Fall Bourbon Cocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cocktail is everything fall should be — warm, spicy, sweet, and a little smoky. It’s easy to mix with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or bar, and it’s highly customizable to suit your flavor preferences. Plus, it feels festive and fancy without being fussy. Serve it over ice or warm it up for a cozy nightcap — it’s delicious either way.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bourbon
• Apple cider or pear juice
• Maple syrup or honey
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick (optional)
• Dash of bitters (optional but recommended)
• Ice
• Orange or apple slice (for garnish)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig (optional garnish)

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup (or honey), lemon juice, and bitters.
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon (if using) and fill with ice.
3. Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with an orange or apple slice and a sprig of thyme or rosemary, if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 cocktail.

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: None
• Total time: 5 minutes

To make a batch for a group, simply multiply the ingredient amounts accordingly and mix in a pitcher.

Variations

• Spiced Version: Add a dash of pumpkin pie spice or garnish with a cinnamon stick.
• Smoky Twist: Use a smoked bourbon or add a splash of mezcal.
• Citrus Boost: Add a bit of fresh orange juice or orange bitters.
• Ginger Note: Add a splash of ginger beer or muddle fresh ginger before shaking.
• Hot Version: Warm the cider with maple syrup and lemon, then stir in bourbon before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Make-ahead: Combine all ingredients except lemon juice and ice and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Add lemon and shake with ice before serving.
• Hot version: Gently heat cider, maple syrup, and lemon juice on the stovetop. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon. Serve in a mug with a cinnamon stick.

Cocktails are best prepared fresh, but batching ahead (minus citrus) works well for entertaining.

FAQs

What’s the best bourbon to use?

Use a mid-range bourbon with a smooth finish. Brands like Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve work well.

Can I make this drink hot?

Yes! Heat the cider and sweetener, then stir in bourbon and lemon juice. Serve in a mug with warm garnishes.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely. Honey gives a floral sweetness, while maple adds depth.

Is this drink sweet?

It’s lightly sweet but balanced with citrus and the warmth of the bourbon. Adjust the sweetener to taste.

Can I batch this for a party?

Yes. Combine all ingredients (except lemon and ice) in a pitcher. Chill and shake individual servings with lemon juice and ice before serving.

Can I use another liquor?

Rye whiskey or dark rum are great alternatives if you don’t have bourbon.

What kind of juice works best?

Fresh apple cider or unfiltered pear juice brings the best flavor and richness.

How do I garnish this cocktail?

Try an apple or orange slice, cinnamon stick, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for visual and aromatic appeal.

Can I serve this with food?

Yes, it pairs wonderfully with cheese boards, roasted nuts, or fall appetizers like stuffed squash or baked brie.

Does it have to be shaken?

Shaking helps blend and chill the ingredients, especially with maple or honey. You can also stir thoroughly if you prefer.

Conclusion

This Fall Bourbon Cocktail is the perfect sip of the season — rich, cozy, and just the right balance of sweet and strong. Whether you’re curled up by the fire, setting the mood for a dinner party, or enjoying a quiet moment with a good book, this easy-to-make cocktail delivers all the autumn vibes in one beautiful glass. Cheers to fall!

Fall Bourbon Cocktail

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This Fall Bourbon Cocktail is a cozy, balanced blend of bourbon, apple cider, citrus, and maple syrup — perfect for autumn evenings or holiday entertaining. Served over ice or warm, it’s a bold and seasonal sipper with notes of spice and citrus.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Shaken
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz apple cider or pear juice
• 1/2 oz maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Dash of bitters (optional)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Ice
• Orange or apple slice (for garnish)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup (or honey), lemon juice, and bitters.
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon (if using) and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with an apple or orange slice and a sprig of thyme or rosemary, if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

• For a warm version, heat cider with maple syrup and lemon juice, then stir in bourbon before serving in a mug.
• Try different bourbons to explore flavor profiles — spiced or smoked versions add extra depth.
• This cocktail pairs wonderfully with fall snacks like roasted nuts or a cheese board.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg