This delicious Apple Cider Bourbon Smash comes together in about 5 minutes and no-shake necessary for easy drink that your family will love! You can switch up the bourbon, use whatever apple cider you have on hand, or even progress with any leftover fruits to suit your taste. This drink is perfect for cozy evenings, gatherings, or just a simple Friday night treat to unwind after a busy week.
The Essentials You’ll Need
Ingredients Breakdown
- 2 oz bourbon: Choose your favorite brand; I lean towards a smoother blend.
- 1 oz apple cider: Freshly pressed if you can, but store-bought works just as fine!
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness; absolutely essential.
- 1/2 oz simple syrup: You can easily make this at home with equal parts sugar and water.
- Cinnamon stick for garnish: This adds warmth and spice.
- Apple slices for garnish: Use whatever apples you have; I love using a mix!
- Ice: A must-have for chilling your drink to perfection.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix It Up: In a shaker, combine the bourbon, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. (This is where all the magic starts!)
Shake It Up: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled, about 15 seconds is all it needs!
Strain It: Use a strainer to pour the mix into a glass filled with ice. (You want it cold, trust me on this one!)
Garnish: Top it off with a cinnamon stick and slices of apple. It’s not only pretty but adds that perfect extra flavor.
Serve & Enjoy: This drink is ready to make your evening a cozy one. Cheers!
Why I Love This Drink
This is my go-to recipe when I want to impress friends and family without putting in too much effort. I mean, who doesn’t love comfort food in a cup? This Apple Cider Bourbon Smash is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also super versatile, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand! Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening or an unexpected get-together, this drink never disappoints and often prompts seconds!
The best part is, whenever I whip this up, the whole house is filled with this amazing cinnamon aroma, it’s pure bliss. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; even my picky teenager doesn’t mind this twist on classic flavors!
If you loved this Apple Cider Bourbon Smash, be sure to check out my Pear and Sage Cocktail, my Cranberry Orange Sangria, or my Pink Sweetie Valen-Tini!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This drink comes together in under 5 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknight meals or whenever you have friends popping by. Just mix, shake, and enjoy!
Budget-Friendly
With simple ingredients you can usually find at home, this cocktail is budget-friendly! You don’t need to break the bank for any fancy spirits.
Customizable
Feel free to switch up the bourbon for rum or whiskey; each will bring a unique flair to this comforting drink. And hey, you can even add in any spices you like cloves, nutmeg, or even a dash of ground ginger!
Comfort Food
Drinks this good are all about comfort! The warm notes of bourbon, the sweetness from apple cider, and the zing from lemon juice combine to create a loaded with tons of flavor drink perfect for a cozy night in.
Perfect for Meal Prep
While you can’t exactly “meal prep” a drink for the week, you can certainly whip up the simple syrup and have everything on your counter ready to go for a Friday night wind-down.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
This drink is best enjoyed immediately, while the flavors are fresh and the ice is perfectly chilled. Pour it into a cute glass, add your garnishes, and you’re ready to go!
Storage
Unfortunately, this drink doesn’t store well, as ice will dilute it. If you have leftover ingredients like simple syrup, keep it in the fridge for about a week, it won’t go bad on you!
Reheating Instructions
This isn’t a drink you’ll want to reheat, trust me on this, it really needs to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. But plan ahead; make that simple syrup in advance to save some time!
Freezer Friendly
No, this drink isn’t freezer friendly. Once mixed, it loses its magic! Just whip up a new batch next time you crave it!
The Power of Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
Isn’t it funny how food and drinks can evoke memories, laughter, and that cozy feeling? I remember one evening when I made this for the first time; I invited over my best friend, and we ended up catching up for hours, the candlelight flickering, and this warming drink in hand. It’s moments like these that make cooking and mixing drinks, so rewarding.
Really, this drink is more than just a refreshing beverage. It’s about connection, being present, and of course, having fun along the way. You know, adulting can be hard, and even a simple drink like this can remind you to take a breath and enjoy the little moments.
So, whether you’re curling up with a good book or hosting a small gathering, grab that bourbon and apple cider. Your evening is about to get a whole lot better!
Remember to try this Apple Cider Bourbon Smash during those chilly evenings, at holiday gatherings, or maybe even as a sweet surprise for your loved ones. You’ll be so glad you did! Plus, once you’ve got this recipe down, watch out, your friends are going to want you to mix it up every single time they visit!
So, what are you waiting for? Get mixing, enjoy that cozy vibe, and most importantly, savor every sip!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and I can’t wait to see how you make it your own! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Print
Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and quick drink combining bourbon, apple cider, and lemon juice, perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
- Apple slices for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine the bourbon, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled—about 15 seconds.
- Use a strainer to pour the mix into a glass filled with ice.
- Top it off with a cinnamon stick and slices of apple.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
This drink is best enjoyed immediately; however, simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for about a week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
