Spiced Apple Cider Whisky Sour cocktail has the flavors of fall. A twist on a classic cocktailwith homemade cinnamon simple syrup!
I think my love of summer cocktails is closely rivaled by my love for cocktails in the fall. Much like food changes with the seasons, cocktails do too, at least for me. Deeper flavors and stronger spices generally find their way into the cocktail shaker warming one’s insides as well as setting a cozy ambiance for fall food and drink.
You can even make your own apple cider to use in this cocktail recipe!
Apples are in season in the fall which many may not realize being able to find them year round. Despite ready availability, thanks to international food transportation, apple varieties and flavor are the best in the fall. I find this to be true with most fruits which have a natural season such as tomatoes and strawberries; once you’ve had one grown in its natural season, the forced out of season flavors simply don’t compare.
We love to apple pick in the fall, both at farms and I took a turn at urban foraging (which made me feel extremely guilty and worried I’d be arrested; you can read about my apple urban foraging experience here). In addition to apple flavors, if you have not had freshly pressed apple cider in the fall you must seek it out at all costs! It has a wonderful fresh, sweet taste that is irresistible. I try to buy it often and it usually will be found in the refrigerated section often with the produce. We love to substitute it for water when making hot cereal which then doesn’t require any added sweeteners for the sweetness of the cider.
A few years ago I spent a weekend in Vail, Colorado, with some other journalists on a fall culinary adventure. Part of that was exploring restaurants and one outcome was a post sharing four fall cocktail recipes. They have been a huge hit and have made their way around Pinterest a few thousand times. It seemed like a good time to share a new one: Spiced Apple Cider Whisky Sour.
This thirst quenching sipper uses spiced apple cider, bourbon as well as Homemade Cinnamon Simple Syrup. Simple syrup is very, well, simple to make at home, as well as to make a variety of flavors. This recipe offers a bright flavor without being Red Hot spicy. It would be a great seasonal addition of many cocktails!
Spiced Apple Cider Whisky Sour with Homemade Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Ingredients
Ingredients for Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Whisky Sour (makes 2 cocktails):
- 4 ounces Bourbon (I used Maker’s Mark)
- 4 ounces Spiced Apple Cider
- ½ ounce Lemon Juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 1 ounce Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 4 dashes of Orange Bitters
Instructions
Instructions for Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
- Combine the water and sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring constantly to allow the sugar to dissolve. Boil 3 minutes and remove from heat.
- Add the cinnamon stick and allow to fully cool. Discard cinnamon stick and keep the syrup sealed in the refrigerator.
Instructions for Spiced Apple Cider Whisky Sour:
- Combine the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters in a shaker (or a quart size Mason jar) with ice. Seal and shake vigorously.
- Strain into 2 Old Fashioned/Rocks glasses with fresh ice. Garnish with an apple slice if desired.
Noelle says
Great cocktail! A huge hit with friends.
Theresa says
Hello fall cocktail hour!
maria s. says
I love a good whisky sour and this apple cider whisky sour sounds yummy. It’s the perfect drink to celebrate fall and make you feel warm inside.
Annie says
Now that looks like the perfect drink for a mom’s night IN 🙂 I love this idea. Apple Cider is definitely the flavor of fall this year.
Debbie L says
This is a fun twist on the norm. It sounds very refreshing – perfect for a Fall party.
kristin says
This sounds so relaxing. i love apple anything.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I have never had a spiced apple cider whisky sour. I do like whisky sours, so I bet I would enjoy it.