Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
A refreshing Apple Cider Whiskey Sour made with whiskey, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup. This easy fall cocktail is sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced—perfect for cozy evenings and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces whiskey
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces cinnamon simple syrup
- 2 ounces fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Apple slices for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Syrup
- Add brown sugar, water, and a cinnamon stick to a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Cool the Syrup
- Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool. Take out the cinnamon stick before using.
Step 3: Add the Cocktail Ingredients
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add whiskey, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
Step 4: Shake Well
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the drink is well chilled.
Step 5: Pour
- Strain the cocktail into two ice-filled glasses.
Step 6: Garnish
- Add an apple slice and cinnamon stick to each glass. Serve immediately.
Notes
The key to a good whiskey sour is balance. If your cider is very sweet, start with less cinnamon syrup. If the drink tastes too sharp, add a little more syrup.
I recommend making the cinnamon syrup ahead of time whenever possible. Once cooled, it makes assembling the cocktails much faster.
For the best flavor, shake each drink with fresh ice rather than simply stirring everything together in the glass.
If you’re using Jack Daniel’s Apple or another apple-flavored whiskey, you can create a sweeter variation of this recipe. Just taste before adding all the cinnamon syrup so the cocktail doesn’t become overly sweet.