Bourbon Apple Cider: Fall's Most Delightful Cocktail

The first sip of bourbon mixed with fresh apple cider brings an unmistakable feeling—crisp autumn days, fallen leaves crunching underfoot, and the comfort of warming drinks around a fire pit. 

Here at our Vermont orchard, we've spent years perfecting the art of apple growing, and we've discovered that nothing showcases our cider quite like pairing it with quality bourbon.

1. The Magic Behind Bourbon Apple Cider

What makes bourbon apple cider so special? It's the natural companionship between two American classics. Fresh-pressed cider brings bright apple notes and natural sweetness, while bourbon contributes depth with its oak, vanilla, and caramel undertones. The result? A drink that feels like autumn in a glass.

Our cider comes straight from our 175+ varieties of eco-certified apples grown right here in Shoreham. The difference between this fresh cider and store-bought filtered juice is night and day—something you'll notice immediately when making these cocktails. Curious about the difference? Check out our article on apple cider vs. apple juice.

2. Finding Your Perfect Bourbon Match

The bourbon you select will dramatically shape your cocktail's character. During our fall tasting events, we've experimented with dozens of combinations and found some clear patterns:

Most orchard visitors find that mid-shelf bourbons ($25-40 range) offer the best value for mixed drinks. The nuances of ultra-premium bourbons often get lost when combined with cider and other ingredients.

3. Our Signature Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe

After countless tastings with our orchard staff, this recipe emerged as our house favorite:

1. Ingredients

2. Preparation

1. Fill a rocks glass halfway with ice—preferably one large cube if available

2. Pour in the bourbon, followed by apple cider

3. Add maple syrup and bitters

4. Stir gently for about 10-12 seconds

5. Garnish with the cinnamon stick and apple slice

3. Cook's Notes

When we make this at the orchard, we've found that slightly warming the cider first (not hot, just taking the chill off) helps release its aromatic compounds. The drink quickly returns to a refreshing temperature once poured over ice.

4. Nutrition Facts

4. Hot Spiced Bourbon Cider for Chilly Evenings

When the weather turns truly cold and the first snow dusts our apple trees, we switch to this warming version:

1. Ingredients

2. Preparation

1. Combine cider, cloves, cinnamon, anise, and ginger in a small saucepan

2. Heat gently until just beginning to steam (avoid boiling)

3. Remove from heat, add bourbon, honey, and lemon juice

4. Strain into a mug

5. Garnish with fresh cinnamon stick and orange peel

3. Large Batch Version

For our fall harvest festivals, we scale this recipe to serve crowds:

Keep warm in a slow cooker set to low heat. The bourbon stays separate so guests can add their preferred amount or enjoy the spiced cider alcohol-free.

4. Nutrition Facts (per mug)

5. Vermont Maple Bourbon Cider Smash

This refreshing cocktail celebrates two Vermont treasures: maple syrup and apple cider.

1. Ingredients

2. Preparation

1. Place apple slices and mint in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently

2. Add bourbon, cider, maple syrup, and lemon juice

3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds

4. Double-strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice

5. Top with club soda if desired

6. Garnish with apple slice and mint sprig

3. Apple Variety Notes

During our cocktail workshops, we've found that different apple varieties create subtly different drinks:

4. Nutrition Facts

6. Bourbon Cider Old Fashioned

This sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail has become a favorite at our orchard events:

1. Ingredients

2. Making Apple Cider Syrup

3. Cocktail Preparation

1. Add bourbon, cider syrup, and both bitters to a mixing glass

2. Add ice and stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled

3. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice (preferably one large cube)

4. Express orange peel oils over the surface by twisting it, then add to glass

5. Garnish with cinnamon stick

4. Storage Note

The apple cider syrup keeps for about two weeks refrigerated and can be used for multiple cocktails or as a topping for desserts and breakfast items.

5. Nutrition Facts

7. Harvest Party Bourbon Cider Punch

For our fall harvest celebrations, we prepare this crowd-pleasing punch:

1. Ingredients (Serves 10-12)

2. Preparation

1. Combine all liquid ingredients except sparkling water in a punch bowl or drink dispenser

2. Add fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise

3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld

4. Just before serving, add sparkling water and ice

5. Serve in glasses with fruit garnish from the punch

3. Serving Tip

At our orchard events, we keep a separate pitcher of the non-alcoholic portion (cider, ginger beer, water, lemon, syrup, and spices) for designated drivers and those who prefer not to drink alcohol.

4. Nutrition Facts (per 6 oz serving)

8. Non-Alcoholic "Bourbon" Apple Cider

Many of our visitors enjoy the flavor profile of bourbon apple cider without the alcohol. Our master cider maker developed this clever substitute:

1. Ingredients

2. Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients except garnishes in a cocktail shaker with ice

2. Shake well for 15 seconds

3. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice

4. Garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice

3. Flavor Note

The combination of extracts mimics bourbon's vanilla and caramel notes, while the black tea adds tannins similar to those from oak aging. The apple cider vinegar provides a subtle "burn" reminiscent of alcohol.

4. Nutrition Facts

9. Perfect Food Pairings for Bourbon Apple Cider

Our orchard cafe has experimented with numerous food pairings for bourbon apple cider cocktails. These combinations have proven consistently delightful:

At our fall harvest dinners, we particularly enjoy serving the hot bourbon cider alongside a cheese board featuring local Vermont cheeses.

10. Seasonal Variations Worth Trying

While apple cider peaks in fall, we've developed seasonal adaptations for year-round enjoyment:

Each variation maintains the bourbon apple cider foundation while incorporating seasonal produce and flavors.

11. Common Questions About Bourbon Apple Cider

Based on questions from our orchard visitors and cider club members:

12. More Ways to Enjoy Apple Cider

Our orchard kitchen has developed numerous creative ways to use fresh cider:

Visit Our Orchard

The very best bourbon apple cider starts with the freshest possible ingredients. We welcome you to visit Champlain Orchards to experience our cider at its source:

From all of us at Champlain Orchards, we raise a glass of bourbon apple cider to the changing seasons, Vermont's bounty, and the simple pleasure of crafting something delicious from the fruits of our labor. Cheers!