Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz

The Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz is a sparkling fall cocktail that combines rich bourbon with crisp apple cider and a splash of citrus. Topped with sparkling wine, it’s light and festive while still carrying depth and warmth. The lemon juice brightens the drink, balancing the cider’s sweetness and bourbon’s boldness. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, it offers both aromatic charm and seasonal flair. Perfect for autumn celebrations, holiday dinners, or cozy evenings, this cocktail blends sophistication with approachability, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

---

Tasting Notes

The Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz is a balanced cocktail that combines richness, freshness, and sparkle. Bourbon provides warmth with caramel, oak, and vanilla notes, while apple cider adds crisp sweetness that softens the whiskey’s depth. Lemon juice sharpens the drink with a bright, tart lift. Sparkling wine finishes the cocktail with bubbles and dryness, creating a lively texture that contrasts the richness of bourbon. A cinnamon stick garnish adds subtle spice and aromatic warmth, enhancing the drink’s seasonal appeal. Refreshing yet layered, this cocktail is equally fitting for festive celebrations or relaxed evenings at home.

Equipment and Glassware

This Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz requires just a few simple tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for blending and chilling the bourbon, cider, and lemon juice. A strainer ensures a smooth pour over fresh ice. A jigger helps measure ingredients precisely, balancing the strength of bourbon with the cider’s sweetness and lemon’s acidity. A bar spoon is optional but useful for a gentle stir before topping with sparkling wine. For serving, a rocks or stemless wine glass works best, providing enough room for ice and bubbles. A cinnamon stick garnish completes the look, adding both aroma and visual appeal.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 2 ounces apple cider
• 0.5 ounce lemon juice
• 2 ounces sparkling wine
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and a bit of ice.
• Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
• Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with sparkling wine to add a bubbly finish.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick for an aromatic touch.

Pro Tips

• Use a bold bourbon for stronger flavor.
• Freshly pressed cider enhances the drink’s fruit character.
• Choose a dry sparkling wine to balance sweetness.
• Chill ingredients before mixing for a crisper cocktail.
• Add sparkling wine gently to preserve bubbles.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick or thin apple slice.
• Serve in chilled glassware for a longer-lasting fizz.

When to Serve

The Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz is perfect for autumn and holiday entertaining. Its combination of bourbon and sparkling wine makes it versatile enough for casual gatherings or festive celebrations. Serve it as a pre-dinner cocktail at Thanksgiving, during holiday parties, or at New Year’s toasts where a seasonal twist on bubbly feels fitting. The cocktail pairs beautifully with roasted meats, spiced appetizers, or sweet desserts like apple pie. With its balance of warmth, fruit, and fizz, this drink works equally well as a celebratory centerpiece or a cozy evening sip.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Bourbon: Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Buffalo Trace.
• Apple Cider: Martinelli’s, Red Jacket, or orchard-pressed cider.
• Sparkling Wine: La Marca Prosecco, Mionetto Brut, or Korbel Brut.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed for brightness.
• Garnish: McCormick cinnamon sticks for aroma and presentation.

Similar Cocktails

• Thanksgiving Sangria
• Cinnamon Apple Margarita
• Autumn Apple
• Maple Bourbon Harvest
• Rhubarb Bourbon Sour