The Best Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Sour

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Sip on an Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Sour that combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweet flavors of cinnamon and apples. This festive bourbon cocktail features smoky Bourbon, Fresh Apple Cider, and Cinnamon Syrup made from scratch. Perfect for sipping by a crackling fire and savoring the crisp cool days of fall.

It’s officially apple season here in Washington. The apple orchards are a-buzz as some of the early varieties have reached their peak and are ready for picking.

It’s the perfect time of year really, the warm summer days are still lingering, but the evenings are cooling down and you can smell the crisp early autumn air approaching. What better way to enjoy such a perfect season than with an Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Sour? Serve this up with warm Apple Hand Pies or Apple Cider Whoopie Pies and it’s a party!

What is a Sour?

A Sour is a mixed drink that consists of a base spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The classic Whiskey Sour is a very popular drink, and this recipe puts an autumn twist on a Whiskey Sour. For some more interesting history of Sour cocktails Difford’s Guide is a great read.

Which Spirit is best?

This recipe calls for Bourbon, but Whiskey or an aged Rum would taste great too. I think Bourbon works especially well as it lends a wonderful smoky, caramel quality that pairs great with lemon and cinnamon.

Ingredients you will need:

• Bourbon. Pick your favorite. I’m partial to Bulleit Bourbon, but Wild Turkey is also fitting for Thanksgiving cocktail.
• Triple Sec. You can also take it up a notch with Grand Marnier if your budget allows.
• Apple Cider. Nothing beats fresh apple cider when in season. You can also use pure pressed apple juice that is not from concentrate (and without added sugar).
• Lemon Juice. Fresh squeezed is always preferred, but in a pinch bottled lemon juice will work too. I like Santa Cruz Pure Lemon juice that is not from concentrate.
• Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup. I recommend you make this from scratch. It is easy to make and tastes so much better than commercial syrup with preservatives or artificial flavors. Jump to recipe below.
• Aromatic Bitters. Angostura Bitters or The Bitter Housewife Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters is also a great option.

Tools you will need:

• Boston Shaker
• Measuring Jigger
• Cocktail Strainer
• A sour glass or double old-fashioned glass.

How to make an Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Sour:

1. With your measuring jigger add all ingredients except the bitters to your cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain over fresh ice in your glass and add a few drops of bitters on top.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge or cinnamon stick if desired.
5. Cheers!

How to make Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4-6 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Add equal parts water and white sugar to a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add 4-6 cinnamon sticks. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat then cover with a lid and let sit for a minimum of one hour before you use it. The longer you let it sit the more flavor you will get from the cinnamon.
4. Next, add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
5. Transfer to a syrup bottle with a tight seal.

Note: You can remove the cinnamon sticks if you want, but I prefer to leave them in so they continue to marinade and add more cinnamon flavor. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to make this cocktail for a crowd:

Simply multiply every ingredient by the number of drinks you want to make. You can use a large mixing glass or pitcher and stir the ingredients with ice until condensation forms on the glass. To make it easier to pour the drinks you’ll want to remove the ice and pour over fresh ice.

More must-try Fall Cocktails:

• Mouth-Watering Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
• Delicious Cranberry Old Fashioned
• Easy Spiced Pomegranate Rum Sour Cocktail
• Festive Cranberry Thanksgiving Margaritas
• Festive Aperol Gin Cinnamon Spritz Cocktail

Now Milton, let's not be greedy. Share it!