Apple cider and bourbon make a natural fall pairing, while lemon and sparkling cider keep this drink lively instead of heavy.
ShiMuv Recipe
Apple Cider Bourbon Sparkler Ingredients
- 1½ ounces bourbon
- 3 ounces fresh apple cider
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces nonalcoholic sparkling apple cider or club soda
- Ice
- Thin apple slices
- Cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish, optional
How to Make It
- Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and ice to a shaker.
- Shake briefly until chilled.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling apple cider or club soda.
- Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon.
Visual Step-by-Step Guide
This fall sparkler works best when the apple cider stays fresh and the sparkling component is added only after the bourbon-cider base is chilled.
1. Measure the base
Combine bourbon, fresh apple cider, and lemon so the drink has both warmth and brightness.
2. Shake briefly
Shake just long enough to chill the mixture without over-diluting the cider.
3. Add sparkle last
Strain over fresh ice, then top with sparkling cider or soda so the bubbles stay crisp.
Why This Recipe Works
Apple cider echoes bourbon’s caramel and oak notes, lemon prevents the drink from becoming too sweet, and the sparkling finish makes the cocktail feel lighter.
Tips for the Best Result
- Use well-chilled cider with a strong fresh-apple flavor.
- Squeeze the lemon just before mixing.
- Slice apples thinly so the garnish looks elegant and does not crowd the glass.
- Use cinnamon as a garnish rather than adding too much directly to the drink.
Easy Variations
- Maple: add a small spoonful of maple syrup for a richer fall flavor.
- Ginger: use ginger beer instead of sparkling cider.
- Zero-proof: omit bourbon and use extra sparkling apple cider.
Serving Notes
Choose a cider with good apple flavor rather than one that is overly sweet. For a nonalcoholic sparkler, omit the bourbon and add a little more sparkling cider.
TRY THIS IN SHIMUV
Turn this cocktail recipe into a short recipe video
Create a cozy fall recipe video for an apple cider bourbon sparkler. Start on the finished amber drink, show apple cider, lemon, bourbon, ice, shaking, sparkling cider bubbles, thin apple slices, and a cinnamon garnish. Use warm natural light and elegant seasonal styling.21+ note: This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Serve responsibly.
