Martha's Cider-Bourbon Cocktail

This apple cider cocktail just might be the drink of fall—and it also happens to be Martha's favorite Thanksgiving cocktail. Sometimes she calls it a cider bourbon smash or a sour—whatever you call it, it’s a winner.

The simple combination of fresh apple cider, lemon juice (to balance out the sweetness of the cider), fresh ginger for a kick, and bourbon for warmth is sublime. Of course, Martha uses her homemade apple cider, but store-bought is fine for this drink. Break out your cocktail shaker and make a drink for two—or go with our big-batch version, a stirred take on this fall cocktail that's perfect for entertaining a crowd. 

Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice

Apple cider and apple juice are often mistaken for each other, but there are some notable differences.

Apple Cider

Apple cider is made from pressed fresh apples. Unfiltered and raw, it doesn’t contain any added sugar, is minimally processed, and usually unpasteurized. It tends to be slightly darker than apple juice, more opaque, and often has residue at the bottom of the container. Because it contains no preservatives, apple cider has a shorter shelf life than apple juice. Martha makes apple cider every fall from apples on her farm.

Apple Juice

Apple juice also starts with fresh apples, which are then pressed, filtered, and sweetened. Apple juice usually contains preservatives for stability and has a translucent, golden color.

Serving Ideas and Garnishes

This is a simple fall cocktail with several ideas for serving:

• Plan ahead and make "ice cubes" with apple cider—they will keep your drink cool but won't water it down as they melt. (Martha doesn’t like to dilute her cocktails!) You can make regular ice cubes with apple cider, or large cubes or spheres, one for each glass.
  
• Serve in a stemmed cocktail glass, such as a coupe or serve in a lowball glass. (Your choice of glass impacts the look and taste of the drink.)
• For a sweeter version, rim the glasses. Dip them in lemon juice then rim them in brown sugar.
• Cut thin slices of a lady apple or another small apple (so you can round slices that fit in your glass). Use a mandolin to get wafer-thin slices.
  

Make a Pitcher Version for a Crowd

For entertaining, you can make this drink as a big-batch cocktail that's stirred rather than shaken:

1. In a pitcher, combine 3 cups apple cider, 1 cup bourbon, 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 8 thin slices fresh ginger, and 8 to 12 thin slices from a small apple.
2. Stir well and chill. Serve over ice.