This apple cider bourbon smash has a secret ingredient, and most people won’t guess it. At heart, it’s bourbon apple cider, shaken with apple butter, fresh orange and muddled thyme. I’ve tested it by the glass and by the pitcher for a dinner party of six. It’s my favorite fall bourbon cocktail, and below I’ll show you how to make it by the glass, for a crowd or as a mocktail.
In this recipe, you’ll:
- Shake up an easy apple cider bourbon smash in about 5 minutes.
- See exactly what to buy: bourbon, apple cider, apple butter and a few fresh add-ins.
- Follow simple steps for muddling, shaking and straining at home.
- Make it by the glass, by the pitcher or as a mocktail.
Why This Is My Go-To Fall Bourbon Cocktail
This drink started as a riff on Half Baked Harvest’s apple bourbon smash. Over the years, I’ve made it my own with vanilla, a lighter pour, and fresh thyme. I pour my drinks on the light side, so this one is smooth rather than boozy.
The first time I served it at a dinner party, everyone loved it. Nobody could figure out what they were tasting. When I told them there was a splash of balsamic in it, they all went, “What?!”
That’s still my favorite reaction. If you’ve never had balsamic in a cocktail, start with this one.
Fall is one of my favorite times to create unique cocktail recipes that make the holidays feel extra special. For more ideas, check out my Maple Whiskey Sour and delicious Hot Buttered Rum and must make Chai Tea Latte.
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- Festive for Fall | Sipping fresh apple cider is one of the best ways to get into the fall season. Add it to a cocktail with other fall flavors, and you are sure to feel immersed in this festive start to the holiday months.
- Basic Ingredients | Many of the ingredients in this easy bourbon apple cider cocktail recipe are things you may already have handy. Now that you’ve started stocking your refrigerator with apple cider for the season, it’s time to put it to use!
This recipe serves one, but you can easily scale it up! I’ll show you how!
Apple Cider Bourbon Smash Ingredients
- Apple cider | Spiced or regular apple cider steals the spotlight in this tasty autumn cocktail.
- Orange zest and orange juice | A little orange zest adds a kick of bitter citrus. The orange juice rounds out the flavor. Fresh-squeezed keeps the sugar down and makes the drink taste brighter.
- Bourbon or whiskey | Use bourbon or whiskey, whichever you prefer. I use 1½ ounces. Bourbon has no sugar or carbs, so all the sweetness comes from the cider and apple butter.
- Apple butter | Apple butter brings all the fall spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, so you don’t have to measure a thing. Want to keep the sugar low? Use my homemade low-sugar apple butter.
- Vanilla | Add a couple of drops of warm vanilla extract for a bit of richness. Or, try my Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract Recipe for a more unique taste.
- Balsamic vinegar (optional) | This sweet-yet-sour ingredient balances out the flavors in this cocktail. If preferred, you can use a squeeze of lemon instead.
- Ginger beer | I recommend topping it off with ginger beer. However, you may swap it for similar drinks like ginger ale, ginger kombucha or club soda for a less sweet drink.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary | This is what makes it a true smash. A few muddled thyme leaves add an herby note that keeps the drink from tasting too sweet. Rosemary works too, but it’s bolder and piney, so use just 1 small sprig.
How to Make an Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
This bourbon cocktail recipe can be quickly made with store-bought ingredients. You can also choose a healthier version and make the ingredients at home. How much effort you put in depends on how fast you need that drink! 😉
For the fully homemade version of this apple cider cocktail, prepare the apple cider, apple butter (see my recipe below), and orange juice before you start.
Additionally, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have one handy, a quart sized lidded mason jar works just as well!
Step 1 | Muddle the Herbs
Start with the herbs. Strip the leaves from 2 to 3 sprigs of thyme (or 1 small sprig of rosemary) into your shaker or jar. Muddle gently, just 5 or 6 presses. You want to wake them up, not beat them to death.
Step 2 | Add the Base
Then measure out and add the rest of the ingredients, starting with apple cider, apple butter, bourbon (or whiskey) and orange juice.
Step 3 | Add Vanilla, Zest and Balsamic
Then add the vanilla, orange zest and balsamic vinegar if using (gives it a bright, beautiful balance). Cover and shake it well 15-20 times.
Step 4 | Strain and Top with Ginger Beer
Next, add ice cubes or crushed ice to a cocktail glass, then place a bar sieve over the top to strain the apple cider bourbon into the glass.
Now, top it off with bubbly ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and garnish as desired.
Tips and Variations for an Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
- Sieve: Don’t have a sieve? That’s okay. Use a fine-mesh strainer.
- Wait: Wait to add the ginger beer, or youwill get a sticky explosion when you shake it.
- Muddle gently: Overworked herbs turn bitter. A few light presses is all they need.
- Replace the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice or sweet maple syrup.
- Use apple juice in place of apple cider, if desired.
- Use cinnamon whisky instead of bourbon for a cinnamon apple smash. YUM!
- For lighter drinkers, this recipe easily splits between two smaller glasses. Just add some additional ginger beer.
- If your guests don’t enjoy ginger beer, I’ve also made this drink with club soda, sparkling water, and grapefruit mixer, and they were all super delicious!
- Garnish: A couple of honey crisp apple slices, an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, fresh rosemary, or a sprig of thyme are some stunning garnish ideas for this apple bourbon smash cocktail.
Apple Cider Smash Mocktail
Making these for the kids or a designated driver? Here’s the alcohol-free version. It still tastes like fall in a glass.
- Skip the bourbon and add an extra 1½ ounces of apple cider.
- Keep the thyme or rosemary. The herbs keep it from tasting like a glass of juice.
- Top with ginger beer, or use sparkling water if you want it less sweet.
- Garnish the same way: apple slices, an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Recommended Equipment
- I love these Riedel rocks glasses, they are smaller, which is the perfect cocktail size for Wimpy Ol’ me!
- If you are looking for a simple bar kit, this is the one I own and works great.
Apple Cider Bourbon Punch (Big Batch)
This pitcher serves 4, and it scales easily. I tested it for a dinner party of six, and it was a hit. Use the chart below to make enough for 8 or 12.
- Leaves from 8 to 10 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 to 3 sprigs rosemary)
- 8 ounces apple cider (1 cup)
- 3 teaspoons orange zest (zest from one orange)
- ½ cup orange juice, fresh squeezed is best
- ¾ cup bourbon or whiskey (6 ounces)
- 4 tablespoons apple butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or bourbon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale
Muddle the thyme or rosemary leaves gently in a large mason jar or cocktail shaker. Then add the apple cider, fresh orange zest, bourbon and apple butter, and shake until well combined.
Then, strain the mixture into a pitcher. Pour in the orange juice, vanilla extract, and balsamic vinegar, if using, and give it a good stir.
Leave the concentrate in the pitcher and allow guests to pour their own drink over ice, topping off with some ginger beer!
Party Size Chart
| Ingredient | Serves 4 | Serves 8 | Serves 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple cider | 1 cup | 2 cups | 3 cups |
| Bourbon | ¾ cup | 1½ cups | 2¼ cups |
| Orange juice | ½ cup | 1 cup | 1½ cups |
| Apple butter | ¼ cup | ½ cup | ¾ cup |
| Orange zest | 1 orange | 2 oranges | 3 oranges |
| Vanilla | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | 2 Tbsp |
| Balsamic (optional) | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | 2 Tbsp |
| Thyme sprigs (or rosemary) | 8 to 10 (2 to 3) | 16 to 20 (4 to 6) | 24 to 30 (6 to 9) |
| Ginger beer, to top | 12 oz | 24 oz | 36 oz |
Make-Ahead and Serving Tips
- Make it ahead. Mix everything except the ginger beer up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
- Give it a stir. The apple butter settles to the bottom of the pitcher, so stir before you pour.
- Keep ice out of the pitcher. It waters the drink down. Pour over ice-filled glasses instead.
- Top each glass, not the pitcher. Add about 3 ounces of ginger beer per glass so it stays fizzy.
What to Serve with an Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
Looking for some festive sweets and treats to pair with this cocktail? Check out the ideas below:
- Fall Charcuterie Board
- Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
- Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates
- Goat Cheese Log with Hot Honey, Fig and Pistachios
- Contrast this drink with this easy Spiced Holiday Sangria
How to Store and Make Ahead
Make Ahead | You can assemble everything but the ginger beer ahead of time if you prefer and chill well in the refrigerator until ready to serve, strain into ice filled glasses and top with ginger beer.
Store any leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days in airtight container.
To-go | If you’re traveling with these ingredients for a family get-together, make it all ahead leaving out the bourbon (no open containers) and the ginger beer. Be sure to store the orange zest and juice, the apple slices (or other garnishes), and the Ginger beer in a small cooler.
Apple Cider Bourbon Smash FAQs
A smash is a simple, refreshing cocktail made with a spirit, a little sweetener, fresh herbs and fruit, muddled together and served over ice. The mint julep is the most famous one. Here, the bourbon, apple butter, thyme and orange make it a smash.
Skip the bourbon and add an extra 1½ ounces of apple cider. Keep the herbs and the ginger beer. See the Apple Cider Smash Mocktail section above for the full version.
Yes. The Apple Cider Bourbon Punch section has a pitcher that serves 4, plus a chart for 8 or 12.
Yes. Mix everything except the ginger beer up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. The apple butter will settle, so stir it before you pour.
Any smooth bourbon you like to sip works here. Our favorites are Angel’s Envy and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
Yes. Apple juice works, but it’s sweeter and thinner than cider. Add a dash of cinnamon for more fall flavor.
Yes. Jim Beam Apple blends apple liqueur with Kentucky straight bourbon. You can use it in place of the bourbon here. Cut the apple cider by a couple of tablespoons, since it’s already sweeter.
September and October just scream (pun intended) apple everything, and this drink will easily become a favorite!
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
More Cocktail Recipes You Might Like
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves only, or 1 small sprig fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup apple cider spiced or regular (not vinegar!)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice fresh squeezed is best
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon (3 tablespoons) or your favorite whiskey
- 1 tablespoon apple butter
- ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar optional, but try it!
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or try bourbon vanilla extract
- Ginger Beer or use your favorite mixer, see notes for ideas
Garnish (optional)
- Honeycrisp apple slices
- orange slice
- cinnamon stick
- rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Strip the thyme (or rosemary) leaves into a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Muddle gently, 5 or 6 presses, just enough to release the oils.
- Add the remaining ingredients except the ginger beer, cover and give it 15-20 good shakes.
- Add ice to a cocktail glass, place sieve over the top and strain the apple cider bourbon into the glass. Top with ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, garnish as desired.
Notes
- Replace the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice or sweet maple syrup.
- Use apple juice in place of apple cider, if desired – add a dash of cinnamon if you want it spicier.
- Use cinnamon whisky instead of bourbon for a cinnamon apple smash. YUM!
- For lighter drinkers, this recipe easily splits between two smaller glasses. Just add some additional ginger beer.
- If your guests don’t enjoy ginger beer, I’ve also made this drink with club soda, sparkling water, ginger kombucha and grapefruit mixer, and they were all super delicious!
- Leaves from 8 to 10 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 to 3 sprigs rosemary)
- 8 ounces apple cider (1 cup)
- 3 teaspoons orange zest (zest from one orange)
- ½ cup orange juice, fresh squeezed is best
- ¾ cup bourbon or whiskey (6 ounces)
- 4 tablespoons apple butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or bourbon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale
Nutrition
Kris
So easy and flavorful! Will make again!
Love hearing that Kris!
Gina Abernathy
The weather is a little chilly at night and this cocktail is so warming. A great way to complete a long week.
So warming on a chilly night!
Janessa
This apple cider bourbon is delicious- going to be my go-to cocktail for the holiday season!
So perfect for that Janessa! Thank you!
kushigalu
Perfect fall treat and nothing can be better than this. Thanks for sharing
Thank you!
Luci
This was so good! A great cocktail for the season. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Luci!
Geoffrey at Spoonabilities
Tis the season for apple cider for sure! Love this cocktail. It reminds me of our Caramel Apple Cider Vodka Punch, but with the added warmth of bourbon. Love your tip about not adding the ginger beer before you shake it up. That would be an easy mistake to make and a BIG mistake at that.
Haha, yes, yes it would! You might be wearing it if you put it in the shaker! Thanks so much Geoffrey!
sara
There is a restaurant by us that serves a similar cocktail that we love and this tastes just like it. So glad I found this recipe!
Oh so glad you found it to Sara! You are going to love it!
Nancy
Obsessed with this nightcap cocktail to end the day ! So flavourful and enjoyable
Thank you Nancy!
Kim
So good! And the balsamic vinegar was amazing such a great idea! Perfect fall flavors, we are definitely serving this for Thanksgiving.
Right! Thank you so much Kim, glad it will grace your Thanksgiving table!
Luci
I made this over the weekend and it was the perfect fall drink! Loved it. Thanks for sharing.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Tasia
There is nothing more fall than apple cider {in my opinion!}. You know how much we love bourbon, so this recipe was a winner!! Looking forward to serving it to guests later this month.
Love hearing that Tasia and some day, we’ll enjoy sipping on a cocktail together!