Dive into the flavors of the season with this delightful Apple Cider Whiskey Sour recipe. The warmth of cinnamon coupled with the zing of fresh ginger ensures every sip feels like a comforting embrace from autumn. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply cozying up at home, this cocktail is a must-try.

apple cider whiskey sour cocktails served in jars on a plate.

Fall is truly magical, and what better way to immerse yourself in its charm than with a fall cocktail recipe that showcases its best flavors? Introducing the Apple Cider Whiskey Sour.

Like many of you, fall is my favorite time of year. From the vibrant colors and soothing scents to the familiar sounds of leaves crunching underfoot and fires crackling, it just can’t be beaten. (Sorry, Christmas. I love you too!)

I used to think I had exhausted all the apple cider cocktail possibilities, but boy, was I mistaken! There’s an entire world of unique blends and flavors waiting to be discovered. I’m thrilled to introduce this gem to your repertoire.

single apple cider whiskey sour in a jar.

Need a companion for the big game, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, a pumpkin patch visit, or just a chilly evening by the fire? Look no further. Get ready to crown this your new fall beverage champion!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 More Fall Cocktails You’ll Love

6 Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

The moment you take a sip, you’re immediately transported into an apple orchard. That rich apple cider mixed with ginger and cinnamon? It’s like autumn bottled up. This cocktail is like a blanket of warmth we all need when the weather gets nippy.
The beauty of this cocktail is in its simplicity. Even if you’re the kind of person who can’t tell a shaker from a strainer, this recipe’s got you. It’s straightforward and pretty hard to mess up. Trust me!
Throwing a little get-together or maybe planning a Friendsgiving shindig? This recipe can be whipped up in advance. Just pop it in the fridge, and when the time’s right, pour, garnish, and you’re golden.
Whether you’re curled up with a book, gathered around a fire pit with friends, or serving it up at the Thanksgiving table, this drink fits right in. It’s the sort of cocktail that makes any moment feel special.

fall cocktails served in jars with cinnamon stick and orange peel slice.

apple cider whiskey sour cocktail set in a cozy fall setting with a candle.

Ingredients

Let’s gather together the ingredients you’ll need to stir up this Apple Cider Whiskey Sour.

Apple Cider: This is the heart of our cocktail. Think of it as sipping the very essence of a crisp autumn orchard. I recommend a cider that’s fresh and local.
Light Brown Sugar: Introducing that rich, caramel-like sweetness that gives our drink its cozy depth. Feel free to adjust based on how sweet you like your cocktails.
Fresh Lemon Juice: It’s a burst of citrusy brightness to balance out the sweetness and add a refreshing zing.
Fresh Ginger Root: This isn’t just a spice; it’s a statement. It lends our drink that signature kick, making each sip a dance on the palate.
Cinnamon Sticks: Symbolizing the cozy embrace of fall, cinnamon adds layers of warmth and nostalgia.
Whiskey (or Bourbon): I used bourbon here. Specifically 10AC Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey. This bourbon, with its smooth and intricate notes, makes the cocktail truly unforgettable. Use what you love. You can also check more of my favorite bourbons.
Orange Rind: Add a finishing touch that’s all about aromatic flair. It subtly enhances the drinking experience with a zesty whisper.

Pro Tip: Not a fan of whiskey? Don’t worry! Swap it out for salted caramel vodka! Soooo good!

bottle of 10ac Tennessee bourbon whisky.

How To Make

Now we’re ready to mix up this fabulous fall libation. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Add the apple cider, brown sugar, lemon juice, ginger, and two cinnamon sticks to a saucepan. Bring to a low simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into an airtight container and refrigerate until cooled. (This mixture can be refrigerated for up to three days.)

white pitcher pouring apple cider mixture into jar with ice.

hand adding orange peel to cocktail in a jar.

When ready to serve, add the bourbon to the mixture.
Serve in a rocks glass (or 8-ounce jars like I did here) over ice. Garnish with a fresh orange rind and a cinnamon stick.

Cheers, drink, and enjoy!

Don’t these look so perfectly fall? They taste like it too. If you’re looking for a new cocktail recipe to try this autumn, let this be it!

hand holding apple cider whiskey cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of whiskey or bourbon?

Absolutely! While I adore the 10AC Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey for this recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite brand. Just remember, the better the whiskey, the more delightful the drink!

I’m not a fan of ginger. Can I leave it out?

Totally get it; ginger isn’t for everyone. You can absolutely skip it. The drink will still be delicious, just a tad less zesty.

Can I make this in a large batch for parties?

You bet! This recipe is super scalable. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Bonus: making it in advance allows the flavors to meld even more.

Any non-alcoholic version suggestions?

Of course! Just skip the whiskey and you’ve got yourself a delightful apple cider mocktail. If you want a little kick without the alcohol, a splash of ginger ale or tonic water can add some fizz.

How can I store any leftover mixture?

If you have leftover cider mixture (though I doubt it because it’s so good), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember to add the whiskey only when you’re ready to serve the cocktail.

three apple cider whiskey sours on a vintage plate.

More Fall Cocktails You’ll Love

I genuinely hope you adore this cocktail as much as I do. Here’s to chilly evenings, warm fires, good company, and a glass of Apple Cider Whiskey Sour in hand. If you try this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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