Description
A festive, easy-to-make fall cocktail that combines tart apple cider, bourbon, and spicy ginger beer for a refreshing and cozy drink perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480ml) 100% pure apple cider
- 1 cup (240ml) Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4–6 bottles chilled ginger beer
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Thin apple slices for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Cinnamon and sugar mix for rimming (optional)
- Maple syrup (optional, for sweetness adjustment)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Slice apples into thin rounds and prepare garnishes like cinnamon sticks and thyme.
- In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider, bourbon (or rye), and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Taste the base mixture and adjust with maple syrup or cayenne if desired. Refrigerate the base for up to 24 hours to let flavors meld.
- When ready to serve, rim glasses with cinnamon-sugar mix if desired, or simply fill copper mugs or highball glasses with ice.
- Pour the chilled base mixture over the ice, filling each glass about ¾ full.
- Slowly top each glass with chilled ginger beer, pouring gently to preserve carbonation.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple wheel, and fresh thyme.
- Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Notes
Chill all ingredients before mixing for the best flavor and carbonation. The base mixture can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Do not add ginger beer until serving time to prevent the drink from going flat. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add extra cider or apple cider vinegar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: fall cocktail, apple cider mule, easy fall drink, bourbon cocktail, ginger beer drink, party drinks, seasonal recipes