Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail

Nothing says fall like the smell and taste of apple cider, except apple cider spiked with tummy-warming whiskey. This apple cider whiskey cocktail pairs the two to make the ultimate apple-infused twist on a whiskey sour.

 

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to make a cozy cocktail that’s perfect for fall, winter, the holidays, or any time there’s a chill in the air.

• Whiskey – Bourbon and rye are our favorites but you can choose your own favorite whiskey. Spiced whiskey works well, too. 
• Apple Cider – Buying fresh apple cider from a local maker will give this cocktail the most fresh flavor.
• Lime Juice – Using fresh lime juice is best but you can use a store-bought version, too. 
• Simple Syrup – Buy this at the grocery store or easily make it at home yourself by warming up equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. 
• Apple Pie Spice – This gives the cocktail its warm and cozy flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick – While it’s optional, a cinnamon stick makes for a pretty presentation and a little added aroma.

Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail Variations

Jazz this apple cider whiskey cocktail recipe up with these easy substitutions and add-ins!

• Liquor – Instead of whiskey try using a dark rum or a spiced rum. Or, opt for a lighter liquor like vodka or gin.
• Ginger – For a spicy kick, add ginger liqueur or top the cocktail with ginger beer. 
• Syrup – Add more seasonal flavor by swapping out the simple syrup for pure maple syrup. Or use honey to add sweetness and create a different flavor profile.
• Spices – Sprinkle in more warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or whole cloves. 
• Caramel – Caramel and apples are a match made in heaven! Rim the glass with some caramel sauce before pouring in the cocktail. 
• Smokiness – For a cocktail with smoky undertones, use Scotch instead of bourbon or rye whiskey. 
• Garnish – Rosemary and thyme are both gorgeous garnishes for this drink as is an orange peel. You can also use an apple slice — just toss it with lemon juice so that it doesn’t brown.
• Citrus – Instead of lime use lemon juice or orange juice.
• Fizz – For an apple cider cocktail that’s bubbly, try topping it with sparkling water, ginger ale, or ginger beer.
• Serve Warm – To make a hot apple cider whiskey cocktail, stir the ingredients together in a large pot on low heat and ladle the warm cocktail into mugs. To ensure you don’t cook the alcohol out of the mixture, add it just before serving.
• Juice – While apple cider gives the cocktail the richest flavor, you can use apple juice in a pinch.
• Bitters – Add a dash of bitters to round out the cocktail’s flavor.
• Format – Instead of smaller servings, stir together a big batch to serve in a punch bowl or pitcher. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Make a Whiskey with Apple Cider Cocktail

It takes nearly no time to shake up this satisfying cocktail!

1. Shake and combine. After adding ice to the cocktail shaker, pour in the other ingredients except for the garnish. Shake vigorously. 
2. Pour. Fill the glass with a few ice cubes and strain the drink into a rocks glass or mason jar. 
3. Garnish and serve. Place a cinnamon stick in the glass and serve immediately.

More Holiday Cocktails and Drinks

There’s nothing like snuggling up with a cocktail on a cold winter night. Here are some of our favorites.