Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail – The Schmidty Wife: Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

The Heart of the Drink

Let’s start with the cinnamon syrup. It’s the cozy hug in your glass. You just simmer sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks. The kitchen smells like a warm blanket. I still laugh at that. My grandson once called it “candy soup.”

Why does this matter? Making the syrup yourself is special. It means you control the sweetness. You fill your home with a wonderful scent. That’s half the joy of cooking. Doesn’t that smell amazing? What’s your favorite cozy kitchen smell? Tell me in the comments.

A Sip of Autumn

Now, for the main event. Pour your syrup into a glass. Add the apple cider and bourbon. Give it a good stir. The colors swirl together like fall leaves. Then you add the ice. It clinks in a happy way.

Here’s a fun fact for you: The ginger ale isn’t just for fizz. Its little bite cuts through the sweetness. It makes the whole drink feel lighter. This matters because balance is everything. A good drink, like a good day, needs a little sparkle.

The Final Touch

Top it all off with that splash of ginger ale. Now for the best part. The garnish! Slide in a thin apple slice. Drop in a cinnamon stick. It looks so pretty. It feels like a treat just for you.

I always use the cinnamon stick to stir. It adds more flavor as you sip. Do you like a fancy garnish, or do you dive right in? I’m curious. For me, the look is part of the fun. It slows you down. It makes the moment last.

More Than a Recipe

This isn’t just a list of steps. It’s a feeling. It’s for when the air gets crisp. You might share it with a dear friend. You can talk and laugh for an hour. The drink gets sweeter as the ice melts.

Why this matters is simple. We need little rituals. They connect us to the season. They connect us to each other. What’s your favorite drink for a long chat? Is it cocoa, tea, or something else? Share your tradition with me.

Make It Your Own

Recipes are just friendly suggestions. You can play with this one. No bourbon? Try apple juice alone. Want it fizzy? Use more ginger ale. Love spice? Add a clove to the syrup pot. It’s your kitchen. Your rules.

The extra syrup keeps in the fridge. Use it in your morning oatmeal. Or sweeten a cup of tea. It’s a little jar of autumn ready to go. That’s the real secret. A good recipe gives you more than one happy moment.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cinnamon simple syrup	½ ounce	Made from ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, and 2 cinnamon sticks
Apple cider	1 ounce
Bourbon	2 ounces
Ginger ale soda	1 splash
Apple slices	To garnish
Cinnamon sticks	To garnish

A Cozy Sip for a Crisp Evening

Hello, dear. Come sit a spell. The air is getting chilly, isn’t it? I just love this time of year. It makes me want a warm, spiced drink. This one is a favorite of mine. It reminds me of bonfires and laughing with friends. The smell of cinnamon and apple is just wonderful. It feels like a hug in a glass.

Let’s start with the cinnamon syrup. It’s easy, I promise. Step 1: Grab a small pot. Add the water, sugar, and two cinnamon sticks. Turn the heat to medium. Stir it until the sugar just disappears. Then turn it off. Let it sit and get cozy. The cinnamon will share its flavor. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t let it boil hard! A gentle simmer is perfect. A rolling boil can make it sticky.)

Now for the fun part. Step 2: Find a nice glass. Pour in your syrup, cider, and bourbon. Give it a good stir. I still laugh at how my grandson calls this “the grown-up apple juice.” Add a handful of ice. It clinks so nicely. Step 3: Top it all with a splash of ginger ale. It adds a little fizzy joy. Finish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Doesn’t that look pretty? Do you prefer your drinks sweet or strong? Share below!

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (with cooling)
Yield: 1 serving
Category: Drink, Cocktail

Make It Your Own

Oh, recipes are just a starting point. You can play with them! Here are three fun twists for this drink. The Sparkling Sage: Skip the ginger ale. Use plain soda water. Add one fresh sage leaf with the syrup. It tastes like a fall garden. The Ginger Zing: Use ginger beer instead of ginger ale. It’s spicier and so warming on a cold night. The Cozy Mocktail: Leave out the bourbon. Use more cider and a dash of orange juice. It’s perfect for everyone. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving with a Smile

This drink is a treat all by itself. But it loves company. Serve it with a small plate of sharp cheddar cheese and crackers. The salty cheese is lovely with the sweet drink. Or, just a bowl of roasted, salted nuts. For a real gathering, I set out mugs instead of glasses. It feels more friendly that way.

What to drink with it? For a non-alcoholic match, hot spiced apple cider is perfect. You’re already making the syrup! For another cocktail, a dry hard cider pairs nicely. It keeps the apple theme going. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cozy Cocktail Just Right

This drink is best made fresh. But you can plan ahead. Make the cinnamon syrup up to two weeks early. Just keep it in a jar in the fridge.

You can also mix the bourbon, cider, and syrup together. Store this mix in the fridge for a day. Add ginger ale and ice when you are ready. I once made a big batch for a party. It saved me so much time.

Why does this matter? A little prep makes hosting easy. You can visit with guests, not just mix drinks. Have you ever tried storing a drink mix this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Sip

Is your drink too sweet? Use less simple syrup next time. Start with half. You can always add more. I remember when my first batch was like candy. We just added more bourbon and cider.

Is the ginger ale too strong? Pour it gently down the side of the glass. This keeps the fizz but mixes it softly. No flavor? Let your syrup cool completely with the cinnamon sticks in it. This gives it a stronger spice taste.

Fixing small things builds your confidence. It also makes the flavors just right for you. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Bourbon is usually gluten-free. But always check your specific brand’s label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Yes. Mix everything but the ginger ale and ice. Chill it for a day.

Q: What if I don’t have bourbon? A: Whiskey or rye will work just fine. The taste will be a little different.

Q: Can I make a big batch for a crowd? A: Absolutely. Just multiply all the ingredients. Mix in a big pitcher.

Q: Any fun garnish ideas? A: Try a thin pear slice or a dash of nutmeg on top. Which tip will you try first?

Wrapping Up With a Warm Hug

I hope you love this cozy drink. It always makes my kitchen smell like fall. Fun fact: The cinnamon stick garnish can be used as a stirrer!

I would love to see your creation. Your photos make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest @AnnaWhitmoreKitchen.

Thank you for sharing my kitchen table today. Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.