This Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail is the perfect fall drink. Fresh apple cider and bourbon pair so well together, with a little ginger ale for some fizz!

If you are a bourbon drinker you are going to love this one, it is simple but delicious. And if you aren’t sure about bourbon, trust me and give it a try! The sweetness from the apple cider, and the ginger ale give it lots of flavor and just pair so well with the bourbon.

 

I love all things fall and apple season. Everything from Apple Bars to Apple Cider Cocktails. The fall spices just work so well together and make for a comforting treat. This drink pairs your favorite bourbon with fresh apple cider.

Trust me, get the good stuff that is in the produce section in the fall. Skip the bottled stuff down the juice aisle, it isn’t the same! You add cinnamon sticks for garnish, but the scent and flavor they add it delicious.

What You’ll Need

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

• Apple Cider – use the freshest kind you can get for the best results.
• Ginger Ale – you could also use ginger beer
• Triple Sec – an orange liquor that just adds a little something extra
• Bourbon – use whatever your favorite is, I have a few brand recommendations below.
• Cinnamon Sticks – an optional garnish, but I think they do add to the drink

How To Make Bourbon Apple Cider

1. Fill a small pitcher with all of the ingredients and gently stir to combine.
2. Pour into glasses over ice.
3. Add a cinnamon stick to each glass and serve.

What Kind Of Bourbon To Use

There can be lots to consider when you are looking at bourbon. It seems to be one of the more “complicated” liquors to buy. Age, Flavor Profile, and Where it is From are the top 3 things to consider.

Age

The older or longer that a bourbon has been aged, the bolder or stronger the flavor profile will be. Younger bourbons tend to be sweeter and a little fruitier.

Flavor Profile

Bourbon can have a very wide variety of flavors involved. Often you will find hints of cinnamon, vanilla, other spices like nutmeg, all spice, anise, as well as woody flavors like oak or maple.

The type of grain used to make the bourbon will have a big impact on the flavor.

Origin

Unlike Whiskey, bourbon can be made anywhere in the US, it is not region specific. There are rules when making it, like it has to be aged in oak barrels for at least 2 years to be considered a bourbon, but you can do that in Florida, Washington or Wisconsin, it doesn’t matter!

What Brand of Bourbon

There are so many out there, it is best to find one that you like the flavor of and is in your budget. Here are a couple that I have tried and think work great.

• Bulleit Bourbon
• Yellowstone – this is made in Colorado, I am not sure how widely available it is.
• Buffalo Trace
• Wild Turkey

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Because of the ginger ale, this isn’t a drink you want to make ahead. You could mix the apple cider with the alcohol and store in the fridge and just top with ginger ale when ready to serve.
• This recipe makes 2-3 cocktails, feel free to double or triple the recipe to make a pitcher for a party or group of people.
• Use bourbon you like and can afford. It doesn’t have to be top of the line for a mixed drink.
• This is best served cold, so use plenty of ice!