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Fresh apple cider is key to this drink. It gives the cocktail its sweet and tart base. I like to use local cider for the best flavor. Look for cider that has no added sugar or preservatives. You need about 2 cups of fresh apple cider for four servings. This cider brings warmth and comfort, perfect for fall. To make this drink pop, we add a few flavorings. I use 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated, for a spicy kick. Ginger adds warmth that pairs well with the cider. Next, I add 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness. Adjust this to your taste. Then, I sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices remind you of cozy fall days. They blend well with the apple cider and bourbon. Garnishes make your drink look great. I love to use fresh mint leaves. You’ll need 4 leaves for the drink and more for garnish. The mint adds a fresh aroma that makes every sip refreshing. For the glass, fill it with ice cubes to chill the drink. Lastly, add apple slices on top for a beautiful finish. This simple touch makes the drink even more appealing. Start by grabbing a mixing pitcher. Add 2 cups of fresh apple cider. Next, add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir well until the honey dissolves. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices will add warmth to the drink. Stir again to ensure everything blends well. Now, let’s add some fresh mint. Take 4 mint leaves and drop them into the mixture. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to press down gently on the leaves. This helps release the minty flavor. Be careful not to tear the leaves too much. You want a nice mint flavor, not mush. It’s time to put the drink together. Fill your glasses with ice cubes. Pour the apple cider mixture over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full. Now, top off each drink with sparkling water for that fizzy touch. Finally, stir each glass gently to mix the flavors. For a lovely garnish, add apple slices and a mint leaf on top. Enjoy your refreshing Apple Cider Bourbon Smash! You can change the sweetness to fit your taste. Start with one tablespoon of honey. Taste the mix after stirring. If you want it sweeter, add more honey, one teaspoon at a time. This way, you control the sweetness. Remember, the apple cider itself is sweet. So, taste as you go! Pick a fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Look for cider without added sugar or preservatives. A good cider tastes crisp and fruity. If you can, try local options. They often taste better and support nearby farms. When you find the right cider, your drink will shine. Garnishes make drinks look fun. Use fresh apple slices for a pop of color. They also add a nice touch of flavor. Add a mint leaf on top for freshness. You can even freeze mint leaves in ice cubes for a twist. This way, your drink stays cold and looks cool! {{image_2}} You can enjoy a tasty Apple Cider Bourbon Smash without alcohol. Just skip the bourbon and add more apple cider. This drink still tastes great! Here’s how: - Use 3 cups of fresh apple cider. - Add 1 cup of sparkling water for fizz. - Mix in ginger, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg as usual. - Muddle the mint and pour over ice. This version is perfect for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol. Want to spice up your drink? You can easily add different flavors. Here are some ideas: - Cloves: Add a pinch of ground cloves for warmth. - Allspice: Mix in a little allspice for a unique taste. - Cardamom: A dash of cardamom can give a nice twist. Feel free to experiment with spice amounts. Each spice gives a different vibe to your cocktail. You can make this drink fruitier too! Adding fruits can change the flavor and look. Here are some fun ideas: - Citrus Fruits: Try adding orange or lemon slices. - Berries: Toss in some fresh raspberries or blueberries for color. - Pineapple: A few pineapple chunks can add a tropical touch. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you add more fruit. Enjoy your fruity Apple Cider Bourbon Smash! If you have leftover apple cider mix, store it in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to stir it before serving again. The flavors meld together nicely. You can enjoy it chilled or over ice. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Store fresh apple cider in the fridge. Keep grated ginger in a cool, dry place. Mint leaves should stay in a damp paper towel. Place them in a plastic bag for extra freshness. If you cut apple slices, use them right away. They brown quickly, but a squeeze of lemon juice helps. Fresh apple cider lasts about a week in the fridge. Once opened, use it within five days. Grated ginger keeps for about a week. Mint leaves can last about one week too. Honey and spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, last much longer. Keep them in a cool, dark place for the best flavor. Yes, you can switch the bourbon for other spirits. Rye whiskey adds a spicy kick. Vodka gives a clean taste, while spiced rum brings warmth. Each choice will change the drink's flavor, so feel free to experiment. To make more Apple Cider Bourbon Smash, simply multiply the ingredients. For a batch of eight drinks, use: - 4 cups fresh apple cider - 2 cups sparkling water - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste) - 2 teaspoons cinnamon - 2 teaspoons nutmeg - 8 fresh mint leaves Mix everything in a large pitcher. Serve over ice in individual glasses. Top with sparkling water, and garnish as usual. This drink fits many fall events. Serve it at harvest parties, Thanksgiving, or Halloween gatherings. It also works well for cozy nights by the fire. Enjoy it during game day or when friends drop by. The fresh flavors delight everyone, making it a go-to choice. This blog post covered how to make an Apple Cider Bourbon Smash. We discussed key ingredients like fresh apple cider and flavorings. You learned step-by-step instructions, from mixing to garnishing. Tips on sweetness and storage helped ensure your drink stays fresh. Finally, we explored variations, including alcohol-free options. Experiment with your drink, and have fun personalizing it! Enjoy making this refreshing treat for your next gathering or special occasion.

Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

Dive into fall flavors with this delicious Apple Cider Bourbon Smash! This refreshing cocktail blends fresh apple cider with ginger, honey, and warm spices for a cozy drink perfect for any gathering. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's easy to make and sure to impress. Explore the full recipe and tips for the perfect garnish to elevate your cocktail experience. Click through now and take your autumn evenings to a whole new level!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh apple cider

1 cup sparkling water

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

4 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish

Ice cubes

Apple slices for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing pitcher, combine the fresh apple cider, grated ginger, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved.

    Add the mint leaves to the mixture and gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor.

      Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the apple cider mixture over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.

        Top off each drink with sparkling water to add fizz.

          Stir gently to combine the ingredients in each glass.

            Garnish with apple slices and a mint leaf on top of each drink for a refreshing touch.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4