A cocktail that tastes like fall wrapped up in a rocks glass. This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail isn't your average cider drink-it's rich, bold, and concentrated thanks to a spiced apple cider syrup that transforms ordinary cider into something worthy of your best bourbon. Think of it as autumn's answer to the classic old-fashioned.
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Unlike other apple bourbon cocktails that get watered down with plain cider, ginger beer, or club soda, this version builds depth with a reduced apple cider syrup infused with warm spices and rosemary.
The result? A smooth, full-bodied drink that highlights bourbon's natural caramel and vanilla notes while delivering a lip-smacking apple finish.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Concentrated Apple Flavor- Reducing cider into a syrup creates a bold, complex base that won't get lost behind bourbon.
- Old-Fashioned Vibes- Bourbon, bitters, and citrus garnish give a nod to the classic without copying it.
- Make-Ahead- The apple cider syrup can be prepped days in advance, making cocktail hour quick and fuss-free.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Bourbon - Choose a bourbon you enjoy sipping neat. The smooth richness pairs beautifully with the spiced syrup.
- Bitters - Classic Angostura or aromatic bitters work best, adding balance and subtle spice.
- Garnish - A dried apple slice, orange wheel, or rosemary sprig elevates the presentation and enhances aroma.
- Fresh Apple Cider - Use fresh, unfiltered cider for the best flavor. Clear apple juice won't give you the same depth.
- Orange - Fresh orange juice (and the squeezed halves simmering in the pot) add brightness that balances the rich spices. You can substitute lemon for a tart flavor profile.
- Spices- Use whole spices not ground. Watch how much star anise you use, it has a slightly licorice flavor and can overpower the syrup if you aren't creful.
- Fresh Rosemary - Thyme is the best substitute if you aren't a rosemary kind of person. Do not use dried herbs.
⏲️How to Make Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
- Simmer cider with warm spices and rosemary until reduced by 75%. Strain and cool completely before using.
- Add bourbon, apple simple syrup, and bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted over.
- Pour over a large ice cube in a rocks glass, then top with your favorite garnish-apple, orange, or rosemary.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
Serve over one large ice cube instead of many small ones. It chills the drink while minimizing dilution, keeping that bold apple-bourbon flavor intact.
More Cocktail Recipes for Fall
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📖 Recipe Card
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce apple cider syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3 dashes bitters
- apple slice orange slice, rosemary, optional garnish
Apple Cider Syrup
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 medium orange
- 5 pieces whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the apple cider syrup, bourbon, and bitters. Shake vigorously until chilled.1 ounce apple cider syrup, 2 ounces bourbon, 3 dashes bitters
- Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a dried (or fresh) apple slice, a dried orange slice, and a sprig of rosemary.apple slice
Apple Cider Syrup
- Once the syrup has cooled, make the cocktail. To make one cocktail, combine 1 ounce of apple cider syrup, 2 ounces of bourbon, and 3 dashes of bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with a dried apple slice, a dried orange slice (or fresh slices, if you prefer), and a sprig of fresh rosemary.2 cups apple cider, 1 medium orange, 5 pieces whole star anise, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Notes
- Serve over a single, large ice cube. This will make your Bourbon apple cocktail reminiscent of a classic old-fashioned.
- The cider syrup will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, so feel free to prep a few days in advance for easy Bourbon apple cocktail making.
Danny says
Totally worth making the syrup!
Jen Wooster says
agreed! I like to drizzle the leftover syrup on pancakes.