Vanilla Bourbon Cider Cocktail Recipe

Introduction

Seeking a cocktail that perfectly balances cozy spice, smooth vanilla, and the warm glow of bourbon? This Vanilla Bourbon Cider Cocktail is your answer. It’s as simple to make as it is impressive, marrying crisp apple cider with decadent vanilla notes and bold bourbon—making it an instant crowd-pleaser for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a fireside night in.

Why the Vanilla Bourbon Cider Cocktail Stands Out

The secret to this cocktail’s magic lies in its harmonious layers: rich bourbon, sweet-tart apple cider, and aromatic vanilla. A touch of maple syrup rounds everything out, while a cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh apple provide an inviting garnish. It’s an elevated twist on classic bourbon cocktails, delivering all the comfort of autumn in one glass while remaining effortless to put together.

Choosing Your Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

For the best results, use fresh-pressed apple cider or a high-quality unfiltered cider—its robust taste makes a world of difference. Select a bourbon with vanilla or caramel undertones to amplify the warmth of the vanilla extract. Consider pure vanilla extract (not imitation) for a clean, rich vanilla flavor, and don’t skip the maple syrup, which melds the sweet and spicy notes seamlessly.

Building the Vanilla Bourbon Cider Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, vanilla extract, and maple syrup with ice. Shake vigorously to chill and blend, then strain into your favorite rocks glass over fresh ice. Add a cinnamon stick for spice and a thin slice of apple for a touch of elegance. The result is a cocktail that warms you from the inside out—pure autumnal delight in beverage form.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Vanilla Bourbon Cider

Serve the cocktail in short glasses with a cinnamon stick or star anise stirring stick for enhanced aroma. For group gatherings, batch the ingredients in advance and simply pour over ice as needed. It’s a versatile drink—pair it with appetizers like cheese boards, roasted nuts, or apple desserts for a well-rounded flavor experience.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each cocktail contains roughly 200–250 calories, depending on your bourbon and maple syrup quantities. This recipe makes one drink, but scaling for a party is a breeze—just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests.

Vanilla Bourbon Cider Cocktail (Recap)

Combining apple cider, bourbon, vanilla, and a hint of maple, this cocktail is a simple-yet-sophisticated way to elevate your next gathering or cozy evening. It’s sure to warm spirits and spark conversation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically create a smart shopping list—organized by store section for efficient shopping and seamless cocktail party prep.

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
2. Add the bourbon, apple cider, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled and mixed.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice (add star anise or grated nutmeg if desired).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Vanilla Bourbon Cider Cocktail is ideal for meal planning and entertaining. Save and schedule this recipe with your other meals and hors d’oeuvres to generate a consolidated, efficient shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total quantities when batching cocktails for a group
– Merges all ingredients from every recipe into one organized shopping list
– Minimizes duplicate purchases and forgotten essentials
– Simplifies hosting, meal prepping, and last-minute drinks

Pro tip: If you’re planning a gathering, add all your party recipes and CookifyAI will optimize your shopping—so you have just the right amount of bourbon, cider, and garnishes to keep guests happy!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes