Apple Cider Whiskey Using Rye Whiskey

Our Apple Cider Whiskey using Rye Splash Whiskey goes down easy, but it kicks like a mule! This delicious fall cocktail is to enjoy over the holiday season.

Apple Cider Whiskey Using Rye Whiskey

With the arrival of autumn, the days shorten, temperatures drop, and trees lose their respective leaves in a mass shed of earth tones like muted fireworks in reverse. I like the coolness of this time of year just fine, and mixing up a respectable apple cider cocktail doesn’t hurt either. 

What you will need to make our Apple Cider Rye Splash

Rye Whiskey. For this cocktail, I used Two James Spirits Catcher’s Rye because it imbues the cocktail with smokey notes that play well with the apple cider and spice. 

Apple Cider. Apple cider only makes a limited appearance, so I like to use it in as many cocktails as possible during the fall and winter months. And if you didn’t already know, it makes a mean cocktail. 

Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed citrus juices are the way to go, and using them in this cocktail brightens up your evening like an Indian summer. 

Jalapeño Spiced  Honey Syrup. Here is a simple syrup that almost steals the show. It possesses a sweet heat that’s perfect for this cocktail with hints of seasonal spice. 

Bitters. Orange bitters help add balance to this cocktail, and balance is the benchmark of a damn fine cocktail. 

Granny Smith Garnish. I like the sour tang of a Granny Smith apple, and a thin sliver of this garnish adds a bit of greenery to the whole affair!

So, let’s give it up to one of the best harvest cocktails this side of an apple orchard! While we’re at it, how about we give a big toast to the legacy of the man himself, Mr. Johnny Appleseed! Now, it’s officially autumn so let’s drink up!

Apple Cider Whiskey Using Rye Whiskey

Ingredients:

Makes a single cocktail

• 1 1/2-ounces rye whiskey
• 1 1/2 ounces apple cider
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1-ounce jalapeño spice honey syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
• Granny Smith apple slices for garnish

Jalapeño Honey & Spice Syrup

• 2 cups ginger beer
• 1 cup of raw sugar
• 1 cup clove honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1-star anise pods
• 2 whole cloves
• 3 cardamom pods
• 3 serrano peppers cut lengthwise

If you want to learn how to make a delicious rye whiskey cocktail, it’s best to start with killer rye whiskey! I’m partial to Two James Spirits Catcher’s Rye, but I’m biased. Now that you have the recipe, all you have to do is mix this one up! I am pretty sure you’re going to love it. Cheers!

To make the simple syrup:

Place a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add ginger beer, raw sugar, and clove honey and stir until the sugar has dissolved; add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and the three serrano peppers cut lengthwise, seeds included.

When the mixture comes to a low boil, then remove from heat. Place a tight-fitting lid over the saucepan and steep for 8 minutes. Pour the syrup into a Mason jar style and screw on the lid. Keeps in the fridge for up to two to three (2-3) weeks. 

Preparation:

1. Add the rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, jalapeño spice honey syrup, Angostura orange bitters, and chilled apple cider into a cocktail shaker.
2. Secure the lid, and shake vigorously for thirty (30) seconds.
3. Strain over ice and garnish with thinly sliced green apple.
4. Serve.