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    Home » Recipes » Halloween

    Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

    Published: Oct 6, 2021 · Modified: Sep 14, 2022 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    Jump to Recipe
    clear glass mug filled with apple cider and a cinnamon stick and a bottle of bourbon behind it
    overhead shot of a pot and mugs of apple cider with cinnamon stick

    This bourbon apple cider cocktail is the perfect drink for Fall. Served either warm or cold, this boozy apple cider is also a great cocktail for a crowd.

    two clear mugs on a tray filled with spiked bourbon apple cider and cinnamon sticks

    This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for content.

    Fall is by far my favorite season. I love all the smells, flavors and activities that come with this time of year. This cocktail is made with simple ingredients, but perfectly spiced to give you all of those warm, fuzzy fall feelings!

    This cozy cocktail is a great recipe for trick or treating, a fall gathering or a Halloween party this fall season. This is a great recipe to serve with a caramel apple bar, pepperoni pizza dip and a big pot of 3 bean chili!

    Jump to:
    • 🍎 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Substitutions and variations
    • 🥃 Step by step instructions
    • ⭐ Expert tips
    • 🥘 Alternative cooking methods
    • ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions
    • 🥂 More cocktail recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍎 Ingredient notes

    honey, cinnamon sticks, orange juice, apple cider, lemons, ground nutmeg and bourbon
    • Apple Cider/Juice - I love using real apple cider for this cocktail because it is unfiltered and has a more complex flavor to it. Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered and has a sweeter, more straight forward flavor. Depending on availability and your preference, either can be used.
    • Bourbon - The addition of bourbon whiskey is a great pairing to the apple cider in this easy recipe. It's a bit sweeter than regular whiskey so it's works nicely for this cocktail.

    📋 Substitutions and variations

    • Non-Alcoholic - To make a non-alcoholic apple cider drink, simply omit the bourbon.
    • For a Crowd - This cocktail is a great idea for a get together or party during the fall holiday season. We love making this on Halloween night to have when the neighbors swing by. Make a large batch of this recipe and serve this as a warm cocktail out of a slow cooker. For a cold version of this drink, serve it out of a large beverage pitcher.

    🥃 Step by step instructions

    First, combine the fresh apple cider with the orange juice, lemon juice and spices in a small saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.

    Once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine all of the flavors. Take the mixture off of the heat and stir in the bourbon and honey.

    silver pot filled with apple cider and a cinnamon stick and honey drizzling in the pot

    Serve the mixed drink warm in a mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick. They can also be served cold in a cocktail glass over ice, garnished with fresh apple slices or orange slices.

    hand dropping a cinnamon stick into a clear glass mug filled with spiked apple cider

    If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.


    ⭐ Expert tips

    • The best way to make this cocktail is to make sure to add the honey and bourbon after the mixture is off of the heat. The honey can create a bitter taste when boiled and the alcohol will cook off from the bourbon.
    • When serving this drink cold, make sure to cool it completely before serving it over ice. If not, the heat from the drink will melt the ice quickly and water the drinks down.
    overhead shot of a mug filled with apple cider and a cinnamon stick floating in it

    🥘 Alternative cooking methods

    Slow Cooker - Combine the cider, juices and spices in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir in the honey and the bourbon and set to the warm setting for serving.

    ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions

    Making this cocktail in advance is a great way to save time when hosting a get together. The cider, juices and spices can be mixed up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Heat the ingredients up on the stovetop per the instructions and then mix in the bourbon and honey.

    If you are serving this drink cold, make and cool the cocktail and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance.

    For a quick overview of this recipe, check out my web story for this boozy bourbon apple cider cocktail!

    🥂 More cocktail recipes

    If you loved this easy bourbon apple cider cocktail recipe, check out these other fun cocktail recipes that I know you will love too!

    • Rossini Cocktail
    • Whiskey Blood Orange Smash
    • Cranberry Moscow Mule
    • Grapefruit Cocktail with Elderflower

    Don't Forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.


    📖 Recipe

    clear glass mug with boozy apple cider and a cinnamon stick with a bottle of bourbon behind it

    Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

    Amanda
    This bourbon apple cider cocktail is the perfect drink for Fall. Served either warm or cold, this boozy apple cider is also a great cocktail for a crowd.
    5 from 44 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Cocktails, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 274 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups apple cider
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • ¼ cup lemon juice approximately 1 ½ - 2 lemons
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 5 cinnamon sticks
    • 6 ounces bourbon whiskey
    • ¼ cup honey

    Instructions
     

    • Combine apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, nutmeg and one of the cinnamon sticks in a medium size pot on the stovetop.
    • Heat the mixture over medium high heat until it just begins to boil, then lower the heat to medium low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the bourbon and the honey.
    • Serve the drink warm in a mug garnished with a cinnamon stick or cool the mixture completely and serve in a glass over ice.

    Notes

    Recipe yields approximately 1 quart of spiked apple cider, or four 8-ounce servings
    • Make sure to add the honey and bourbon AFTER the mixture is off the heat; the honey can create a bitter taste when boiled and the alcohol will cook off from the bourbon.
    • When serving this drink cold, make sure to cool it completely before serving it over ice. If not, the heat from the drink will melt the ice quickly and water the drinks down.
     

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Apple Cider/Juice - Apple cider has a more complex flavor to it as it is unfiltered. Apple juice is filtered and has a sweeter, more straight forward flavor. Either can be used in this recipe, depending on availability and preference
    • Bourbon - A nice bourbon whiskey pairs perfectly with apple cider. It's a bit sweeter than regular whiskey so it's works nicely for this Fall cocktail.
    • Non-Alcoholic - To make a non-alcoholic apple cider drink, simply omit the bourbon from the drink.
    • For a Crowd - This cocktail works great for a party or get together. Double or triple the recipe and serve it out of a slow cooker to keep it warm. For a cold version of this drink, serve it out of a large beverage pitcher.
     

    Alternative Cooking Methods

    • Slow Cooker - Combine the cider, juices and spices in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir in the honey and the bourbon and set to the warm setting for serving.
     

    Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

    • The cider, juices and spices can be mixed up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Heat the ingredients up on the stovetop per the instructions and then mix in the bourbon and honey.
    • If serving this drink cold, make and cool the cocktail and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drinkCalories: 274kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 274mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @SaporitoKitchen or tag #SaporitoKitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Annie

      October 09, 2021 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      I'm in love with all those flavors! Such an amazing cocktail!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 11, 2021 at 9:54 am

        Thank you Annie!

        Reply
    2. Freya

      October 09, 2021 at 12:31 am

      5 stars
      This sounds so warming and delicious but also dangerously drinkable! A perfect alternative to a hot toddy!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 11, 2021 at 9:54 am

        Yes, agreed!

        Reply
    3. Amy

      October 08, 2021 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      so, so good! Love the addition of the cinnamon!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 08, 2021 at 4:12 pm

        Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    4. Debra

      October 08, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      Oh how lovely this was. I'll definitely be making these again.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 08, 2021 at 2:24 pm

        Yah! So happy to hear that!

        Reply
    5. Pam Greer

      October 08, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect fall cocktail!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 08, 2021 at 1:02 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    6. Kayla DiMaggio

      October 08, 2021 at 8:39 am

      5 stars
      This bourbon apple cider cocktail was so delicious! I loved all the flavors and it was a hit for date night!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 08, 2021 at 10:07 am

        Awesome, so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. Sue

      October 08, 2021 at 4:55 am

      5 stars
      How perfect for a crisp fall evening!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 08, 2021 at 10:07 am

        Yes!

        Reply
    8. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

      October 08, 2021 at 3:16 am

      5 stars
      OMG, what a combination of flavours! This cocktail would go perfectly with the dinner I'm planning for tonight. I have a few recipes printed on the fridge, but I'm pretty sure it is one of yours - risotto with mushrooms:)))

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 08, 2021 at 10:07 am

        That sounds so good! I love it. Let me know how you like it!

        Reply

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