This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is everything a fall drink should be. It’s sweet, crisp, and warming with a little bite from the bourbon and fizz from the ginger beer.
It’s easy to make, perfect for entertaining, and just as good on a chilly evening as it is at a fall party. And if you love this simple trio of flavors, you’ll certainly love my Apple Ginger Stone Wall Cocktail.
Krissy’s Notes
My husband will drink anything with whiskey or bourbon in it. Me? I’ve always been more of a clear-liquor person, but this drink might be the one that changed my mind. The balance of apple cider, ginger beer, and bourbon creates something refreshingly smooth with just the right kick.
This recipe actually came about when I found myself at Trader Joe’s, where they let you grab a single bottle of ginger beer from the six-pack. I figured I’d test it as a mixer, but when I got home, it had already vanished because my husband had “tested” it first. The next week, I brought home another bottle, hid it, and made this cocktail for him. We both agreed that it’s one of the best bourbon drinks we’ve ever had.
If you like this, try my Apple Whiskey Sour or Slow Cooker Hot Toddy next.
What You’ll Need To Make It
You’ll find the complete recipe in the card below, but here’s a quick overview.
You’ll need equal parts of apple cider, bourbon whiskey, and ginger beer. That’s it! The apple cider adds natural sweetness, the bourbon gives depth and warmth, and the ginger beer adds effervescent spice. I prefer using Honeycrisp apple cider for the best flavor, but any fresh apple cider works beautifully.
How to Make an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card below, but here’s the quick version.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the bourbon and cider. Pour in equal parts apple cider and bourbon whiskey.
- Top with ginger beer. Add an equal amount of ginger beer for a refreshing fizz.
- Stir and garnish. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slice, or orange twist if you want to dress it up.
That’s it! No shaker, no fuss, no fancy bar gear required.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Serving
To make ahead: Mix the cider and bourbon ahead of time and keep it chilled. Add ginger beer right before serving to maintain the bubbles.
To serve a crowd: This recipe scales perfectly. Combine a pitcher with 2 cups cider, 2 cups bourbon, and 2 cups ginger beer, then pour over ice as needed.
To store: You can refrigerate leftover cider-bourbon mix (without the ginger beer) for up to 3 days.
Learn From Me
This bourbon apple cider cocktail tastes great cold, but if you warm it gently on the stove, it makes a fantastic fall toddy. I tried it hot once after a reader suggested it, and it’s like cozying up to a campfire in a mug.
If you want to switch things up, try adding a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. But honestly, this cocktail is perfect just as it is—three ingredients, five minutes, and total crowd approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the reader questions I’ve gotten about this recipe with my responses.
Yes! Any good-quality whiskey works. Bourbon just gives it a slightly sweeter, smoother flavor.
Nope, it’s more like a spiced soda with a bold ginger kick. Perfect for mixing.
Absolutely. Warm the cider and bourbon together on the stove, pour into mugs, and top with ginger beer or a cinnamon stick. It’s an instant fall favorite.
Pin this now to save it for later
Pin ItApple Ginger Bourbon Delight
Ingredients
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 2 ounces ginger beer
Instructions
- Add 2 ounces apple cider and 2 ounces bourbon whiskey to an ice filled glass and stir. Top with 2 ounces ginger beer. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m going to try this for sure. Have you tried it hot? Seems like it might make a good toddy on a chilly day.
It would be FANTASTIC served hot!
This is fantastic!
I made these to share with friends, and we all agreed this was a great holiday drink!
Love the flavors in this cocktail! Perfectly refreshing and delicious.
Yes please!! What a great fall cocktail – love ginger beer and this is perfect use for it!