Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktails are the Ultimate Autumn Cocktail
When I’m hosting, I usually keep things simple with beer and wine—but I love having a signature cocktail or two on hand to make gatherings feel extra special. Enter Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktails, your new favorite fall sip! This cozy drink has it all: seasonal ingredients, balanced flavor, and just the right hint of sweetness.
These cocktails strike a perfect balance: you get the boozy warmth from bourbon without it feeling too strong or spirit-forward. The apple cider adds a gentle sweetness that’s cut perfectly by the zing of ginger beer and a splash of lime. And the finishing touch? A hint of cinnamon for that warm, spiced feel that’ll keep you coming back for more.
If you’re like me and don’t usually go for brown liquor, trust me—this cocktail is an absolute must-try! It’s also easy to make in batches, so it’s perfect for all of your fall gatherings. Think Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or even just a cozy night in! Apple cider bourbon cocktails are an easy, crowd-pleasing addition to any occasion.
Maximum Flavor, Minimal Effort
3 foolproof secrets to low-fuss, flavor-packed dinners, learned from years working in restaurants.
How to Make Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktails
These cocktails couldn’t be easier to make! They have a simple recipe with an easy-to-remember ratio: two parts apple cider + one part bourbon + one part ginger beer + 1/2 part lime juice.
Simply combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake vigorously until well-combined. Serve over ice. That’s it!
Ingredients matter! ⇢ For the best apple cider bourbon cocktails, go for real apple cider—not apple juice, which can make the drink too sweet. Use a ginger beer with a strong, spicy kick instead of ginger ale. With such a simple recipe, the right, high-quality ingredients make all the difference!
How to Prepare Bourbon Cider Cocktails for a Crowd
Hosting a party? Apple cider bourbon cocktails are perfect for a pitcher! Stick to the same easy ratio above (2 + 1 + 1 + 1/2!), but swap “ounces” for “cups”—2 cups of cider, 1 cup of bourbon, and so on. Just like that, you’ve got a batch cocktail ready to pour for all your guests!
Make hosting extra simple: set up a drink station with a couple pre-mixed signature cocktails, ice, and self-serve garnishes. Love fall-inspired flavors? ⇢ try out my Chai Cocktail with Golden Raisin Infused Rum!
I can’t wait for you to try these Bourbon Ginger Cider Cocktails. These are a cozy season staple in our house, and I know you’ll love them, too!
If you do give it a try, be sure to let us know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo and tag @playswellwithbutter on Instagram. We LOVE seeing your PWWB creations! ♡ Happy cooking!
PrintBourbon Ginger Cider Cocktails
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails 1x
Description
These Bourbon Ginger Cider Cocktails are easy, cozy, and made for autumn! Smooth bourbon is balanced with warming apple cider, a hint of cinnamon, spicy ginger beer, and a pop of fresh lime. You’ll love whipping these up for friends and family all season long!
Ingredients
- 3 ounces bourbon
- 6 ounces apple cider
- 3 ounces ginger beer
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- for garnish (optional): thinly sliced apple, an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon, whole cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Mix the cocktail: Combine the bourbon, apple cider, ginger beer, lime juice, and ground cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until combined and the ground cinnamon is evenly mixed throughout the cocktail. Evenly divide into 2 rocks glasses with ice. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe can be easily scaled up to make a pitcher for a group! Simply use the ratios of the ingredients – 2 parts apple cider + 1 part bourbon + 1 part ginger beer + 1/2 part lime juice to multiply the recipe as desired.
Follow along with Plays Well With Butter on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest for more unfussy recipes that pack a big punch of flavor!
Excited to try these?
i hope you LOVE them! xoxo
So you want me to “vigorously shake” a cocktail that contains carbonated ginger beer???
um yes please! this looks like the ultimate cozy fall recipe! I’m loving all these ingredients right now, can’t wait to jump back in the kitchen this weekend and smash out some fally recipes!
fall is my FAVE food season! i can’t wait to see the goodness to come out of your kitchen, g!
We are throwing a fall party in a couple weeks…. TOTALLY making a giant batch of these as party punch!!!
ooooooh you’re gonna LOVE them!!! be sure to send me a pic & let me know how it goes, i’d LOVE to see!!!!! xo