Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

Last updated on February 3rd, 2026

This time of year, I want apple everything! Apple cider is amazing served hot and cold! It’s also SUPER amazing when mixed up in a boozy beverage! This Apple Cider Whiskey Sour was bursting with flavors from cinnamon, apple, citrus, and of course – whiskey! This is a drink to warm the soul and make you feel allllll the fall vibes! So, grab your flannel, grab your friends, mix up a couple of these and head out to the bonfire! This was super easy to make, and these cocktails are totally fitting from fall into the winter!

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Where does apple cider come from?

The very first apple trees to ever exist were near the Nile River in ancient Egypt! How nuts, right?! Apple trees are really, REALLY old! Fermenting wild apples into cider began in Pre-Roman Europe, roughly before the 1st century BCE, and the process was later refined by the Greeks and Romans. The Normans introduced apple orchards and the word “cider” to England, increasing popularity in Europe. During Colonial times, early settlers brought apple seeds to the US and the trees really took off! Beer was hard to brew because grain was hard to obtain at this time, and so cider became the next best thing – especially since the water was often unsafe to drink.

Later on in the 19th century, came Johnny Appleseed aka John Chapman – a legend, though it’s unclear how many apple trees he actually planted in the US. The trees he did plant were not intended to be for apples to munch on, they were actually planted specifically for making cider, hard cider! Johnny’s primary goal was to profit from the sale of apple seeds, though. While Johnny was a large part of American Folklore, he was indeed a real person who contributed to many of the Midwest apple orchards we have today. Today, in the US and Canada – the term “apple cider” refers to unpasteurized non-alcoholic apple juice, while hard cider is a fermented alcoholic version. Though, most apple cider that you buy from the grocery store will be pasteurized for shelf life and safety. Apple cider exudes fall vibes and is typically served warm with spices! Here in the Midwest, we really go wild for it!

Did you know?

Washington state produces 60% of the apples in the US! That’s 6.9 million tons every year – yes, tons, literally. From Galas to Honeycrisps, Washington orchards are the beating heart of America’s apple supply!

What ingredients do I need to make this cocktail?

Apple Cider
Whiskey
Lemon
Apple Pie Spice

For serving:

Sliced Apple
Cinnamon Sticks
Ice

What equipment do I need?

• Cocktail Shaker or Pitcher + Whisk
• Large Glasses
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Zester
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Small Glass Dish
• Juicer

How do I make it?

The first thing you’ll want to do is wash your produce. Then juice and zest your lemon and slice your apple. I don’t have a cocktail shaker, so I used a pitcher and a whisk, it worked great!

Add all ingredients besides the apples, ice, and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher and whisk until combined. If using a shaker, just add all ingredients to the shaker and shake it up!

Add some apple pie spice to a small dish or spread some on your cutting board, wet the rims of your glasses with some lemon juice, and roll the rims in the spices to coat.

Fill the glasses with ice and dump in the mixture! Garnish apple cider whiskey sour drinks with apple slices and a cinnamon stick in each. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If you can’t find apple pie spice, you can just use regular ground cinnamon with a little bit of granulated sugar mixed in instead
• Double or triple this recipe for a group! This will make two large cocktails.
• Use a high-quality Whiskey or Bourbon for the best flavor! It doesn’t have to be top shelf, Jack Daniel’s or Mount Royal will work great!

Check out some more of my festive cocktails!

• Cranberry Sangria
• Pear Bourbon Smash
• Clementine Bourbon Refresher

Looking for more apple recipes?

• Carrot Apple Walnut Salad
• Caramel Apple Pancakes
• Apple Cherry Muffins

Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

The Wholesome Spoon

This time of year, I want apple everything! Apple cider is amazing served hot and cold! It’s SUPER amazing when mixed up in a boozy beverage! This Apple Cider Whiskey Sour was bursting with flavors from cinnamon, apple, citrus, and of course – whiskey! This is a drink to warm the soul and make you feel allllll the fall vibes! So grab your flannel, grab your friends, mix up a couple of these and head out to the bonfire! This was super easy to make, and these cocktails are totally fitting from fall into the winter!

5 from 8 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker or pitcher + whisk
• Large Glasses
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Zester
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Small Glass Dish
• Juicer

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups Apple Cider
• 1 cup Whiskey
• 1 tsp Apple Pie Spice + more for the rim
• Juice and zest from one lemon

For serving:

• Ice
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Sliced Apple

Instructions

 

• I don't have a cocktail shaker, so I used a pitcher and a whisk, it worked great! Add all ingredients besides the apples, ice, and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher and whisk until combined. If you have a shaker, just add everything into it and shake!
• Add some apple pie spice to a small dish or spread some on your cutting board, wet the rims of your glasses with some lemon juice, and roll the rims in the spice to coat.
• Fill the glasses with ice and dump in the mixture!
• Garnish apple cider whiskey sour drinks with apple slices and a cinnamon stick in each. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 12ozCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.3mg

Please be aware that nutritional values are approximate and intended as a helpful guide

Keyword Apple Cider Cocktails, Cocktails with Whiskey, Fall Cocktails, Whiskey Sour Recipes

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