Spiced Orchard Bourbon
Course: Recipes, Signature Bourbon DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
This drink captures the essence of a crisp autumn afternoon, blending the bright acidity of fresh apple cider with the warming glow of cinnamon and clove. It is a harmonious transition from light orchard fruit to the deep, vanilla-soaked finish of a well-aged bourbon.
Servings
1
servingsPrep time
10
minutesTotal time
15
minutesIngredients
2 oz High-quality Bourbon
3 oz Unfiltered Apple Cider (fresh-pressed is best)
1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 oz Ginger liqueur (or 1 tsp ginger-infused honey)
2 dashes Cinnamon or Black Walnut bitters
Garnish: A dehydrated apple slice and a fresh cinnamon stick
- For the Rim:
1 tbsp brown sugar mixed with….
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
- Prepare the Spiced Rim: Moisten the rim of your glass with a lemon wedge. Dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture on a small plate, rotating until evenly coated. Set the glass aside.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, unfiltered apple cider, lemon juice, and ginger liqueur.
- Add Bitters: Add the bitters. The Black Walnut variety adds a savory “orchard floor” depth, while cinnamon bitters amplify the spice.
- Shake to Chill: Fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frost-cold.
- Strain: Double-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your prepared glass. If using a highball glass, fill with fresh ice first; if using a coupe, serve up (without ice).
- Garnish and Serve: Slap a fresh cinnamon stick against your palm to release the oils and drop it in. Top with a dehydrated apple slice.
Notes
- Use Unfiltered Cider: Avoid “apple juice” from the shelf. Unfiltered cider contains apple solids that provide a rustic texture and a cloudy, authentic appearance essential for this recipe.
- The Ginger Element: If you don’t have ginger liqueur, muddle a small coin of fresh ginger in the shaker before adding the liquids to get that signature “orchard bite.”
- Temperature Play: This recipe can also be served hot! Simply heat the cider and spices in a saucepan, then stir in the bourbon just before serving to prevent the alcohol from boiling off.