Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

This apple cider whiskey sour fully embraces all the flavors of fall. This easy-to-make cocktail combines the warmth of whiskey with the tangy goodness of apple cider, creating a perfect blend of flavors. It’s a go-to drink for anyone who appreciates a tasty yet straightforward cocktail experience. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a cozy drink, this Apple Cider Whiskey Sour is sure to hit the spot.

Want To Save This Recipe For Later?

Enter your email to have this recipe sent to your inbox.

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Casual Epicure.

If you love seasonal cocktails with apple flavors, you’ll want to try my apple cider mimosa and apple cider white wine sangria. Both drinks celebrate the crisp taste of fall apples, perfect for brunch and holiday entertaining.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This fall-inspired cocktail is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a cocktail shaker.

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Whiskey: We used bourbon, which has a sweet, smoky flavor, but you can use your favorite brand. Usually, the better the whiskey, the better the cocktail, but in this case, you can get away with a value brand.
• Apple Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider makes this whiskey sour exceptional. Source yours from a local orchard or farmer’s market if possible – the kind that requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life. Quality cider should be cloudy and have a rich amber color. When shopping at stores, check the label carefully – the only ingredient should be apples. Skip anything with added sugars or preservatives.
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup: We like to use brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup in this recipe for its added warmth and spice. You can substitute regular simple syrup, but you will be missing some flavor.

How to Make an Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Pro-tip: This cocktail is easy to make ahead of time and can be made in batches, making it perfect for parties.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and allow it to cool. Once it has cooled, strain out the cinnamon sticks. Transfer the simple syrup into a bottle or jar, using a funnel if needed. For more tips on making brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup, check out this post.

Apple Cider Whiskey Sour: Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the bourbon or whiskey, apple cider, and brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the ingredients and aerate the mix. Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture into the glasses over the ice. Garnish each glass with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• For a sweeter cocktail, add more brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup to taste.
• For a more festive presentation, you can rim the glass with cinnamon sugar before adding the cocktail.
• If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a jar with a tight-fitting lid.