Gingered Bourbon-Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe
A cozy fall and winter cocktail with warming spices, smooth bourbon, and crisp apple cider topped with fizzy ginger ale. Perfect to sip by the fire all season long.
How to Make the Best Gingered Bourbon-Apple Cider Cocktail
Let’s embrace the warmth and comfort of the season with this gingered bourbon-apple cider cocktail, a drink that perfectly captures the essence of fall and winter. This cozy cocktail combines the rich, smooth notes of bourbon with the crisp, spiced character of apple cider, creating a drink that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
What makes this cocktail so special is its simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients and less than five minutes of prep time, you can create a café-quality drink at home. The addition of fizzy ginger ale adds a refreshing fizz that complements the warm spices of the apple cider and bourbon beautifully. Whether you’re gathered around a fireplace with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cocktail will warm you from the inside out.
The optional cinnamon-sugar rim adds a festive touch that makes this drink feel like a special occasion, while the fresh orange peel releases aromatic oils that enhance every sip. Simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious—this is the cocktail you’ll want to make again and again.
Gingered Bourbon-Apple Cider Cocktail
A cozy fall and winter cocktail with warming spices, smooth bourbon, and crisp apple cider topped with fizzy ginger ale. Perfect to sip by the fire all season long.
Ingredients
For the Garnish (optional)
For the Cocktail
Instructions
Prepare the Glass
- For a garnished rim, pour water onto a small plate. On a separate small plate, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Dip the rim of the serving glass in the water to moisten and then swirl it in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Set aside.
Mix and Shake
- In a cocktail shaker, add the apple cider, bourbon and a handful of ice.
- Put on the top and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Fill the serving glass with ice and strain in the chilled apple cider and bourbon. Pour a splash of ginger ale on top and gently stir.
Garnish and Serve
- Using a paring knife, cut off the bottom of the orange and use that as the base. Carefully cut off a piece of peel by moving the knife away from yourself in a downward direction. Try to cut shallowly to minimize the amount of white pith.
- Twist the orange peel over your drink to release the oils and drop in the glass with an apple slice if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- This cocktail is incredibly quick and easy to make—perfect for entertaining.
- Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
- The cinnamon-sugar rim is optional but adds a nice festive touch.