Spiced Bourbon Cider Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I just love mixing up drinks that feel warm and inviting, and this Spiced Bourbon Cider Cocktail totally hits the spot. It’s got smooth whiskey, crisp apple cider, and a little kick of spice—kind of the perfect cozy combo.

You can throw this drink together in minutes, and you really don’t need anything fancy.

The bourbon and cider make for this rich, refreshing vibe. I like to add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang, so it doesn’t get syrupy-sweet. The spices? They bring out the whiskey’s warmth, which is exactly what you want on a cool night or when you’ve got a couple friends over.

Let’s get into the ingredients, what tools you’ll need, and the super simple steps. Oh, and I’ll share a few tasting notes so you know what you’re in for with every sip.

Spiced Bourbon Cider Cocktail Recipe

When the weather finally cools down, I find myself making this drink all the time. There’s just something about bourbon and spiced apple cider together—warm spices, citrus, a little sweetness. It’s smooth, balanced, and not too heavy.

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heatproof mug or glass
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Citrus peeler or knife
• Small ladle

I usually grab a medium saucepan so I can heat the cider gently and let the spices do their thing—no boiling, just a nice slow warm-up. A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring, and it won’t scratch your pot.

If I’m feeling picky about having a clear drink, I’ll strain out the spices. The citrus peeler is just handy for getting a good strip of orange zest on top.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 slice fresh ginger (about 1 inch)
• 1 star anise
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 pinch allspice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• Apple slices and orange slices for garnish

If you can get your hands on fresh apple cider, go for it—the flavor is just better. Maple syrup gives it this mellow sweetness, but brown sugar works too if you want a deeper, caramel-y note.

The spices—cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, star anise—layer up for that cozy warmth. Orange juice brightens everything and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

I usually toss in some apple and orange slices for garnish. They look nice, and they add a little something as they sit in the drink.

Instructions

• Pour apple cider into a saucepan.
• Add cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger, star anise, nutmeg, allspice, and maple syrup.
• Heat over low to medium heat for 10 minutes. Do not boil.
• Stir in orange juice.
• Remove from heat and strain if desired.
• Pour into a heatproof mug.
• Add bourbon and stir gently.
• Garnish with apple and orange slices.

I always hold off on adding the bourbon until after heating—otherwise, the alcohol can cook off, which kind of defeats the purpose. Gentle heat is key so the flavors stay balanced and you don’t get any bitterness.

Garnishes are totally optional, but honestly, they make the drink feel a little more special. Especially if you’re serving guests.

Notes

Sometimes I swap in honey instead of maple syrup if I want something lighter. If I’m in the mood for more spice, I’ll let the cider simmer a few extra minutes before adding the bourbon.

Want it a bit milder? Just use 1 oz bourbon instead of 2. If you’re making a batch for a group, multiply everything and keep it warm in a slow cooker on low.

Fresh spices really do make a difference. Old cinnamon sticks and cloves just don’t pack the same punch, so I try to replace them every few months.

Tasting Notes

So, that first sip? It’s warm and goes down smooth—almost comforting, honestly. Right away, I get this gentle oakiness from the bourbon, and there’s a little vanilla in there too.

It sort of melts into the crisp apple cider. Feels like one of those classic fall drinks you’d want to have on a chilly night.

Cinnamon and clove sneak in with a light spice. They always remind me of baking when the weather cools down, you know?

It just adds to that autumn cocktail vibe. Makes me want to take my time with it.

Sweetness is there, but it’s not over the top. I like that the bourbon doesn’t get lost.

The apple stays bright and fresh, so the whole thing never turns heavy or syrupy.

Here’s how I’d break down the main flavors:

• Sweetness: Light, from the cider
• Spice: Warm, from cinnamon and clove
• Body: Medium, smooth texture
• Finish: Slightly dry with lingering spice

The aroma? It’s honestly inviting. Apple and spice hit your nose before you even taste it.

That alone makes this a pretty solid fall cocktail for just kicking back on a cool evening.