This apple cider cocktail combines sweet apple cider with bourbon and lemon! It’s packed with flavor and easy to make, the perfect fall or winter drink.
Looking for a drink that oozes all the fall and winter vibes? try that cider cocktail! Cider pairs perfectly with sweet and tangy bourbon in this sophisticated drink. It has hints of lemon and a surprising ingredient that rounds out the flavors in an intriguing, complex and highly drinkable blend! Unlike so many classic cocktails, this one doesn’t have a script of what a bartender would normally do. So we got creative and made a cider cocktail that’s so good we’ll be drinking it all fall and winter.
What’s in this apple cider cocktail?
Many of our cocktail recipes are based on great standard cocktail recipes that have stood the test of time, like the Whiskey Sour or the Manhattan. But when it comes to an apple cider cocktail, everyone has their own idea of how to make cider shine in a cocktail! Our goal here was simple: to create an interesting and complex drink, not too sweet, that showcases cider and gives the drinker all that cozy feeling of fall and winter. We think it hits the mark! (And we’d like to know if you’re okay with that.) Here are the ingredients for a cider cocktail:
The secret ingredient: sweet red vermouth!
Vermouth is a staple in the everyday liquor cabinet: you’ll use it on everything from Manhattans to Negroni. It’s a bit unexpected in a cider cocktail: but it adds just the right amount of complexity! It’s both dry and sweet, complementing every sip. You taste apple cider in the front, vermouth in the middle and spicy bourbon in the back. What is vermouth? Here’s what you need to know.
- vermouth is a fortified wine, meaning alcohol has been added to stabilize it. There are two main types of vermouth: sweet (usually red) and dry (usually white). Be sure to store vermouth in the fridge: it will keep for up to 3 months.
- sweet vermouth is subtly sweet and spicy, with a hint of bitterness on the finish. It is included in many classic cocktails such as the Negroni, Americano, and Manhattan.
- Dry vermouth: Dry white vermouth is used in martinis such as the Classic Martini and the Dirty Martini.
How to make this apple cider cocktail
After gathering the ingredients, this apple cider cocktail only takes a few minutes to make. Here are the main steps:
- Mix all ingredients in a cocktail glass. This is a classic “stirred” cocktail where you mix the ingredients instead of shaking them. Shaking will dilute the drink with ice, which would dilute it too much.
- Filter and garnish. Strain the drink into a stemmed cocktail glass. If you prefer, you can also enjoy this drink in a low ball glass! Note that it is meant to be served without ice.
- Don’t have a mixing glass? Use any glass or container to mix the drink, then strain into the serving glass. Or do you take one cocktail glass. (Plus, it looks cool.)
Do it for a crowd!
This cider cocktail is a “stirred” cocktail that’s easy to double, triple, or quadruple for a crowd! For a shaken cocktail, you must shake each one in a cocktail shaker. But to make this for a crowd, just multiply the ingredients and stir with ice until cold.
Depending on how many drinks you’re making at once, you may need to stir them in a larger container, such as a pitcher. Then garnish and go!
Garnish with apple wedges if you like
Serve the cider cocktail in a casual atmosphere? Don’t worry about a topping! But when you’re serving it at a celebratory occasion, presentation matters. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sliced apples can turn brown, so sprinkle them with some lemon juice. Cut apple slices can begin to brown when exposed to air. To counteract this, sprinkle them with some acid: lemon juice is perfect. (Besides, you already have an open lemon.)
- Fresh herbs are fun, but not essential. A sprig of thyme is pretty: rosemary would be pretty too!
More cider cocktails
Looking for a different kind of cider cocktail? No worries. We have even more variants! Here are some other apple cider cocktails we love:
When to serve a cider cocktail
This apple cider cocktail is perfect for chilly weather! It’s great for sipping as:
- autumn drink
- winter drink
- signature drink
- Happy hour drink
- Drink at dinner
- Late night drinks
- Aperitif at aperitif time
The description
This apple cider cocktail combines sweet apple cider with bourbon and lemon! It’s packed with flavor and easy to make, the perfect fall or winter drink.
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) bourbon
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) cider
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sweet vermouth
- ½ ounce (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- 1 a dash of orange bitters
- For garnish: apple wedges (optional), sprig of thyme
- Combine bourbon, cider, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice in a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass.
- Add a dash of orange bitters and garnish with apple slices (spray with a little lemon juice to prevent browning).
- Category: drink
- Method: shakes
- Kitchen: cocktails
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: cider cocktail
More fall drinks
This apple cider cocktail is perfect for fall! Some other great fall cocktails to try:
- Cider Slushie This cider slushie is so easy to make and looks stunning! With hints of cinnamon and clove, it’s perfectly cozy.
- Mulled Wine Recipe Both sweet and savory, it’s perfect for serving at parties. Make it in a slow cooker to keep it warm for hours.
- Classic Hot Toddy A classic, warming winter drink for the cold season! It’s quick and easy, made with bourbon, lemon, and hot water.
