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Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Margaritas: The Easiest Fall Cocktail

Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Margaritas - featured image
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A sophisticated yet simple fall cocktail combining smoky bourbon, tart apple cider, and rich maple syrup, finished with a cinnamon-sugar rim. Perfect for autumn gatherings, this drink comes together in under 10 minutes and is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) bourbon whiskey (recommended: Bulleit or Woodford Reserve)
  • 3 ounces (90 ml) fresh apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber)
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce (15 ml) orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
  • Ice (enough to fill glass and shaker)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rim)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rim)
  • Lime wedge (for rim)
  • Apple slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glasses: Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly. Set aside.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  3. Add 2 ounces bourbon, 3 ounces apple cider, 1 ounce maple syrup, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and 1/2 ounce orange liqueur to the shaker.
  4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
  5. Fill the prepared glasses with fresh ice (not the ice from the shaker).
  6. Strain the cocktail into the glasses. For a smoother drink, use a fine mesh strainer.
  7. Garnish with a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a fresh rosemary sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a pitcher version (serves 8-10), multiply all ingredients by 8 and mix in a pitcher without ice. Store leftover cocktail mixture (without ice) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen over time. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and skip the orange liqueur; add an extra splash of apple cider and a tiny pinch of salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall cocktail, maple bourbon, apple cider margarita, easy cocktail, autumn drink, bourbon cocktail, cinnamon rim

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