Apple Cider Cocktail

This easy apple cider cocktail is a refreshing fall cocktail made with bourbon, brandy, and apple cider. The crisp drink is perfectly balanced for an autumn sipper that’s ready in minutes!

about this apple cider cocktail

Looking for a fall cocktail that’s a little bit different from the usual? This apple cider cocktail blends smooth bourbon and rich brandy with fresh apple cider for a drink that tastes like autumn in every single sip.

With only a handful of ingredients, this refreshing cocktail comes together in minutes. It’s just the right cocktail to whip up as you are settling in by the fire for a cozy evening at home. I personally love to enjoy it while I’m watching You’ve Got Mail or When Harry Met Sally for the thousandth time.

Of course, you can easily scale up this recipe to serve a crowd at your next gathering. Whether it’s an at-home tailgating party, Thanksgiving, a pumpkin carving party, or Halloween, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up!

ingredients

bourbon. The sweetness of the bourbon pairs really well with apple cider! We recommend a nice mid-price range option like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve.

brandy. A nice quality brandy is best for this cocktail. You can also use apple brandy, if you prefer.

apple cider. Use your favorite homemade apple cider or store bought fresh apple cider for this recipe! Make sure that you use apple cider instead of apple juice.

lemon. Fresh lemon juice is a must for the best flavor in this cocktail!

bitters. Angostura bitters are best for this recipe. You can also use other flavors like smoked orange bitters.

simple syrup. We like to use cinnamon simple syrup for this recipe. You can also use regular simple syrup, if preferred.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make this cocktail, all you need is a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring ingredients, and a cocktail strain.

We serve this cocktail in double old fashioned glasses, but you can use any cocktail glass you like!

here’s how to make an apple cider cocktail

shake

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake well until chilled all the way through, about 30 seconds.

strain

Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.

garnish

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a couple of apple slices.

tips and tricks

use apple cider, not apple juice. The spices in the apple cider is what makes this cocktail so refreshing. Make sure you are using cider and not apple juice.

try different bitters. You can change up the flavor in the cocktail by using smoked orange bitters or cinnamon bitters.

More apple cocktail recipes to enjoy: Apple Pie Old Fashioned | Fresh Apple Martini | Apple Cider Moscow Mule | Apple Cider Margarita

can I use a different liquor for this cocktail?

If you prefer to use another liquor, you can use rye whiskey, spiced rum, or vodka instead of bourbon in this drink.

how should I garnish this apple cider cocktail?

A simple garnish of a cinnamon stick and a couple slices of apple is a gorgeous way to finish the drink! You can also add a star anise, or use a simple lemon twist.

can I turn this into a big batch cocktail?

You can easily scale this cocktail up to serve in a pitcher! To serve a party of 8, use 2 cups bourbon, 4 oz brandy, 4 cups apple cider, 2 oz fresh lemon juice, 8 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1/2 cup cinnamon simple syrup. Add to a pitcher with ice and serve!

If you want to make this big batch cocktail ahead of time, stir together the ingredients without adding ice. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours until ready to serve over ice.

Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with an apple cider cocktail

This is the ideal cocktail to serve for a fall happy hour or to pair with your favorite autumn appetizers! It’s crispy and refreshing, so it goes with all of your favorite snacks. Here are some of our favorites to pair with the flavors of apple and bourbon in this cocktail:

Mashed potato fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s a hearty appetizer to pair with a dollop of sour cream and chives.

Gooey baked camembert is topped with a mixture of cranberries and walnuts for a simple elegant appetizer. This is a favorite to whip up for Thanksgiving!

A fall charcuterie board is an easy way to upgrade your seasonal gatherings. It’s a tasty centerpiece for any celebration!

more fall cocktails to enjoy

A cranberry margarita only requires four ingredients and it’s easy to scale up into a big batch cocktail!

Homemade cinnamon whiskey is perfect for sipping on the rocks or mixing into your favorite autumn cocktails.

This bourbon pumpkin smash is just the right balance of pumpkin spice and bourbon.

Finally, if you make this apple cider cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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