This apple cider whiskey sour mixes whiskey, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and a cinnamon-spiced syrup into a cold, shaken cocktail with real balance. Make a batch for a fall party or just pour one for yourself after a long week. And honestly, I’m not usually drawn to whiskey cocktails, but the apple cider and lemon juice keep this one from tasting like straight whiskey, so I don’t mind one or two.
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
The complete ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.
- Whiskey:ย We used bourbon for its caramel and brown sugar notes. If you prefer a spicier, drier pour, rye works here too.
- Apple Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider makes this whiskey sour exceptional. Source yours from a local orchard or farmer’s market if possible. You want the kind that requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life. Quality cider should be cloudy and have a rich amber color. When shopping, check the label carefully. The only ingredient should be apples. Skip anything with added sugars or preservatives.
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup: We useย brown sugar cinnamon simple syrupย in this recipe forย added warmth and spice. You can substitute regular simple syrup, but you’ll miss some of the fall flavor.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Adjust the syrup to taste. Start with 2 ounces and taste before you pour. If you want more warmth and sweetness up front, add it a half ounce at a time. Too much and the cinnamon starts to overpower the whiskey instead of supporting it.
- Rim the glass for a holiday table. Run a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it in cinnamon sugar before adding the ice.
- No shaker? Use a jar. A mason jar with a tight-fitting lid chills and mixes the drink just as well as a cocktail shaker. Shake it with the same intensity and timing, about 15 seconds, so the ingredients get fully cold before straining.
More Fall Cocktails To Try
Looking for more fallย cocktailย recipes? Try these other favorites:
- Apple Cider Mimosa โ bubbly, brunch-friendly, and made with the same fresh cider base as this one.
- Apple Cider Sangria with White Wine โ a pitcher-friendly cocktail option when you’re serving a crowd instead of two glasses.
- Pumpkin Pie Martini โ pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and warm spice -it’s like dessert in a glass.
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Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
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Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
Ingredients
- 4 ounces whiskey
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeeze
- apple slices, for garnish
- cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine whiskey, apple cider, brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into prepared glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
