This year is surely passing us by at the speed of light and fall will be at our doorstep sooner than you think. It’s my favorite season and I’m looking forward to it!
Imagine being surrounded by amber and crimson hues, the tumbling and twirling leaves in crisp embrace, autumn’s glow, and a final dance of the trees before winter's hush.
But leaves aren’t the only autumn marvels, apple cider comes in a close second! And this beverage is what’s on my mind for a perfect fall apple cider whiskey smash hit!
Apple Cider Whiskey: The Perfect Blend
Apple cider and whiskey make a perfect pair because the whiskey’s warmth fuses with the sweet and spicy apple cider to create a rich and comforting balance. Their unique flavor profiles merge to give the cocktail a fruity, crisp boldness, perfect for the cool weather.
Serve it cold and garnish it with cinnamon for a complex and refreshing touch and creativity.
Is Apple Cider Whiskey Smash Easy to Make?
Your favorite spiked drink is just a few ingredients away. I throw together six elements for a fast and easy recipe so I can instantly have my first sip.
But I’ll let you in on other secret ingredients that will enhance its taste to the extent of creating a sweet explosion of sour delight in your mouth! Let’s get started.
Ingredients
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2 ounces of whiskey
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½ lemon
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⅛ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
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1 cinnamon stick for garnishing
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3 ounces of apple cider
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Ice
Optional
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Mint leaves
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Simple or maple syrup
Instructions
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Add all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake until combined.
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Pour into a glass and add ice cubes according to your preference. I prefer a large one for a chilled invigoration.
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Garnish with a cinnamon stick and drink!
What Will The Optional Ingredients Do To The Taste?
Mint leaves and simple or maple syrup improve the cocktail’s flavor, balance, and overall experience.
Mint leaves add freshness, a delicious aroma, a cooling sensation due to natural menthol that stabilizes the whiskey’s warmth, and more depth and complexity as it contrasts the cider sweetness.
Simple or maple syrup equilibrates lemon juice and cider tartness for a well-rounded taste. They’re great flavor enhancers as they highlight the mint, whiskey, and apple cider fusion without overpowering it.
Instant dissolution in the beverage produces a more consistent and smooth liquid. Maple syrup’s extra advantage is that it works amazingly with autumn flavors.
Different Whiskeys You Can Pair Apple Cider With
Each whiskey brings its character for interesting variations of an Apple Cider Whiskey Smash or other cider-based cocktails.
Here’s how different types of whiskey complement apple cider:
Bourbon
Bourbon is a complex mix of vanilla, oak, caramel, fruity, spicy, and floral flavors and aromas that combine with the sweet and tart apple cider and cinnamon to uplift our sensory adventure.
Fireball Whisky
Fireball’s sweet cinnamon flavor fuses with the apple cider and cinnamon mix to accentuate each other for a potent kick.
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is spicy, peppery, and drier than bourbon. It pairs exceptionally well with apple cider due to its classic spicy burn at the end and a dry finish with no sugary or sweet aftertaste!
The sweet cider neutralizes the bold rye whiskey for a powerful and contrasting complexity. Its strength and robustness come from its pepper or clove-like profile, making it a unique addition to the recipe with a sharp twist.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is mellow so it’ll work like magic if you want a lighter drink. Its floral texture and fruity notes bring a distinct taste to the recipe. Irish whiskey is your go-to liquor if you’re not in the mood for something strong.
Blended Scotch Whisky
Another amazing addition is the smokey, malty, and rich blended scotch because of its perfect balance at the end. A fruitier scotch complements apple cider’s natural sweetness.
Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey’s smooth and sweet taste provides an easy-going cocktail, perfect for casual and relaxing nights. Include it if you want to spend some time watching your favorite movie or gazing at the stars on your terrace.
Apple Whiskey
Why not compare apples to apples this fall with a combination of apple whiskey and apple cider. The apple notes in the two will become more prominent for an extra fruity cider cocktail.
Hot Apple Cider Whiskey: An Interesting Alternative
This is my go-to alternative when I’m down and desire extra comfort. The hot beverage paired with whiskey’s warmth adds a soothing touch to a relaxing evening.
If you don’t feel like experimenting with many ingredients, follow this simple recipe that uses the basics for an interesting cocktail that will please all taste buds:
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Pour 6 cups of apple cider in a deep saucepan and place the pan over medium heat.
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Add 1 cup whiskey of your choice, cinnamon, and whole cloves.
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Mix and let it simmer for 2 minutes so the nuances can amalgamate into an exciting new concoction for an original sensation.
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Since all whiskeys have different flavor profiles, they’ll add a distinctive touch to the final work of art.
The Best Apple Cider In The Market
I recommend getting unfiltered and pasteurized apple cider. The unfiltered product has pulp and sediment, but the best flavor and a highly agreeable color, while the filtered one is light in color and clear, resembling apple juice.
Pasteurized apple cider is free from bacteria and therefore stable for longer. The unpasteurized product has a higher risk of contamination and can become apple cider vinegar or hard cider.
So, what’s your verdict? Do you think this recipe is easy to follow and the least time-consuming?
I certainly think so, and the moment fall arrives, I’ll get the ingredients from our farm to have some sumptuous apple cider whiskey smash on the weekends or when I’m hosting friends.
Give it a try! I’m sure you’ll love it!