This bourbon apple cider cocktail with maple syrup is an ideal Autumn drink. The natural sweetness of apple cider pairs beautifully with bourbon, and maple syrup adds a warm, cozy depth—what’s not to love?
This autumn-inspired cocktail—bourbon, apple cider, and maple syrup—is perfect after a day of apple or pumpkin picking, or as a pre-dinner drink for a fall gathering. It’s simple to make, festive, and a great addition to any seasonal cocktail repertoire.
Why Make This Apple Cider Cocktail with Maple Syrup and Bourbon
Here are a few reasons to try this cider cocktail:
- It’s quick and can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
- You have extra fresh apple cider from the orchard, farm stand, or grocery store.
- You want a bourbon-based cocktail that’s approachable if you’re not drinking bourbon straight.
- You enjoy bourbon but want a festive fall variation.
- Cider cocktails bring the best of apple flavor and cozy, seasonal spices together.
The main inspiration for this drink was maple syrup. A friend returned from a sugar shack near Montreal with an exceptional bottle of syrup, and using it in a cocktail revealed how well maple syrup complements bourbon and apple cider. If you don’t have a specialty syrup, any good-quality maple syrup works well.
Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail — Ingredients and Tools
This cocktail uses just a few ingredients, so choose quality items where possible. Avoid imitation syrups; real maple syrup makes a noticeable difference.
Choose a flavorful maple syrup—if you can find a small-batch or regional bottle, even better. For apple cider, fresh cold-pressed cider is ideal for bright, natural apple flavor. Popular apple varieties for garnish include Honeycrisp and Fuji. For bourbon, a versatile choice like Maker’s Mark mixes well; pick a bourbon you enjoy sipping.
Tools: cocktail shaker, measuring spoon, and a jigger or measuring cup. Serve in a coupe, rocks glass, or martini glass depending on preference.
Method
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the maple syrup, apple cider, and bourbon to the shaker.
3. Slice an apple and place a cinnamon stick in the serving glass for garnish and gentle infusion.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 20 seconds, then strain into the prepared glass.
5. Stir gently with the cinnamon stick to infuse more spice, then add the apple slice as a garnish.
Serve immediately with or without the cinnamon stick. Enjoy a warm, balanced cocktail that highlights apple and maple with the backbone of bourbon.
Apple Cider Cocktail with Maple Syrup and Bourbon
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz Bourbon
- 2 oz Apple Cider
- 2 tsp Maple Syrup
- 1 slice Apple
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
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Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
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Add the maple syrup, bourbon, and apple cider to the shaker.
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Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
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Strain into a glass.
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Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 16g
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Sugar: 14g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guideline.
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