I like trying new drink recipes at home. Especially when they’re easy and actually taste good.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite RumChata Apple Bourbon Sour cocktail. It’s smooth, sweet, and a little bit tangy. This recipe mixes RumChata, apple, and bourbon to make a simple drink you can enjoy anytime.
I find this cocktail works for relaxing solo or serving to friends at a get-together. The flavors are nicely balanced, and it doesn’t take long to mix up.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, maybe give this RumChata Apple Bourbon Sour recipe a try. It only takes a few ingredients, and honestly, you can make it in just a few minutes.
Rumchata Apple Bourbon Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker: I use this to blend the ingredients well and chill the drink.
- Strainer: Helps me pour out the drink without ice or pulp.
- Jigger or measuring tool: Keeps the flavor right with accurate measurements.
- Knife and cutting board: I use these to cut lemon for juice or garnish.
- Rocks glass: The cocktail is best served in a short, sturdy glass.
- Ice: Cubes or big chunks chill the cocktail quickly.
Ingredients
Here’s what I use for one drink:
- RumChata 1.5 oz
- Apple bourbon 1.5 oz
- Fresh lemon juice 1 oz
- Simple syrup optional 0.25 oz
- Ice As needed
- Apple slice or cinnamon For garnish
Instructions
- I fill my shaker halfway with ice.
- I pour in 1.5 ounces RumChata, 1.5 ounces apple bourbon, 1 ounce lemon juice, and 0.25 ounces simple syrup if I’m using it.
- I close the shaker tight and shake hard for about 15 seconds. The shaker should feel cold to the touch.
- I strain the mix into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- To finish, I add an apple slice or a light sprinkle of cinnamon as garnish.
- I serve this drink right away so it stays chilled and fresh.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The first thing I notice is the creamy texture. RumChata gives the drink a smooth mouthfeel.
Each sip feels rich but not heavy. I taste a blend of sweet apple and warm bourbon.
The apple liqueur brings in fruity flavor, while the bourbon adds mild spice and a bit of oak. There’s a hint of cinnamon and vanilla from the RumChata.
These flavors mix with the tartness of fresh lemon juice. The balance of sweet and sour really stands out to me.
The cocktail isn’t too sweet, and the lemon juice helps keep it refreshing.
I also notice the aroma. I can smell cinnamon and a little citrus when I lift the glass.
The aftertaste leaves a trace of apple and spice. The finish is smooth, with just a bit of warmth from the bourbon lingering.
Substitute
Honestly, I don’t always have every single ingredient for a Rumchata Apple Bourbon Sour. Sometimes, I just have to improvise and swap things out to get something close.
Rumchata:
If I’m missing Rumchata, I’ll reach for Baileys Irish Cream, horchata liqueur, or just mix up some half-and-half with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla extract.
Apple Liqueur or Cider:
Out of apple liqueur or cider? Pear juice works, or even apple juice in a pinch. Once or twice, I’ve tossed in a splash of lemon-lime soda just to see what happens.
Bourbon:
No bourbon? I’ve swapped in rye whiskey, spiced rum, or even brandy. It’s not the same, but hey, it gets the job done.
Give it a taste before serving—sometimes the balance is just right, but other times it needs a little something extra.
If I want it sweeter, I’ll add a splash of simple syrup or a squeeze of honey. For more tang, a bit of lemon or lime juice usually does the trick.
