Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
I love a good cocktail. And I love a good bourbon cocktail at that. Bourbon drinks tend to be less sweet than other cocktails, which I prefer. This apple cider bourbon cocktail, however, is just the right amount of sweet for the perfect fall cocktail.
CONTENTS
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
I’ve made a similar drink before in this Irish whiskey cocktail made with sparkling apple juice and ginger-infused whiskey. This one, however, is maybe even a step up!
Apple cider is such a delicious fall drink – on its own or mixed with other items. Its natural sweetness isn’t sugary tasting, so it’s a bit more grownup in taste. Add that to the star anise simple syrup, and I’m in love.
Infused Simple Syrups
I love homemade simple syrup. It’s so fast and easy to make and it makes all the difference in a homemade, iced drink. Recipes around my site have used infused simple syrups…
- rosemary simple syrup in Lemonade Slushies
- lavender simple syrup in this lavender cocktail
- mint simple syrup in a ginger beer mocktail
- turmeric syrup in a turmeric spritzer cocktail
If you’re worried about how strong the flavor is, don’t worry much. The infusion of the syrup and then the simple syrup mixed into a drink recipe is usually subtle but still noticeable.
How to Serve an Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
One thing I’m always adamant about with mocktails is serving them like cocktails – looking nice and elegant even though it doesn’t have alcohol.
Which is also to say how fun it is to dress up a cocktail. The natural accoutrement here are dehydrated apple slices and whole star anise!
And then like any good old fashioned (see my recipe for a shaken old fashioned), this has a double old-fashioned glass and large square ice cubes.
More Fall Recipes
APPLE CIDER BOURBON COCKTAIL
Ingredients
Star Anise Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 5 whole star anise
Old Fashioned
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce star anise simple syrup
- 6 dashes ginger bitters
- Ice cubes
- dehydrated apple slices or apple chips for garnish
- whole star anises for garnish
Instructions
Star Anise Simple Syrup
- Make the simple syrup by stirring together the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and add the star anise. Stir and let sit for at least 1 hour.
- Strain and discard the star anise before using the syrup in cocktails. Each batch will make about 4 cocktails.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
- To make the cocktail, add the apple cider, bourbon, bitters, and simple syrup to an old fashioned cocktail glass. Stir.
- Add two ice cubes and garnish with a dehydrated apple slice and whole star anise before serving.
Notes
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