The Best Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Recipe (Easy, Cozy & Perfect for Fall)

Apple cider bourbon cocktail with cinnamon sticks and fresh apples in a cozy fall setting.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail

There is something about apple cider that instantly feels like fall. Add bourbon, a little maple syrup, fresh lemon and warm cinnamon, and it becomes an easy autumn cocktail that tastes like the season in a glass.

This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is smooth, slightly sweet, warmly spiced and incredibly easy to make. The apple cider brings plenty of natural apple flavor, while bourbon adds notes of vanilla, oak and caramel. Fresh lemon keeps the drink bright rather than overly sweet, and just a touch of maple syrup gives it a rich fall finish.

It is an ideal cocktail for cool September and October evenings, Thanksgiving dinner, Halloween parties, fall gatherings or simply relaxing at home on a chilly night.

Even better, if you already have a batch of homemade apple cider, this is a delicious way to turn it into an entirely different fall drink.

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Apple cider bourbon cocktail with cinnamon stick and fresh apple slice served over ice in a cozy fall setting.

Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

This cocktail looks impressive but takes only a few minutes to prepare.

It has everything you want in a fall drink: crisp apple, warming bourbon, cinnamon, maple and just enough citrus to balance the sweetness.

It is also easy to customize. You can make it stronger or lighter, serve it over ice, top it with ginger beer for a little sparkle or prepare a larger batch for a Thanksgiving or Halloween party.

A cinnamon stick and thin apple slices make the finished cocktail look beautiful without requiring elaborate garnishes.

What Does an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Taste Like?

The first flavor you notice is sweet, spiced apple, followed by the deeper caramel and vanilla notes of the bourbon.

Maple syrup adds richness without making the cocktail taste like maple candy. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and makes the apple flavor taste brighter.

Cinnamon ties everything together.

The result is a cocktail that is distinctly autumnal without being heavy or excessively sweet.

The Best Apple Cider to Use

A good apple cider makes a big difference in this recipe.

Fresh, unfiltered apple cider gives the cocktail a richer apple flavor than ordinary apple juice. Look for cider that is cloudy rather than completely clear and preferably one without a lot of added ingredients.

Homemade apple cider is even better.

If you have already made my Homemade Apple Cider recipe, you can use it directly in this cocktail. The cinnamon and warming spices in the cider pair beautifully with bourbon and maple syrup.

If your cider is already quite sweet, you may want to reduce or completely omit the maple syrup.

The Best Bourbon to Use

You do not need an expensive bourbon for this cocktail.

Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking that has noticeable vanilla, caramel or oak flavors. Those flavors naturally complement apple and cinnamon.

A smoother bourbon produces a softer cocktail, while a stronger or higher-proof bourbon gives the drink more warmth and allows the whiskey flavor to stand out against the cider.

How to Make an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.

Add the bourbon, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and a small pinch of cinnamon.

Shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds.

Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.

Strain the cocktail into the glass.

For a lighter, slightly sparkling version, top with 1 to 2 ounces of ginger beer.

Gently stir.

Garnish with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Serve immediately.

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Make It Extra Pretty With a Cinnamon Sugar Rim

A cinnamon sugar rim is optional, but it makes this cocktail especially pretty for Thanksgiving dinners and fall parties.

Mix together:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Place the mixture on a small plate.

Run a lemon wedge around the outside rim of the glass, then gently dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar.

Fill the glass with ice and prepare the cocktail as directed.

For the prettiest presentation, only coat part of the rim rather than covering the entire glass.

Should You Add Ginger Beer?

You can make this cocktail either way.

Without ginger beer, the drink is richer and more bourbon-forward. It tastes like a classic apple cider whiskey cocktail with a smooth fall flavor.

Adding ginger beer makes it brighter, fizzier and slightly spicy.

I especially like the ginger beer version for parties because it makes the cocktail refreshing enough to serve with appetizers or a large Thanksgiving meal.

Start with about 1 ounce and add more if you want a lighter drink.

How to Make a Pitcher for a Fall Party

This recipe is easy to turn into a pitcher cocktail for Thanksgiving, Halloween or another fall gathering.

For 8 cocktails, combine:

2 cups bourbon

3 cups apple cider

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Stir everything together in a large pitcher and refrigerate until well chilled.

Do not add ice directly to the pitcher if it will be sitting for a while because melting ice will dilute the cocktail.

Instead, fill individual glasses with ice and pour the chilled cocktail over the top.

If using ginger beer, add it to each glass immediately before serving so it stays fizzy.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Yes.

Combine the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice and maple syrup several hours before serving and refrigerate.

Give the mixture a good stir before serving because fresh cider can settle.

Wait to add ice, ginger beer and garnishes until you are ready to serve the cocktails.

This makes the recipe particularly convenient for Thanksgiving because you can prepare the cocktail mixture before guests arrive.

Easy Variations

There are several simple ways to change this fall cocktail depending on what you have at home.

Apple Cider Rum Cocktail: Replace the bourbon with dark or spiced rum.

Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail: Use your favorite whiskey instead of bourbon.

Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail: Add ginger beer or club soda for a lighter, bubbly drink.

Cranberry Apple Bourbon Cocktail: Add a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart red fall cocktail.

Extra Spiced Apple Cocktail: Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Sweeter Apple Cider Cocktail: Increase the maple syrup slightly.

Less Sweet Cocktail: Leave out the maple syrup, particularly if your cider is already sweet.

What to Serve With an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

This cocktail works particularly well with salty, savory and slightly sweet fall foods.

Try serving it with baked brie, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, toasted nuts, crackers, charcuterie or apple and cheese crostini.

For Thanksgiving, it pairs nicely with roast turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables and other traditional fall dishes.

It can also be served after dinner alongside apple crisp, pumpkin pie or pecan pie.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Use fresh apple cider whenever possible. Its stronger apple flavor makes a noticeable difference.

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice.

Do not add too much cinnamon. A small pinch is enough to add warmth without leaving the cocktail powdery.

Taste your cider before adding maple syrup. Some apple ciders are naturally much sweeter than others.

Chill the cider beforehand so the cocktail stays cold without requiring excessive ice.

If you are serving a crowd, prepare the bourbon and cider mixture ahead of time but add any carbonated ingredients just before serving.

And do not skip the garnish if you are serving these for a fall party. A few thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick turn an extremely simple drink into a beautiful autumn cocktail.

Apple cider bourbon cocktail recipe infographic with bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon and step-by-step instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, but the flavor will be lighter and sweeter. Fresh apple cider has a deeper, more complex apple flavor that works especially well with bourbon.

If using apple juice, consider reducing or omitting the maple syrup.

What alcohol goes best with apple cider?

Bourbon is one of the best choices because its vanilla, oak and caramel notes complement apples beautifully.

Dark rum, spiced rum, whiskey and brandy also pair well with apple cider.

Can I serve this cocktail warm?

Yes. Gently warm the apple cider with the maple syrup and cinnamon, then remove it from the heat before stirring in the bourbon and lemon juice.

Do not boil the cocktail after adding the bourbon.

Serve it in a heat-safe mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Can I make this without maple syrup?

Absolutely.

If your cider is already sweet, you may actually prefer the cocktail without additional sweetener.

Taste it first and adjust as needed.

What garnish is best?

Thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick are simple and beautiful.

For a special occasion, add a rosemary sprig or cinnamon sugar rim.

A Cozy Fall Cocktail You'll Make All Season

This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail brings together some of the best flavors of fall in one incredibly simple drink.

Sweet apple cider, smooth bourbon, maple syrup, fresh lemon and cinnamon create a cocktail that feels special enough for Thanksgiving but is easy enough to make on an ordinary fall evening.

Serve it over ice for a smooth, cozy cocktail, add ginger beer when you want something sparkling, or prepare an entire pitcher when friends and family are coming over.

And if you already have homemade apple cider waiting in the refrigerator, you are only a few ingredients away from turning it into one of the easiest and most delicious cocktails of the season.

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3 oz apple cider
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz pure maple syrup
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Ice
  • 1 to 2 oz ginger beer, optional
  • Apple slices, for garnish
  • Cinnamon stick, for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary, optional

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  2. Add the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup and a small pinch of cinnamon.
  3. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds.
  4. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
  5. Strain the cocktail over the ice.
  6. Top with 1 to 2 ounces of ginger beer, if desired, and stir gently.
  7. Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick and optional rosemary.
  8. Serve immediately.

Tip: If your apple cider is already quite sweet, reduce or omit the maple syrup.

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Rim: Mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Moisten the rim with a lemon wedge and dip it into the cinnamon sugar.

For a Pitcher: Combine 2 cups bourbon, 3 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Chill until serving. Pour over ice and add ginger beer to individual glasses, if desired.

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