This easy Apple Cider Cocktail recipe calls for three basic ingredients: Bourbon (or rum), apple cider, and ginger beer. This cozy spirit is a warm hug for your fall evenings!

Apple cider cocktail in a cocktail glass with ice and sliced apples with cinnamon sticks to the side and fresh apples in the background.

Looking for a festive cocktail to spice up your chilly evenings? This Apple Cider Cocktail recipe has it all! It’s perfectly sweet with a kick of spice and no need for simple syrup or any fancy ingredients.

The best part? This easy cocktail recipe can be made with bourbon, vodka, spiced rum, or whisky. My preference is spiced rum or bourbon for the added oaky vanilla and warm spice flavors they impart.

Tangy, sweet apple cider and ginger beer are marvelous partners, creating a lovely little fall elixir to warm the belly and soul.

Let’s discuss the simple ingredients for this easy cocktail recipe! You can find them at any grocery store.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Cocktails:

Apple Cider: The star of the show here! Apple cider is simply raw pressed apple juice that hasn’t been filtered or pasteurized. It comes straight from the fruit and has no added sweeteners. Use homemade or store-bought apple cider.

I love using spiced apple cider from the store, which includes warm spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Bourbon or Dark Rum: Truly, any alcohol works here, but I find bourbon or spiced rum pair the best with apple cider. Bourbon has threads of oak and vanilla flavors, and rum adds sugar and spice to the mix.

Ginger Beer: A little ginger beer brings some fizz, sweetness, and a subtle heat from the ginger to spice it up. Use homemade ginger beer to keep it extra fresh!

Fresh Orange Juice or Lemon Juice: To offset the sweetness, a little acidity adds a fresh burst of flavor.

For Garnish: Pick any combination of apple slices, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, or a sprig of fresh thyme for a beautiful garnish. I like going with thin sliced apples because they add an edible element.

Two apple cider cocktails on a wooden table with fresh apples in the background.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s make this easy apple cider cocktail recipe!

How to Make an Apple Cider Cocktail:

Fill a tall glass with your desired amount of ice.

Pour in the apple cider, bourbon (or rum) and a squeeze of lemon, and give it a thorough stir. Top it off with ginger beer and give it another gentle stir. Garnish with apple slices, orange slice, orange rind, or a cinnamon stick, and enjoy! If you prefer sweeter fall cocktails, add a little pure maple syrup to your personal taste.

For big batch cocktails, multiply the ingredients by the amount of people you intend to serve. Pour everything into a large pitcher and serve immediately for the best results.

Recipe Tips:

Go off script with the measurements if you prefer more or less apple cider, alcohol, or ginger beer. Your preferred ratios are what count!
For exact measurements, use a jigger, shot glass, or measuring spoons to measure out the alcohol, apple cider, and ginger beer.
Looking to make a hot apple cider cocktail? Simply heat the cider in a small saucepan over low heat. When you’re ready to serve, pour it into a mug with your liquor of choice. Skip the ginger beer for the hot version.
For an infusion of fall flavors, use spiced apple cider, which includes ground cinnamon.

Two apple cider cocktails on a wooden table with cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish.

The perfect fall cocktail for entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing evening in, this easy recipe is perfect during the holiday season or any chilly night of the year. Enjoy it as the signature cocktail at your next holiday party!

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Bottoms up!