This apple cider cocktail is smooth, sweet, and delicious! It's the best cocktail for serving in fall and offering at your Thanksgiving table. The smooth apple cider pairs perfectly with bourbon whiskey and a dash of ginger juice in this alcoholic drink.
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An apple cider cocktail is just the thing to usher us through fall.
I will admit I've never been a huge apple cider fan, but this cocktail recipe has me changing my tune! As it turns out I like my apple cider ice cold with plenty of bourbon whiskey and a splash of ginger juice.
Whiskey is always my alcoholic drink of choice, especially lately, but every now and then it's nice to use it in a cocktail for a change of pace.
Ingredients
- Bourbon whiskey
- Apple cider
- Ginger juice
- Apple slices, optional
- Cinnamon sticks, optional
How to make an apple cider cocktail
- Add a small scoop of crushed ice to a rocks glass. Add whiskey, apple cider, and ginger juice. Use a stir stick or cinnamon stick to stir lightly. Garnish with apple slices if desired.
Top tips
What kind of whiskey to use in a cocktail
I've been loving Four Roses Bourbon lately because it has a nice spice to it. It's almost like having a snack!
You can use your favorite bourbon whiskey, just keep in mind that flavor varies between brands. I think other types of whiskey besides bourbon would work as well, so don't be afraid to experiment and try something new!
How to measure cocktail ingredients
I used this little jigger I've had around my house forever to measure the whiskey and cider (here's an affiliate link to a similar one), but you could use anything in your kitchen that will measure in milliliters, or simply keep the apple cider and whiskey in a 2:1 ratio.
Tips for customizing an apple cider cocktail
- If you can't find ginger juice, omit it or substitute ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger paste, stirring well
- Add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Use warm apple cider for a hot apple cider cocktail
- Add a splash of club soda or ginger beer
- To make an apple cider pitcher cocktail, combine apple cider and whiskey in a 2:1 ratio, then add ginger juice to taste
- Add a few dashes of orange bitters
FAQ
You can easily make this a mocktail by adding ginger juice to apple cider. I would suggest adding a splash of ginger beer to give it a little something extra.
Ginger juice is a fun ingredient I came across recently, but it might be difficult to find. This big jug I found on amazon (affiliate link) is the best value and most convenient way to buy, however I purchased mine in the natural foods section at my local Festival Foods grocery store.
You can definitely omit the ginger juice if you can't find it, but it adds a nice depth of flavor and a little creaminess to the cocktail. I also recommend using high quality, local apple cider if possible. With so few ingredients in this recipe you're going to taste every ingredient!
More cocktail recipes
- Rum Punch
- Spiced Vodka Orange Juice
- Gin and Tonic
- Blackberry Gin Smash
- Strawberry Lemonade Vodka
- Pineapple Margarita
- Buttery Nipple Shot
- Lemon Drop Shot
- Vegas Bomb
- Sparkling Greyhound Cocktail
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- 50 milliliters bourbon whiskey
- 100 milliliters apple cider
- ½ teaspoon ginger juice
- Apple slices, optional
- Cinnamon sticks, optional
Instructions
- Add a small scoop of crushed ice to a rocks glass. Add whiskey, apple cider, and ginger juice. Use a stir stick or cinnamon stick to stir lightly. Garnish with apple slices if desired.
Notes
Tips for customizing your apple cider cocktail recipe:
- If you can't find ginger juice, omit it or substitute ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger paste, stirring well
- Add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Use warm apple cider for a hot apple cider cocktail
- Add a splash of club soda or ginger beer
- To make an apple cider pitcher cocktail, combine apple cider and whiskey in a 2:1 ratio, then add ginger juice to taste
- Add a few dashes of orange bitters
Reece says
I've recently discovered something very similar to the cocktail you describe. I've been adding a nice double shot of whiskey to 330ml of non-alcoholic apple cider with root ginger. (Hillbilly Cider, Bilpin, NSW, Australia). It is delicious!
Tena Backer Bunch says
I have ginger syrup do you think that will work if I don't make the cider to sweet?
Lindsay Moe says
It does run the risk of making the drink too sweet, but I think it would be fine to add a little at a time and taste as you go!