This apple cider cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for cozy gatherings or festive fall evenings. Combining spiced apple cider, zingy ginger beer, and your favorite spirit, this seasonal sip is light, citrusy, and balanced—not too sweet, not too strong. Whether you’re serving guests at a holiday party or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this easy cocktail delivers cozy autumn vibes in every glass.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cocktail
- 🍎 Crisp & Refreshing – Apple cider keeps it bright and seasonal
- 🧊 Quick to Make – Ready in 5 minutes, no shaking or special tools required
- 🍋 Perfect Balance – Citrus and ginger balance the cider’s natural sweetness
- 🥃 Customizable – Works with bourbon, vodka, rum, or even tequila
- 🍹 Make One or Many – Easy to scale for a party or just one glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (or vodka, rum, or whiskey)
- 2 oz apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz ginger beer (Fever Tree recommended)
- Optional: ½ oz orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
- Garnishes: apple slices, cinnamon stick, fresh thyme sprig
Instructions
- Fill the Glass
Add ice to a rocks glass or copper mug. - Mix the Base
Pour in the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and orange liqueur (if using). - Top with Ginger Beer
Slowly add ginger beer and gently stir once to mix. - Garnish
Add a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a thyme sprig for that festive finish. - Serve Immediately
Sip and enjoy while cold and fizzy!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 189
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 1g
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Potassium: 57mg
Tips & Variations
- 🥃 Alcohol swaps: Try vodka for a milder flavor, rum for a tropical twist, or tequila for a bold edge
- 🍊 Orange liqueur bonus: Grand Marnier adds a deep citrusy sweetness—skip triple sec, it’s too sugary
- 🍹 Make it a pitcher: Combine bourbon, cider, lemon, and liqueur in a pitcher (no ginger beer). Add ginger beer per glass when serving
- ❄️ Make it chilled or warm: Serve over ice or warm gently for a cozy hot toddy-style cocktail
- 🍏 Cider tip: Choose high-quality unfiltered apple cider (not clear apple juice) for full flavor
Apple Cider Cocktail
Equipment
- – Rocks glass or copper mug
- – Jigger or measuring spoons
- – Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- – 2 oz bourbon or vodka/rum
- – 2 oz apple cider
- – ½ oz lemon juice
- – 3 oz ginger beer
- – ½ oz orange liqueur optional
- – Garnish: apple slice cinnamon stick, thyme sprig
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in bourbon, cider, lemon juice, and liqueur (if using).
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with apple slice, cinnamon stick, and thyme.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– Skip the orange liqueur if you prefer a drier drink
– Serve warm for a cozy winter version
FAQs
Q: What alcohol goes best with apple cider?
A: Bourbon pairs best for a warming cocktail, but vodka, rum, or tequila also work depending on your flavor preference.
Q: Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
A: Yes, but choose a high-quality pure pressed juice—cider is cloudier and richer in flavor.
Q: How do I make this in a pitcher for guests?
A: Mix 10 oz bourbon, 10 oz apple cider, 2.5 oz lemon juice, and 2.5 oz orange liqueur (optional) in a pitcher. Chill, then top with ginger beer per glass when serving.
Q: Can this be served warm?
A: Yes! Just gently heat all ingredients except ginger beer, then skip or reduce the fizzy element.
Conclusion
This apple cider cocktail is your go-to for fall entertaining or just winding down on a cool evening. With only a few ingredients, minimal prep, and plenty of flexibility, it’s a cocktail you’ll come back to again and again. Try it for your next Halloween bash, Thanksgiving toast, or weekend wind-down—you won’t be disappointed.