Sparkling Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail – Crisp, Bubbly, and Easy to Love

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Nothing says cozy celebration like a glass that blends crisp apple, warm bourbon, and a refreshing fizz. This sparkling apple cider bourbon cocktail is simple to make, big on flavor, and perfect for everything from a casual night in to a holiday gathering. It tastes like autumn but fits any time you want something festive without fuss.

Best of all, it uses easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in minutes. If you like drinks that are balanced—not too sweet, not too strong—you’ll want this one on repeat.

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Sparkling Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail - Crisp, Bubbly, and Easy to Love

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon (something smooth and mellow works best)
• 3 ounces chilled apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice (about a generous squeeze)
• 2 to 3 ounces sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
• 1/4 to 1/2 ounce maple syrup or simple syrup, to taste
• 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters (optional but recommended)
• Ice
• Garnish: thin apple slice, lemon twist, or cinnamon stick
• Optional spice rim: 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Prep the glass: If you like a spiced rim, rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a rocks or highball glass. Dip into the cinnamon-sugar mix and set aside.
• Build the base: Add ice to the glass. Pour in the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
• Add bitters: Dash in the Angostura if using. It adds a subtle spice note and rounds out the sweetness.
• Top with bubbles: Gently pour in sparkling water or club soda. Stir softly once or twice to combine without killing the fizz.
• Garnish and serve: Slip in an apple slice, add a lemon twist, or tuck in a cinnamon stick. Sip right away while it’s cold and lively.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Balanced flavor: The bourbon brings depth, the cider brings sweetness, and the bubbles add lift. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything.
• Fast and easy: No shaking for ages or fancy syrups.

  You can build it right in the glass.

• Season-friendly: It’s perfect for fall and winter, but the sparkling finish keeps it light enough for spring brunch or summer evenings.
• Customizable: You can swap spices, change the bubbles, or use your favorite bourbon, and it still works.
• Party-ready: Scale it into a pitcher or punch bowl without losing the refreshing sparkle.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon (something smooth and mellow works best)
• 3 ounces chilled apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice (about a generous squeeze)
• 2 to 3 ounces sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
• 1/4 to 1/2 ounce maple syrup or simple syrup, to taste
• 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters (optional but recommended)
• Ice
• Garnish: thin apple slice, lemon twist, or cinnamon stick
• Optional spice rim: 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prep the glass: If you like a spiced rim, rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a rocks or highball glass. Dip into the cinnamon-sugar mix and set aside.
2. Build the base: Add ice to the glass. Pour in the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
3. Add bitters: Dash in the Angostura if using.

   It adds a subtle spice note and rounds out the sweetness.

4. Top with bubbles: Gently pour in sparkling water or club soda. Stir softly once or twice to combine without killing the fizz.
5. Garnish and serve: Slip in an apple slice, add a lemon twist, or tuck in a cinnamon stick. Sip right away while it’s cold and lively.

Keeping It Fresh

For the best flavor, chill all your components—bourbon, cider, and sparkling water—before mixing.

Cold ingredients keep the fizz lively and the drink crisp without needing to pack the glass with ice.

Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can taste dull or bitter. Squeeze it right before you mix for the brightest finish.

If you’re batching, mix everything except the sparkling water ahead of time and refrigerate.

Add the bubbles just before serving so the drink stays effervescent. Garnish right at the end so the apple slices stay fresh and pretty.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Approachable for all palates: Even bourbon skeptics usually enjoy this thanks to the cider and citrus balance.
• Minimal equipment: No shaker needed. A spoon and a glass are enough.
• Budget-friendly: You don’t need a top-shelf bourbon.

  A mid-range bottle with vanilla and caramel notes shines here.

• Flexible sweetness: Adjust the maple or simple syrup to your taste or skip it if your cider is sweet enough.
• Seasonal flair: It feels special for holidays, game days, and impromptu Fridays alike.

What Not to Do

• Don’t add the sparkling water too early if you’re batching. You’ll lose the bubbles by serving time.
• Don’t over-sweeten. Taste your cider first.

  Some are quite sweet and might not need added syrup.

• Don’t skip the lemon. A small hit of acidity keeps the drink from tasting flat or syrupy.
• Don’t use warm cider. Warm ingredients melt the ice too quickly and dilute the drink.
• Don’t stir aggressively after adding bubbles.

  A gentle stir is enough.

Recipe Variations

• Ginger Sparkle: Swap the club soda for ginger beer or ginger ale for a spicy kick. Cut back on added sweetener if using ginger ale.
• Smoky Note: Use a splash of peated whiskey or a smoky bourbon. A barspoon is enough to add depth without overpowering the cider.
• Spiced Syrup: Make a quick cinnamon-clove simple syrup.

  Simmer equal parts sugar and water with a cinnamon stick and a few cloves for 5 minutes; cool and strain.

• Apple Brandy Boost: Add 1/2 ounce apple brandy or Calvados with the bourbon for richer apple flavor.
• Herbal Twist: Add a few drops of orange or aromatic bitters and garnish with a rosemary sprig. Lightly smack the rosemary between your palms to release aroma.
• Low-ABV Option: Reduce bourbon to 1 ounce, increase cider to 4 ounces, and keep the bubbles the same. Still balanced, just lighter.
• No-Added-Sugar: Skip the syrup entirely if your cider is sweet and top with unsweetened seltzer.
• Holiday Punch: In a pitcher, mix 2 cups bourbon, 3 cups cider, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1/3 cup maple syrup.

  Chill. Add 3 cups chilled club soda just before serving. Garnish with apple wheels and cinnamon sticks.

FAQ

What kind of bourbon works best?

Choose a bourbon with smooth caramel and vanilla notes, not too high-proof.

Something in the 90–100 proof range holds up to the cider without tasting hot or harsh. You don’t need a rare bottle—any solid, mid-shelf option will shine.

Can I use hard apple cider instead of regular apple cider?

Yes, but then skip or reduce the sparkling water to avoid over-diluting. Hard cider will make the drink a bit drier and more tart.

Adjust sweetness with a touch of maple syrup if needed.

Is fresh apple cider necessary?

Fresh, unfiltered cider gives the best body and flavor, but you can use filtered cider or high-quality apple juice in a pinch. If using a sweeter juice, pull back on the syrup and add a tiny bit more lemon.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Absolutely. Mix bourbon, cider, lemon, syrup, and bitters in a pitcher and chill for up to 24 hours.

Add the sparkling water and garnish right before guests arrive.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

Simple syrup works perfectly. Honey syrup is great too—stir equal parts honey and warm water until smooth. Each sweetener brings a slightly different flavor, so start small and taste.

How do I keep apple slices from browning?

Toss the slices lightly with lemon juice and store them in the fridge until serving.

Add them to the drink just before you serve to keep them crisp and bright.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes. Skip the bourbon and add a splash of non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or a bit more cider. Balance with lemon and top with sparkling water or ginger beer for complexity.

What glass should I use?

A rocks glass or a highball both work.

Use a rocks glass if you prefer more bourbon-forward sipping, and a highball if you like it extra bubbly and refreshing.

Can I use lemon-lime soda instead of sparkling water?

You can, but it will make the drink much sweeter. If you go that route, remove the added syrup and add more lemon to keep things balanced.

How do I scale the recipe without losing balance?

Keep the basic ratio: about 2 parts bourbon, 3 parts cider, 1/2 part lemon, and top with bubbles to taste. Adjust sweetness last, after you add the sparkling water and taste.

Wrapping Up

This sparkling apple cider bourbon cocktail checks every box: simple, festive, and full of clean, cozy flavor.

It’s easy to tailor, quick to batch, and always a crowd-pleaser. Keep your ingredients cold, add your bubbles at the end, and let the garnish do the talking. Whether it’s a Tuesday night treat or the star of your holiday spread, this one’s a keeper.