Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

This bourbon apple cider cocktail mixes crisp apple cider, warming bourbon, bright lemon, and a splash of ginger beer for a cozy fall sip with a little fizz!

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings Cocktail

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
3 oz apple cider preferably fresh or unfiltered
½ oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 oz ginger beer
ice for shaking and serving
thin apple slices for garnish
1 cinnamon stick for garnish, optional

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and Angostura bitters.
Shake for 8–10 seconds, just until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Pour in the ginger beer and give the cocktail one gentle stir to combine.
Add a few thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider. Unfiltered cider gives the best apple flavour. Lightly spiced cider works too, but avoid anything overly sweet.

Fresh lemon is best. Bottled lemon juice can taste harsh and won't give the same fresh, bright finish.

Don't over-shake. 8–10 seconds is plenty. Shaking too long can water down the cocktail.

Keep the fizz. Never shake the ginger beer! Add it directly to the glass after straining.

Make ahead: Mix the bourbon, cider, lemon juice, and bitters up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add ice and ginger beer just before serving.

Best served fresh. Once assembled, enjoy immediately while it's cold and bubbly.

Nutrition