This fizzy bourbon apple cider cocktail is a really easy, festive fall cocktail that can be scaled up and served from a pitcher at holiday parties! The homemade apple cider syrup comes together in no time, and it adds the right amount of spiced fall flavor to the bourbon. A little sparkling wine (or apple cider) makes the cocktail bright and bubbly!

“Made this cocktail for the first day of apple picking in the Midwest. Love the combination of flavors and got rave reviews from the family. Will definitely make again!!” – Karla (So Much Food reader)

My Go-To Cocktail for Fall Parties and Holidays

This sparkling apple cider cocktail might be served chilled, but it’s brimming with the warming flavors of apple, cinnamon, and vanilla.

It’s a super simple fall cocktail that’s made with a homemade apple cider syrup, bourbon, a little lemon, and your choice of sparkling wine or apple cider. The apple cider syrup is as simple to make as throwing everything in a pot over a low flame, setting a timer, and sitting down to watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix.

You’ll look like a pro-bartender at your next gathering with little to no effort on your part! Use this simple recipe to make a single cocktail, or scale it up to make a pitcher cocktail for a thirsty crowd.

Tools You’ll Need

• Small Saucepan
• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger

Here’s What Goes Into the Cocktail

• Bourbon. Bourbon is hands-down my favorite alcohol to mix with fresh apple cider, but you can also swap in an American whiskey. This recipe would also be great with a darker rum.
• Apple Cider. ‘Tis the season for real apple cider, so try and get the good stuff! Look for freshly pressed apple cider in the refrigerated produce area of your grocery store. Skip anything that’s been sweetened or is already spiced since we’ll be doctoring it up with some brown sugar and cinnamon to make the syrup.
• Sparkling wine. I like making this cocktail with a dry sparkling wine for extra fizz. If you want to cut down on the alcohol, try swapping in some non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider.
• Lemon juice. Your bourbon cider cocktail will not taste like lemon, I promise! It simply brightens up the flavor and makes the apple flavor more pronounced.
• Vanilla bean. A real vanilla bean totally makes the apple cider syrup, but you can swap in vanilla extract if necessary.
• Cinnamon sticks. Use cinnamon sticks to flavor the syrup and for a fun cocktail garnish.

How to Make a Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz Cocktail

1. Make the apple cider syrup. The apple cider is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, then simmered for 20 to 30 minutes until reduced. I always stir in the brown sugar off the heat and wait until it’s dissolved and the mixture is cool before using.
2. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake it up. You’ll need to strain the cocktail over ice and then top it off with the sparkling wine. If you try shaking up the wine in the cocktail shaker, you’ll end up with a big mess!