Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe
This drink is delightfully simple yet flavorful, using just a handful of ingredients to deliver the sweet-tart brightness of apples, the mellow depth of bourbon, and a fizzy finish from ginger beer. It works beautifully for intimate evenings, seasonal entertaining, or anytime you want a comforting but not heavy cocktail.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ice
Bourbon
Apple cider
Angostura bitters
Ginger beer
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
For garnish (optional):
Cinnamon stick
Star anise
Apple slice
Fresh thyme sprig
Directions
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Fill a rocks glass (or medium glass) with ice.
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Add the bourbon, apple cider, and bitters.
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Top with ginger beer and gently stir to combine.
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If desired, squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice and adjust to taste (more cider for sweetness, more bourbon for strength).
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Garnish as desired with a cinnamon stick, star anise, apple slice, or thyme sprig. Serve and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep time: about 5 minutes
Total time: about 5 minutes
Variations
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Omit the bourbon for a mocktail version.
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Swap in rye whiskey instead of bourbon for more spice notes.
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Add a splash of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
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Use club soda or sparkling water instead of ginger beer for a lighter fizz.
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Garnish with rosemary, cloves, or orange peel to alter the aromatic profile.
Storage/Reheating
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It’s best to enjoy this cocktail immediately.
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If you want to prep ahead for a gathering, mix the bourbon, cider, and bitters (without ice or ginger beer) and store in a sealed container in the fridge. Just before serving, pour over ice, top with ginger beer, stir, and garnish.
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Do not reheat—this drink is meant to be served chilled and fresh.
FAQs
What kind of apple cider should I use?
Use a fresh, unfiltered apple cider for maximum flavor. If that’s unavailable, high-quality filtered cider or apple juice can work as a substitute.
Can I use a different liquor instead of bourbon?
Yes, you can try rye whiskey, dark rum, or even brandy — each will shift the character slightly but keep the drink enjoyable.
How fizzy should the drink be?
You want a gentle fizz, not an overflow. Pour the ginger beer slowly and stir softly to retain some carbonation without losing all bubbles.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
It’s optional — it brightens the drink and adds a touch of tart contrast, but it’s fine to skip if you prefer.
How sweet is this cocktail?
It’s moderately sweet, thanks to the cider. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more cider or a splash of simple syrup.
Can I make a batch for a party?
Yes — scale up the bourbon, cider, and bitters, mix them ahead of time, then when ready, pour over ice in individual glasses and top each with ginger beer and garnish.
Will the cocktail dilute too much with ice?
Using a fresh scoop of ice right before serving minimizes over-dilution. Don’t let it sit too long before drinking.
What garnishes work best?
Cinnamon sticks, star anise, apple slices, and thyme are classic. Orange peel or rosemary also make nice alternatives.
Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?
You can, though ginger beer gives a spicier ginger kick which complements the bourbon and cider well.
How can I adjust the strength?
For a lighter drink, reduce the bourbon slightly or increase the cider/ginger beer. For a stronger version, keep the same cider but raise the bourbon by ¼ to ½ oz increments, testing each adjustment.
Conclusion
This apple cider cocktail blends simplicity with seasonal warmth. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a drink that feels cozy yet celebratory — perfect for autumn evenings or festive gatherings. Let the interplay of spice, apple, and bourbon shine, and feel free to tailor it to your preferred sweetness or strength.
