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Cinnamon Cider Whiskey Sour

Cinnamon Cider Whiskey Sour is a classic drink with a fall twist. Prefer a less-sweet cocktail? This one is for you!

A cinnamon cider whiskey sour cocktail in front of a plate of sliced apple and cinnamon sticks, a cocktail shaker and a bottle of cinnamon syrup

Our Progressive Eats theme this month is Holiday Cocktail Party, hosted by Liz of That Skinny Chick Can Bake, and this one is perfect for any of the holidays that fall in autumn or winter.

A traditional whiskey sour is an easy yet classy cocktail, made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar and sometimes an egg white for frothiness.

Cider whiskey sour being poured into a cocktail glass

How to Make a Whiskey Sour

It's as easy as adding ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shaking and pouring the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass.

The trick to a great whiskey sour is finding the right balance of whiskey, simple syrup and lemon juice for your particular taste.

What is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a mixture of water and sugar, heated until the sugar dissolves. It can be flavored by adding herbs, spices, fruit, etc., to the mixture as it heats. The additions are usually strained out before storing the syrup, though leaving them in can make the flavor of the syrup stronger.

An overhead view of a glass of apple cider whiskey sour

FAQs

Q: Can I make the syrup in advance?
A: Yes! The syrup can be made up to 2 days in advance, and stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
A: You can, but the apple flavor in the cocktail won't be as strong.

Q: Can I make a big batch of this cocktail in advance?
A: Yes! You can scale the recipe up by increasing each ingredient proportionally (doubling each, tripling each, etc.) and mixing it in a pitcher. Store the pitcher in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

A glass of whiskey sour in front of a blue plate with apple slices, half an apple and cinnamon sticks

If you prefer just a hint of sour, use reduce the lemon juice in the recipe below to 2 ounces. If you prefer a really sour cocktail, increase the lemon juice to 3.5 or even 4 ounces.

Whatever fall holiday you're celebrating, this cinnamon cider whiskey sour will be perfect for just a few people, or for a crowd.

A glass of whiskey sour in front of a blue plate with apple slices, half an apple and cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon Cider Whiskey Sour

Yield: 4 drinks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Cinnamon Cider Whiskey Sour is a classic drink with a fall twist. Prefer a less-sweet cocktail? This one is for you!

Ingredients

For the cinnamon syrup

  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick, about 3 inches long
  • ¼ cup sugar

For the cocktails

  • 8 oz whiskey
  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 3 oz lemon juice
  • 3 oz cinnamon syrup

Instructions

  1. Make the syrup: In a small sauce pot add water and cinnamon and bring to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, and strain out cinnamon sticks. Bring water back to a boil, add sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and cool the syrup to room temperature. The syrup can be made a day ahead of time, and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
  2. Add the whiskey, cider, lemon juice, and 3 oz of the cinnamon syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until very cold.
  3. Strain the drink into four lowball or Old Fashioned glasses. If desired, garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 303Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 23mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 12gSugar: 25gProtein: 1g

I am not a certified nutritionist. This nutrition information is automatically calculated by third party software and is meant as a guideline only.

Did you love this recipe?

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If you're unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats it's a virtual party. A theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the delicious and inspired dishes!

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Laura@motherwouldknow

Friday 30th of October 2020

I love tart drinks so this is right up my alley. And this week, I'm at least fantasizing about drinking quite a lot.

Barb

Thursday 29th of October 2020

Apple cider is my favorite ingredient for Fall cocktails and bourbon is my liquor of choice to add to it! I make a similar drink but without the cinnamon twist...now why have I not thought of that!

Jane

Thursday 29th of October 2020

This is the perfect choice for the season. I would add more simple syrup, but what a great option for any gathering!

Dorothy Reinhold

Thursday 29th of October 2020

It is cold and rainy here tonight, and this is just what the doctor ordered! This sounds amazing.

Karen @Karen's Kitchen Stories

Thursday 29th of October 2020

I love "sours" and this one with the added cinnamon and cider sounds delicious.

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