At some point during the Fall, I get tired of the pumpkin things and move on to the apple things. I go out and buy the best apple cider available, the Trader Joe’s spiced apple cider, and then I make everything I can with it. The cocktail I’m sharing today is a result of some experimentation with this apple cider and my lack of other specialty ingredients… and it turned out to be AMAZING!

Previously, my favorite Fall cocktail involved buying apple cider, heating it up, and putting bourbon in it. Let’s be honest, this is still perfectly wonderful, but this new found concoction is truly a gem. It is so balanced and delicious, it’s hard to stop drinking. It makes you feel like you went out for cocktails at a restaurant, something we all need in 2020.

Sweet apple cider is paired with a spicy rye whiskey. A dash of cinnamon simple syrup (for Fall flavor, made with things I had at home) and a splash of sour lemon take this cocktail to another level. I love it. Kyle loves it. And the other magical thing about this drink is that you can make it with vodka instead of rye, it still tastes amazing, and then pretty much anyone will love it. I know this because my best friend made it virtually with me with vodka and she hates whiskey and she loves it with vodka. Never did I think I could bring the whiskey and vodka lovers together over one cocktail!

I’m planning to whip these up for everyone on Thanksgiving while we’re cooking in the kitchen – hopefully we can stay focused on the cooking!