Warm whiskey mixed with sweet apple cider and a hint of cinnamon creates a perfect drink for cool autumn evenings.
This simple cocktail needs just four ingredients and takes less than five minutes to make.
The blend of apple and cinnamon brings familiar fall flavors that pair naturally with smooth whiskey.
The drink works well for casual gatherings or quiet nights at home.
This recipe makes one serving but you can double or triple it for a small group.
The ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores.
The steps are quick to follow.
Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Rocks glass
- Ice cube tray
- Small saucepan (for simple syrup)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3 oz fresh apple cider
- 1 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Apple slices for garnish
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
- Ice cubes
For cinnamon simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Make the cinnamon simple syrup first.
- Mix water and sugar in a small saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. Take out the cinnamon sticks.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add whiskey, apple cider, cinnamon simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well for 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail brings sweet and spicy flavors together in perfect balance.
The apple and cinnamon create a warm, inviting aroma that fills the glass.
The first sip reveals layers of taste.
Sweet apple notes blend with the warm whiskey, while cinnamon adds a gentle spice that lingers.
A smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel makes this cocktail easy to drink.
The apple flavor stays fresh and crisp, not sugary or artificial.
Primary Flavors:
- Fresh apple
- Warming cinnamon
- Oak and vanilla from the whiskey
- Light caramel notes
The finish is clean with a pleasant warmth.
Cinnamon spice fades gradually, leaving subtle hints of apple and whiskey.
Best served:Â Slightly chilled but not ice cold. The drink becomes more mellow as it warms slightly in the glass.
Substitute
You can switch ingredients in this cocktail if needed.
Fireball makes a good replacement for plain cinnamon whiskey.
Regular whiskey works too—just add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
For the apple juice, use apple cider or fresh-pressed apple juice.
Avoid artificial apple-flavored drinks because they can make the cocktail too sweet.
Replace the cinnamon stick garnish with a thin apple slice or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
A star anise pod adds a nice look and subtle spice.
No cinnamon whiskey on hand? Try this simple mix:
- 2 oz plain whiskey
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
For a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice mixed with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla extract.
Top with ginger ale or sparkling apple cider for fizz.
