Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

This easy Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is ALWAYS A HIT during cool weather. This bourbon and ginger beer drink has just a few simple ingredients and takes minutes to make.

This fall cocktail is so deliciously easy you'll make it over and over again. And honestly, who doesn't love that?

This bourbon cocktail is the perfect mixed drink for tailgating, and a great way to start off your Thanksgiving celebration.

Four simple ingredients are all you need for this riff on that classic cocktail - the Moscow Mule.

What's in this Easy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail?

4 simple ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store!

• 2 ounces Apple Cider
• 1 ½ ounces Bourbon
• ½ teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 ounces Ginger Beer

Optional Garnishes

• Apple slice or wedge
• Cinnamon stick

How to make this Easy Cocktail

• Fill a rocks glass with ice.
• Add the apple cider, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar. Stir.
• Top with ginger beer and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks if desired.

TIP: Replace the usual lemon juice with apple cider vinegar! The vinegar helps balance the sweetness of the cider and ginger beer and gives the drink a subtle tanginess.

Tools you need to make this cocktail recipe:

One of the things that makes this a great cocktail is that you don't need a cocktail shaker - just a large rocks or cocktail glass (or small mason jar!)spoon and either a cocktail jigger or small measuring cup and/or measuring spoons.

Tips and Variations

Bourbon: Jack Daniel's is my favorite bourbon for this mixed drink. Its stronger, slightly "rough around the edges" flavor stands up to the ginger beer really well. However, any mid-range bourbon whiskey will work. Definitely use whatever bourbon you have on hand.
You can also swap out the bourbon for another dark liquor like dark rum, rye whiskey or even blended scotch. With notes of vanilla and honey, the darker liquors are the perfect match for the great fall flavors in this drink.

Apple Cider: I used a regular bottled apple cider for this cocktail but fresh apple cider would be absolutely delicious. If you like a little more "punch" to this cocktail, you can also use hard cider. If you can't find apple cider, you can also use unfiltered apple juice!

Apple Cider Vinegar: Like most cocktails, this drink needs an acidic ingredient. Although lemon juice is common (and you can totally use it!) I really like the apple cider vinegar.

Ginger Beer: You can use any brand of ginger beer that you like. I used Bundaberg ginger beer since I really like how spicy it is, but use whatever brand you have/prefer. If ginger beer is a little too spicy for you, you can also use ginger ale.

Optional Ingredients: If you enjoy a slightly sweeter cocktail, feel free to add about ¼ teaspoon of simple syrup, honey or maple syrup to the cocktail. Just make sure to stir it into the bourbon, apple cider, and vinegar mixture before adding the ginger beer!

What should I serve with this Easy Bourbon Cocktail?

Easy recipes like this bacon and cheese French Pizza or these Spanish Stuffed Mushrooms are great choices for a fall-themed cocktail party.
Keep dinner simple with make-ahead main dishes like this bacon and onion Crockpot Beef Stew or this Beef Chasseur.
For the perfect ending, try this Bourbon Sticky Toffee Pudding or Treacle Tart!

Don't miss out on these other great Fall Cocktails

There is nothing better than curling up by a fire pit with a cozy cocktail like this Bourbon Old Fashioned. Subbing honey for the traditional sugar cube takes this drink to a whole new level.

If you love lemon, you will absolutely LOVE this Bourbon Lemon Drop Martini!

If an easy and casual cocktail is more your style, this Bourbon Smash is a simply delicious choice!!

The classic Bourbon Manhattan gets a little update with luscious Spanish vermouth. If you're a bourbon drinker, you definitely will want to try this one out!