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Cozy Bourbon Apple Cider Smash: Best Friendsgiving Cocktail

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A quick and easy cocktail made with bourbon, apple cider, fresh apple, lemon juice, and ginger beer, perfect for Friendsgiving or any fall gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 3 oz (90 ml) apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
  • 2–3 thin slices fresh apple (e.g., Honeycrisp or Fuji), plus more for garnish
  • ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz (30 ml) ginger beer (e.g., Fever-Tree or Q Mixers)
  • 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
  • ½ oz (15 ml) maple syrup (optional)
  • Ice (large cubes)

Instructions

  1. Prep the glass: Break the cinnamon stick in half. Drop one half into a rocks glass. Save the other half for garnish.
  2. Muddle the apple: Add 2-3 thin apple slices to the glass with the cinnamon stick. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press and twist the apple slices until they release their juice (about 10-15 seconds).
  3. Add the bourbon and cider: Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 3 oz apple cider, and ½ oz fresh lemon juice. If using maple syrup, add it now.
  4. Shake it up: Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice. Pour the mixture from the glass into the shaker. Put the lid on tight and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  5. Strain and pour: If using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the mixture back into the rocks glass (discard the muddled apple and cinnamon). If you don’t mind bits, pour straight in.
  6. Top with ginger beer: Add a splash of ginger beer (about 1 oz) to fill the glass. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Do not shake again.
  7. Garnish and serve: Add a fresh apple slice and the other half of the cinnamon stick to the glass. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a party, make a big batch by multiplying the recipe (minus ginger beer) and stirring in a pitcher. Refrigerate, then pour over ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish. For a warm version, combine everything except ginger beer in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours and serve warm with a splash of ginger beer.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon apple cider smash, Friendsgiving cocktail, fall cocktail, apple cider drink, bourbon cocktail

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/cozy-bourbon-apple-cider-smash-best-friendsgiving-cocktail/