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    Spiced Bourbon Cocktail

    October 14, 2024

    Our best spiced bourbon cocktail features a cranberry-orange simple syrup and apple cider to celebrate the flavors of the season. Served in a chilled coupe, it’s the perfect way to celebrate.

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    3 spiced bourbon cocktails in coupe glasses made with cranberry-orange simple syrup and garnished with an orange peel twist
    Photography by Gayle McLeod

    Looking for more great bourbon cocktails?

    The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipe

    We love a warming bourbon drink when the temperature drops. From our easy Bourbon Punch, or classic Old-Fashioned, to the more refined Paper Plane (once it’s in a coupe we feel fancy), this apple cider bourbon cocktail is great to make individually or as a punch. Serve it before a meal with our Cheese Board, Baked Brie, or Shrimp Cocktail. It’s the perfect thing to pair with any of our favorite holiday appetizers like Stuffed Mushrooms or our Onion Cheese Ball.

    bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, sparkling wine, cranberries, cinnamon stick, sugar and orange peel in prep bowls

    Simple Bourbon Cocktail Ingredients

    • Bourbon – you can use a good budget bourbon like Old Grandad or Four Roses if you’re making this as a punch

    • Apple cider

    • Fresh lemon juice

    • Cranberry-Orange Simple Syrup – orange peel, fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar

    • Sparkling wine

    • Orange peel, for serving

    orange peel, cranberries, cinnamon stick, sugar and water simmering in a pot for cranberry-orange simple syrup

    How to Make Spiced Bourbon Cocktail

    1. Make the simple syrup. This can be done up to two weeks in advance.

    2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and Cranberry-Orange Simple Syrup.

    3. Add ice, cover, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is chilled, about 30 seconds.

    4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with the sparkling wine and garnish with the orange peel. We love this punch bowl if you’re serving this as a pre-batched cocktail.

    bourbon and apple cider being added to a cocktail shaker with ice to make a spiced bourbon cocktail
    a spiced bourbon cocktail being poured out of a cocktail shaker into a coupe glass

    How to Store + Tips

    • Can I batch this? Yes! We tested it as a punch. Pre-batch the amount you’ll be serving, top with 3 ounces sparkling wine per person, and add ice just before guests arrive.

    • Store the cranberry-orange simple syrup in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    • Don’t like bourbon? This drink is just as good with gin or vodka, although a little less spiced.

    • Make it a mocktail: Skip the booze all together and double the lemon juice and simple syrup. Top with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail.

    • Check out our Thanksgiving Roundup for more serving ideas.

    • While it’s usually thought of as a summer drink, we actually think Aperol Spritz is a perfect holiday cocktail, too! Easy to make, low-ABV, and the sparkling wine is already flowing.

    3 spiced bourbon cocktails in coupe glasses made with cranberry-orange simple syrup and garnished with an orange twist

    More Festive Drink Recipes From The Modern Proper

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    Spiced Bourbon Cocktail

    Updated on October 14, 2024

    • Serves:  1
    • Prep Time:  30 min
    • Cook Time:  0 min
    • Calories:  275
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    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • 1 ounce apple cider
    • ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
    • 1 ounce Cranberry-Orange Simple Syrup (recipe below)
    • Sparkling wine
    • Orange peel, for serving

    Cranberry-Orange Simple Syrup

    • 6 (3-inch) strips orange peel, pith removed (from 1 medium orange)
    • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • ½ cup sugar

    Method

    Make the Cranberry-Orange Simple Syrup:

    1. Make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, heat the orange peel, cranberries, cinnamon stick, sugar, and ½ cup water over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar is just dissolved, about 5 minutes.

    2. Let cool completely, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Store in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Makes ½ cup.


    Make the Cocktail:

    1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and Cranberry-Orange Simple Syrup. Add ice, cover, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with the sparkling wine and garnish with the orange peel.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories 275
    • Protein 0 g
    • Carbohydrates 6 g
    • Total Fat 0 g
    • Dietary Fiber 0 g
    • Cholesterol 0 mg
    • sodium 10 mg
    • Total Sugars 5 g

    Spiced Bourbon Cocktail

    Questions & Reviews

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    • Holly

      Made it as written and it was lovely! Originally when I skimmed the recipe I missed the topping it with the sparkling wine part. Luckily I reread it! I want to come up with a similar drink without the sparkling wine.... it's not something I usually have on hand or want to open a bottle for in order to make two cocktails. This will definitely go on my list for holiday entertaining!

      Thanks Holly, we are so glad you loved it!

    • Kay

      Fabulous. 5 Stars.

      Thanks! Glad you loved it