Apple Cider Cocktail

Published 11/28/2020 • Updated 7/18/2023 Don’t forget about the garnish. We used fresh rosemary in this Apple Cider Cocktail recipe for the cherry on top.

Holiday Cocktail Love

There’s nothing better than a stiff drink over the holidays. Two of my favorite are a Hot Toddy and our Rosemary Vodka Collins recipe. I love this Apple Cider Cocktail because it’s sweet with a touch of sour. Oh, and so easy to make! This cocktail recipe is great to whip up for 1 or 2 people or for a crowd. We’ll teach you how to make both!

What You Need for an Apple Cider Cocktail

rye whiskey – you can also use bourbon! apple cider – feel free to make your own (try our Instant Pot Apple Cider) or buy some at the store. fresh orange juice – you can squeeze your own juice from oranges or use pre-squeeze orange juice. sugar – all you need is a pinch. rosemary – rosemary is such a fun herb flavor addition to this recipe! Don’t skip it. Plus, it’s pretty. bitters – sweet + sour = love. ice – ice is used to make this cocktail cold, however, it is NOT served over ice.

Large Batch Apple Cider Cocktail

Looking to serve a crowd? You can totally whip up a large batch of this Apple Cider Cocktail. If you want to get fancy, you can even serve it in a punch bowl with ice, fresh rosemary, and orange slices. Here’s how to serve 8:

16-oz. rye whiskey (2 cups) 12-oz. apple cider (1.5 cups) 4 oz. fresh orange juice (1/2 cup) 1/2 teaspoon sugar 8 sprig fresh rosemary 20 dashes bitters 4 cups ice

Place ice into a large pitcher. Then, add the rest of the ingredients into the pitcher and use a long spoon to mix. Serve immediately.