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Home » Drink Recipes » Cocktails » Bourbon & Whiskey Cocktails

Fall Apple Bourbon Cocktail

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This fall apple bourbon cocktail is easy to make and is packed with fall flavors. Made with a homemade apple spice and brown sugar infused simple syrup.

A fall apple bourbon cocktail on a grey coaster, with a basket of apples in the background.

For other bourbon cocktails that are perfect for fall, try this bourbon cherry cocktail, this brown sugar old fashioned, this bourbon margarita, this bourbon rosemary cocktail, this ginger pear bourbon cocktail or this bourbon raspberry cocktail.

Jump to:
  • Recipe Highlights
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • Equipment
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe
Overhead view of the bourbon cocktail, garnished with apple chunks.

Recipe Highlights

  • The bourbon & fall flavors pair perfectly in this drink for the best holiday apple cocktail.
  • The homemade simple syrup is infused with apple, cinnamon and maple, giving it an authentic and bold fall apple flavor.
  • This bourbon cocktail is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail for sipping around the fireplace.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients needed to make the fall bourbon cocktail.
  • Bourbon: Use your favorite type of medium quality bourbon for this cocktail. Save top shelf bourbon for drinking on the rocks.
  • Apples: Any type of apple will work, but if you have the option, try a sweeter variety, such as honeycrisp, gala or fuji for making the simple syrup.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar, rather than granulated sugar is used to make the simple syrup. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel taste that melds well with the apple and spices.
  • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and pairs well with the apple and spices. It is used to make the homemade syrup and is also mixed into the final cocktail. For the best taste, use real maple syrup.
  • Fall Spices: Cinnamon, ground ginger and ground nutmeg are used to create a rich, fall-flavored simple syrup.
  • Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice only. It will add brightness and offsets the sweet syrup.

Equipment

  • A small saucepan to make the apple syrup in.
  • A very fine mesh strainer to strain out the spices from the syrup.
  • A cocktail shaker to make the cocktail.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the apple chunks, brown sugar, water, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt in a pan over medium heat. Bring the syrup to a very gentle simmer, but don’t let it boil. Continue to heat, stirring occasionally for 5 to 8 minutes until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 2: Remove the syrup from the stove and use a very fine mesh strainer to separate out the apple chunks and spices.

A collage of process photos illustrating steps 1 and 2.

Step 3: Add the bourbon, apple spice syrup, lemon juice, maple syrup and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 5 to 10 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Strain and pour into a cocktail glass.

A process photo illustrating step 3.

Expert Tips

  • When making the apple pie syrup, don’t let the syrup boil. Boiling the syrup will result in too much water evaporating, leaving you with a thick, sticky syrup. The syrup should have the consistency of water.
  • After straining the apple pie syrup, you should be left with about an ounce of syrup. If you have less than an ounce, the cocktail will be too strong.
  • Use an extra fine mesh sieve. This recipe requires a very, very fine mesh sieve to strain out the spices. If the spices are not strained, they will settle in a layer on the bottom of the cocktail glass.
  • To save time making this drink, prepare a large batch of apple pie syrup in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQ

Is this bourbon cocktail sweet?

This drink has a balance in flavor and is not overly sweet. However, for a stronger bourbon-flavored drink, use only ½ ounce of apple pie syrup.

Why is the apple spice syrup thick?

The homemade syrup should have a consistency similar to water. If the syrup is too thick, it was heated at too high a temperature for too long.

A fall apple bourbon cocktail garnished with apple chunks on a coaster.
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📖 Recipe

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A fall apple bourbon cocktail on a grey coaster, with a basket of apples in the background.

Fall Apple Bourbon Cocktail


  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Cocktail 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This fall apple bourbon cocktail is easy to make and is packed with fall flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Apple Spice Syrup:
    • 1 apple, cut into small chunks
    • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
    • 2 tbsp water
    • 1 tsp maple syrup
    • ½ tsp cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp ginger
    • ⅛ tsp nutmeg
    • pinch of salt
  • Apple Bourbon Cocktail:
    • 1 oz bourbon
    • 1 oz apple spice syrup
    • ½ tbsp lemon juice
    • ½ tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  1. First, make the apple spice syrup: In a small nonstick saucepan, heat the apple chunks, brown sugar, water, maple syrup, cinnamon ginger, nutmeg and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil. Continue to heat for 5 to 8 minutes until the brown sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the syrup from the stove and let it cool for a couple minutes.
  2. Pass the syrup through a very fine mesh strainer to remove the apple chunks and the spices. You should be left with about 1 oz of apple spice syrup.
  3. Next, make the apple bourbon cocktail: Add the bourbon, apple spice syrup, lemon juice and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 5 to 8 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use an extra fine mesh sieve. This recipe requires a very, very fine mesh sieve to strain out the spices. If the spices are not strained, they will settle in a layer on the bottom of the cocktail glass.
  • When making the apple pie syrup, don’t let the syrup boil. Boiling the syrup will result in too much water evaporating, leaving you with a thick, sticky syrup. The syrup should have the consistency of water.
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cocktail
  • Calories: 289
  • Sugar: 62g
  • Sodium: 12mg
  • Fat: 0.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58.5g
  • Fiber: 5.2g
  • Protein: 0.6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: bourbon cocktails, fall cocktails

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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