Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

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Introduction 🍂

There’s nothing better than a cozy cocktail to warm you up on a crisp fall evening, and this bourbon cider cocktail hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect mix of smooth bourbon, sweet apple cider, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and feels like autumn in a glass. Let’s dive in and make a cocktail everyone will be talking about!

Ingredients

  • 🥃 2 oz Wild Turkey Longbranch – A smooth, smoky bourbon that adds a rich depth to the cocktail.

  • 🍏 1 oz Fresh Apple Cider – Brings a crisp, sweet touch of fall to the mix.

  • 🌿 0.5 oz Rosso Vermouth – Adds a hint of herbal and slightly sweet complexity to balance the flavors.

  • 🍋 0.5 oz Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty contrast that enhances the cider and bourbon.

  • 🍊 8 Dashes Orange Bitters – Elevates the cocktail with a subtle citrus aroma and balanced bitterness.

  • 🧊 6 Ice Cubes – Keeps the drink perfectly chilled while allowing the flavors to meld together.

  • 🍎 Apple Slice (Garnish) – Adds a decorative and aromatic touch that complements the cider.

  • ✨ Sprinkle of Cinnamon (Optional) – A light dusting over the top for a warm, spiced finish.

This carefully chosen blend of ingredients creates a cocktail that’s equal parts cozy, refreshing, and sophisticated.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Glass – Start with a standard whiskey cocktail glass and pour in the 2 oz of Wild Turkey Longbranch bourbon.

  2. Mix the Base – Add 1 oz fresh apple cider, followed by 0.5 oz Rosso vermouth, and 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

  3. Add the Bitters – Top the mixture with 8 dashes of orange bitters, enhancing the aroma and depth of the cocktail.

  4. Chill the Drink – Add 3 ice cubes to the glass and stir for about 10 seconds to begin chilling. Add another 3 ice cubes and stir again for 10–15 seconds to achieve the perfect balance of chill and dilution.

  5. Garnish the Glass – Take a fresh apple slice and rim the edge of the glass with it, releasing its crisp aroma. Leave the slice as a garnish on the edge of the glass.

  6. Finish with Spice – Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the top for a warm, spiced finish that complements the flavors.

Your bourbon cider cocktail is now ready to enjoy—simple to make, but packed with cozy, autumn-inspired flavor! 🍁

This bourbon cider cocktail is the perfect balance of cozy and refreshing, combining the smooth depth of Wild Turkey Longbranch with the crisp sweetness of apple cider and a hint of spice. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s an easy yet elevated addition to your recipe repertoire. Cheers to sipping the season in style!

Additional Tips or Thoughts

  1. Chill Your Glassware: For an extra touch of sophistication, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling the drink. A cold glass keeps the cocktail perfectly chilled longer.

  2. Experiment with Vermouth: If you want to explore different flavor profiles, try swapping the Rosso vermouth with a dry or semi-sweet vermouth to adjust the herbal notes.

  3. Add a Smoky Twist: For a more adventurous flavor, lightly smoke the glass before pouring the cocktail. Use a torch and wood chips to infuse a subtle smoky aroma that complements the bourbon beautifully.

  4. Don’t Skip the Stirring Process
    Stirring in two stages—after the first 3 ice cubes and then again with the next 3—helps control dilution while evenly chilling the drink. This technique ensures the cocktail has a smooth, balanced taste without being watered down.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different bourbon?
A: Absolutely! While Wild Turkey Longbranch adds a smooth, smoky depth, you can experiment with your favorite bourbon to suit your personal taste.

Q: What can I use instead of Rosso vermouth?
A: Sweet vermouth or even a splash of spiced liqueur like Grand Marnier can work as a substitute for Rosso vermouth, adding a unique twist.

Q: Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
A: This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the liquid ingredients (excluding the bitters and ice) ahead of time and chill them. Add the bitters, ice, and garnish just before serving.

Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of apple cider slightly or swap it with a dryer, unfiltered cider for a more tart flavor profile.

Q: What other garnishes work well?
A: Try a cinnamon stick, orange peel, or even a star anise for a different aromatic garnish that complements the flavors.