Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail in a Pitcher

Why This Is One of My Favorite Apple Cider Cocktails

This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail would be perfect for any event you have this fall and most definitely for Thanksgiving. 

• Easy to make. I kept this cocktail recipe simple, with a short list of ingredients and a garnish of thyme and orange peel. 
• Perfect for a pitcher. One of my favorite things to do to save on time is make pitcher cocktails. They are a game changer in the hosting world since they can be prepped ahead of time. Having the cocktail in pitcher form allows you to be free from making drinks or serving while you’re hosting. 
• Cinnamon-infused bourbon makes it special. To really make this cocktail scream fall I infused the bourbon with 2 sticks of cinnamon and WOW can you taste it! It seriously warms you right up.

What You’ll Need

Here’s the short list of ingredients you’ll need for this apple cider bourbon cocktail. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Bourbon – Don’t use the priciest bottle on the shelf, but a mid-tier brand will work well. 
• Cinnamon sticks – To infuse the bourbon with flavor. Ground cinnamon would float on the top of the bourbon and your cocktail, so you need cinnamon sticks.
• Apple cider – I’ve also used apple juice to make this cocktail.
• Topo Chico – Or another sparkling water.
• Garnish – A sprig of thyme and/or orange peel. A cinnamon stick is nice too!

How to Make This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

This is one of the easiest cocktails you’ll ever make, pinkie promise!

• Infuse the bourbon. Add a cup of bourbon and 2 cinnamon sticks to a jar. Seal and set on the counter for at least 12 hours to infuse.
• Mix. Add the bourbon, apple cider, and Topo Chico to a pitcher and stir gently.
• Serve. Pour the cocktail over ice.

Tips for a Perfect Cocktail

Here are some additional pointers for this apple cider bourbon cocktail.

• Sweeten if desired. I find that the apple cider makes this cocktail sweet enough, but if you give it a taste and want it sweeter, I recommend using agave nectar. 
• Don’t put ice in the pitcher. We served this cocktail over ice. I’d recommend not putting the ice in the pitcher as that would water it down. (Nobody likes a watered down drink!) 
• Scale it down. If you don’t need a pitcher, you can scale down the ingredients and pour the bourbon, cider, and Topo Chico directly into glasses with ice, then gently stir.
• Don’t make it TOO far ahead. This cocktail is awesome because you can make it before your party, but you don’t want it to go flat either! I’d plan on making it right before or as your guests arrive.

What to Serve With This Cocktail

I love serving cocktails with small bites for a party! Here are a few ideas that would pair well with this apple cider bourbon cocktail.

• Garlic Herb Roasted Shrimp
• Ultimate Cheese Board
• Smoked Gouda Apple Crostini
• Cajun Shrimp Guacamole Bites

More Fall Cocktail Recipes

• Cranberry Moscow Mule
• Pomegranate Margarita
• Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour