One of my favorite things to do this time of year is shake up fall seasonal cocktails using fresh ingredients that compliment one another, like this Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail. I also love to pick up fresh apple cider from the local farmer's markets around town to incorporate into drinks or to enjoy all on it's own. While hot apple cider drinks are quintessential fall, it's still been pretty warm where I'm at in October in Columbus, Ohio so I decided to kick off this season with a cold one first. While making my own apple cider and letting it simmer in the slow cooker all day is also lovely, this is a faster version.
Ingredients needed for Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail:
I decided to use bourbon for this cocktail for a couple reasons. First, because bourbon (or whiskey in general) is my cold weather spirit of choice. But second, I did a poll on my Instagram sharing a picture of these gorgeous plums and asked my followers what liquor I should shake them with. Bourbon reined supreme. If you don't already follow me on Instagram (@cuisineandcocktails), I like to ask for feedback, and let my followers decide in the moment what they'd like me to use from time to time. Feel free to also drop suggestions in the comments here though!
These plums looked juicy and delicious, and I love their deep color, so I had to snag them for a drink. Plums are in season through October, so now is a great time to get your fix. Thyme compliments plums well, and is also in season through fall, so I decided to add some as well. Then all we need is some lemon juice for a tart kick and to round the cocktail out nicely. I didn't feel the need to add any simple syrup or sweetener, because the apple cider is already pretty sugary.
Directions to make:
The cocktail only requires some ice, a shaker, strainer and some cute glasses. I love these small glass mugs. In a shaker add bourbon, lemon juice, slices of plum and a few thyme sprigs. Muddle into liquid. Add apple cider and ice, then shake for 60 seconds. Strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of plum, thyme sprig and cinnamon stick if you'd like!
Sip on one this fall weekend! Also would be perfect through November to serve at Thanksgiving.
Want to try the apple cider used in this Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail?
We scored it from Reeb's Farm on the south side of Columbus. We also went overboard on pumpkins and gourds. Find their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReebsFarmMarket/
If you enjoyed this recipe you might also enjoy:
Hot Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail (with plums & thyme)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add bourbon, lemon, plum and thyme to a shaker. Muddle the plum and thyme into the liquid.
- Add ice and apple cider. Shake for 60 seconds.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish.
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