When the crisp air of fall rolls in, there’s nothing quite like sipping a festive apple cider cocktail to celebrate the season. With its perfect blend of bourbon, fresh apple cider, a splash of citrus, and a zing of ginger beer, this cocktail is refreshing, cozy, and packed with autumn flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or winding down after a chilly day, this easy-to-make drink brings warmth and sparkle to any occasion.
This apple cider cocktail is simple to whip up, beautifully balanced—not too sweet, not too strong—and can be made by the glass or by the pitcher. It’s a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy night in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍏 Seasonal Perfection – The apple cider adds cozy fall vibes in every sip.
- 🍹 Easy to Make – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep required.
- 🧊 Served Cold – Refreshing enough for early fall and even warm days.
- 🥃 Customizable – Use bourbon, rum, vodka, or your spirit of choice.
- 🥂 Perfect for Parties – Scale it up to make a pitcher for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon (or substitute vodka or spiced rum)
- 2 ounces apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3 ounces ginger beer (Fever-Tree recommended)
- Optional: ½ ounce orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
- Garnish: Apple slice, cinnamon stick, fresh thyme sprig
Instructions
- Fill a Glass with Ice
Choose a rocks glass, copper mug, or your favorite cocktail glass and add a generous amount of ice. - Add the Base Ingredients
Pour in the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and orange liqueur (if using). - Top with Ginger Beer
Gently pour the ginger beer over the cocktail. This adds effervescence and a spicy finish. - Stir Gently
Use a spoon or cocktail stirrer to mix everything once or twice—just enough to combine. - Garnish and Serve
Add a fresh apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a thyme sprig for an elegant fall presentation. Cheers!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 drink (easily scaled for a pitcher)
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 189
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Potassium: 57mg
Note: Nutritional values vary based on exact brands and measurements used.
Tips & Variations
- Make It a Pitcher: For 5 servings, combine 10 oz bourbon, 10 oz cider, 2½ oz lemon juice, and 2½ oz orange liqueur in a pitcher. Refrigerate and add ginger beer to individual glasses before serving.
- Go Alcohol-Free: Skip the spirits and orange liqueur. Mix apple cider, lemon juice, and ginger beer for a festive mocktail.
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: Unfiltered apple cider has the best depth of flavor.
- Swap the Spirit: Try spiced rum for a warmer taste or vodka for a neutral, crisp finish.
- Serve it Warm: Prefer something cozy? Heat the cider and bourbon gently and skip the ginger beer. Garnish with cinnamon and cloves.
Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a rocks glass or copper mug with ice.
- Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and orange liqueur.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
– Use high-quality apple cider and ginger beer for best flavor.
– To serve a crowd, multiply the recipe and mix in a pitcher, adding ginger beer last.
FAQs
Can I make this apple cider cocktail in advance?
Yes! Mix everything except the ginger beer ahead of time. Store in the fridge and top with ginger beer just before serving.
Is apple cider the same as apple juice?
Not quite. Apple cider is usually unfiltered and richer in flavor. If using apple juice, choose an unsweetened, high-quality version.
Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?
Yes, but it will be sweeter and less spicy. Ginger beer offers a bold, zesty kick that makes this cocktail shine.
What kind of bourbon is best?
Choose a mid-range sipping bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, or Buffalo Trace. Save your high-end bottles for neat pours.
Conclusion
This festive apple cider cocktail is the ultimate sip of the season—bold, bubbly, and bursting with fall flavor. Whether you’re mixing up a single drink for yourself or crafting a whole pitcher for your next gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to bring cozy vibes and raise spirits. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy without the fuss, perfect for making memories during autumn and the holidays.