themselves. Cheers!
Elaine says
I like ciders but this type in particular! I think that your recipe is very clear and easy to make - thank you very much for sharing it!