Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Bourbon Apple Cider is the perfect drink to enjoy this fall. Simple to make and delightful to sip, it captures everything cozy about the season.

This autumn has been especially lovely here in New York, with cool, crisp days and vibrant foliage. If you know me, you know I adore everything about fall—from crunchy leaves to cute boots—and I love any excuse to bake and cook with seasonal ingredients.

Apple cider is one of my favorite fall staples. I use it in drinks like Hard Cider Sangria and Hot Caramel Apple Cider, and in savory dishes such as Apple Cider Pulled Pork and Apple Cider and Beer Braised Pot Roast.

Fortunately, fresh-pressed cider is plentiful nearby this time of year, and I happily put it to use from September through January. On chilly October evenings there’s nothing better than wrapping up with a blanket and a mug of Hot Mulled Cider—or even Hot Maple Bourbon Cider when I want something slightly boozy.

Hand me a steaming mug of cider and I’m happy. Add a splash of bourbon and I’m in autumnal heaven.

Bourbon Apple Cider

I bought a bottle of bourbon planning a mug of hot bourbon and cider one Saturday night, but by the afternoon the weather warmed up and a hot drink didn’t feel right. I didn’t want to give up on my Saturday evening treat, so I improvised.

First I considered shaking cider and bourbon over ice, but I wanted something with a bit more cider flavor as it cooled. Then it hit me: apple cider ice cubes.

Pouring cider into ice cube trays felt obvious once I thought of it. After sharing the idea on Instagram, I learned that sipping bourbon over frozen apple cider isn’t a universal practice—so I’m sharing it here for anyone who hasn’t tried it yet.

This method elevates bourbon on the rocks by replacing plain ice with frozen cider, so as the ice melts the drink gradually becomes fruitier. A nice glass helps, but the magic is really the cider ice cubes.

Apple Cider and Bourbon

Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking straight—Knob Creek and Maker’s Mark both work well. I prefer bourbons with rich, maple-like notes that complement the apple cider, but any quality bourbon will be delicious. A friend even tried Cinnamon Fireball Whiskey and liked the spicier twist.

If you have spiced cider, that would be tasty too, but plain fresh-pressed cider gives a crisp, natural apple flavor that pairs beautifully with bourbon.

Apple Cider Ice Cubes

Freezing cider is straightforward. Pour cider into whatever trays you have—standard silicone cube trays are fine, and they’re what I usually use. Some people prefer spherical ice molds because the larger shape melts more slowly and dilutes the drink less. If you prefer a stronger bourbon-forward sip, try spherical molds; if you enjoy the cider developing as you drink, regular cubes work perfectly.

As the apple cubes melt, the bourbon softens and the cider flavor comes forward, giving you two drinks in one: the initial sips taste like bourbon with an apple hint, and later you’ll enjoy a cold, slushy cider with a touch of bourbon.

Looking for more seasonal drinks? Try a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte made with real pumpkin for a morning treat, or a Blender Made Spiced Hot Chocolate for a rich, cozy beverage. If you love bourbon in desserts, Bourbon Salted Caramel Sauce and Salted Caramel Bourbon Rice Crispy Treats make excellent grown-up toppings and snacks.

Whether you prefer cocktails or simple mixed drinks, this Bourbon Apple Cider is a fuss-free fall favorite. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for relaxing in an armchair with a good book and slippers.

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Call it a cocktail if you like—it’s essentially two ingredients, but it delivers a layered drinking experience. It’s quick to make and best enjoyed slowly.

1. Pour apple cider into ice cube trays and freeze until solid (about 6 hours).
2. Place three apple cider ice cubes into a highball glass and pour 1.5 ounces bourbon over the cubes. Serve immediately and sip slowly.

This drink is strong up front, so sip leisurely. As the cider cubes melt you’ll move from smooth bourbon with an apple note to a chilled, boozy cider slush—a lovely way to extend a slightly warm fall evening.