Fall is descending upon us! The weather is changing, and along with that, the desire to eat and drink more seasonal fare. I crave a cozier type of cocktail and say goodbye to frozen drinks until next year.

I think autumn beverages should give you that warm fuzzy feeling like your favorite sweater you just brought out for the season. That’s the way I feel about Bourbon. Bourbon gives you that warm hug, and when you pair it with Apple Cider, you’ve got yourself a fun, comforting cocktail that I call the Bourbon Apple Barrel.

The Bourbon Apple Barrel is the easiest drink you can make! It doesn’t require a cocktail shaker. Generally, all Bourbon drinks should be stirred, not shaken.

So with this, you just pour a couple of shots of Bourbon with a couple of shots of Apple Cider, and a few drops of Walnut Bitters, and garnish with Star Anise and a smoky cinnamon stick! Well, that’s Fall Y’all in a glass!

The Key to This Drink

The key to this drink is in the garnishes!

You take a cinnamon stick, light it on fire, and dunk the still-smoking end right into your drink. This cocktail picks up the smokiness, plus it enhances the flavor of cinnamon.

You then add a couple of Star Anise, which will add a mild warmth to this drink. So these Fall-type additions, along with the dark, herbaceous but slightly sweet taste of the Walnut Bitters, make this the perfect cocktail to enjoy while watching the leaves fall on a delightful Fall day.

How to Make a Bourbon Apple Barrel

Fill your glass with ice: Start with a mason jar or your favorite cocktail glass.
Add the ingredients: Pour in 2 shots of Bourbon, 2 shots of Apple Cider, 4 drops of Walnut Bitters, and a small squeeze of lemon.
Stir gently: Mix the ingredients without shaking.
Light the cinnamon stick: Carefully light one end of the cinnamon stick with a lighter, letting it burn for a few seconds.
Dunk the cinnamon stick: While it’s still smoking, dip the cinnamon stick into your cocktail.
Garnish: Add 2 dried Star Anises to the drink.
Enjoy: Sip and savor your perfect fall cocktail!

Big Batch

You could make a big batch and invite friends over for the first campfire of the season. Just mix the Bourbon and Cider in a pitcher, then pour over individual glasses filled with ice. Then do your smoky trick with the cinnamon stick and impress your guests with your fabulous cocktail finesse!

Perfect Pairings for the Bourbon Apple Barrel

When enjoying a Bourbon Apple Barrel, consider pairing it with appetizers that complement its warm, autumnal flavors. The Apple & Maple Butternut Squash Crostini offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory, with apple and squash flavors that echo the cocktail’s apple cider base. For a sweet treat, Apple Roses in Puff Pastry brings out the cinnamon notes in the drink, while the flaky pastry adds a satisfying crunch.

For a savory option, Chickies in a Blanket provides a salty contrast that balances the Bourbon Apple Barrel’s sweetness. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for any fall gathering, making them the ideal accompaniment to your cocktail.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delightful seasonal drink as much as I do. Whether you’re savoring it solo or sharing it with friends, the Bourbon Apple Barrel is sure to become your go-to cocktail this fall. Cheers to my favorite time of the year, and happy Fall Y’all!