Maker’s Mark is a popular bourbon whiskey that is known for its smooth, sweet taste. It is produced by the Maker’s Mark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Apple cider, specifically hard apple cider, is an alcoholic apple cider that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The sweet, apple flavors of hard cider seem like they could pair well with the vanilla and caramel flavors of Maker’s Mark. But is this flavor combination as good in reality as it sounds in theory? Let’s take a closer look at how the flavors of Maker’s Mark bourbon and apple cider interact.
The Flavor Profiles of Maker’s Mark and Apple Cider
First, let’s examine the flavor profiles of Maker’s Mark bourbon and apple cider separately:
Maker’s Mark Bourbon
– Sweetness – Maker’s Mark is known for its sweet, smooth taste compared to other bourbons. The sweetness comes from corn used in the mash bill as well as the wheat that replaces some of the rye.
– Vanilla – The bourbon is aged for around 5-6 years in charred American oak barrels. This aging process gives Maker’s Mark strong vanilla notes.
– Caramel – In addition to vanilla, the oak barrel aging provides caramel flavors to the bourbon.
– Spice – As a bourbon, Maker’s Mark still has some spice and heat, but it is subdued compared to higher-rye bourbons.
– Fruity – Behind the sweet vanilla and caramel, you can find subtle fruity notes like cherry or apple.
Hard Apple Cider
– Apple – Apple ciders get their distinctive flavor from fresh pressed apples, so a prominent apple taste is the core of any good cider.
– Sweetness – Hard ciders can vary in sweetness, but many are fairly sweet due to the natural sugars in apples.
– Tartness – In addition to sweetness, apple ciders also have tart apple flavors from malic and other acids.
– Dryness – Many ciders aim for a semi-dry or dry finish to balance the sweetness, giving a cleaner taste.
– Spice – Spices like cinnamon are sometimes added, giving apple ciders a warmth.
– Other fruits – Cider makers may blend in other fruits like pear, peach, or berries to complement the apple.
How Do the Flavors Interact When Mixed?
Now that we know the basic taste profiles of Maker’s Mark and apple cider separately, how do these flavors interact when the two are mixed together as a cocktail?
Sweetness
The sweetness is one of the most obvious overlapping flavors between Maker’s Mark and apple cider. Both tend to taste sweet, which can complement each other well in a cocktail. The bourbon helps cut through some of the very sugary sweetness of especially sweet commercial ciders. On the other hand, the cider sweetness rounds out the sugary vanilla and caramel flavors from the bourbon. Too much sweetness can make the cocktail cloying, so a semi-dry or dry cider is recommended to balance it out.
Fruitiness
While Maker’s Mark has subtle fruit notes, the apple cider contributes a much more pronounced fruitiness. The apple flavors pair nicely with the fruity hints in the bourbon, like cherry and apple. The fruitiness helps freshen up the flavor profile and keeps it from becoming too heavy.
Spice
Both Maker’s Mark and some apple ciders have a mild spiciness, which can interact nicely when combined. The heat from the bourbon blends with the warmth of spiced ciders beautifully. Unspiced apple ciders likely won’t have enough spice to stand up to the bourbon though. So a touch of added spice or using a spiced cider variety is recommended.
Oak and Vanilla
The distinctive oaky vanilla notes from Maker’s Mark’s barrel aging are a highlight of the bourbon’s flavor. But this oak and vanilla can sometimes overpower more delicate apple cider flavors when the two are mixed. Using an apple cider with other stronger flavors like prominent spices can help it stand up against the bourbon. Or the vanilla can be enjoyed by using a cider with a simpler flavor profile.
Tartness and Dryness
To contrast with the sweetness of Maker’s Mark and many ciders, the tartness and dryness of cider is key. A drier cider with prominent acidity helps cut through the sugar to prevent an overly sweet cocktail. The tartness provides an invigorating contrast that makes the drink more complex and interesting. Sweeter, lower acid ciders should probably be avoided for mixing with Maker’s Mark.
What Types of Apple Cider Work Best with Maker’s Mark?
Now that we’ve compared the flavor profiles, what actual types and brands of cider pair best with Maker’s Mark bourbon? Here are some recommended varieties:
Semi-Dry or Dry Ciders
The most surefire ciders to complement the sweetness of the bourbon are drier varieties like:
– Strongbow Dry Apple Cider
– Magners Original Irish Cider
– Woodchuck Granny Smith Cider
The dryness offsets the Maker’s Mark sweetness, while the alcohol contrasts with the thick viscosity of the bourbon.
Spiced Ciders
For an added flavor dimension, spiced ciders can complement Maker’s Mark beautifully:
– Angry Orchard Cinnamon Apple Cider
– Ciderboys First Press Cinnamon Apple Hard Cider
– Strongbow Winter Spiced Cider
The warmth of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend nicely with both the apple flavor and the bourbon.
Hopped Ciders
Some apple ciders are hopped like an IPA, giving floral, piney hops flavor. These work well with Maker’s Mark too:
– Fox Barrel Pear Cider
– Cidergeist Bubbles Rose Ale Cider
– Ace Pineapple Cider
The hops balance against the sweetness and oak flavors.
How Should You Mix Maker’s Mark and Apple Cider?
Now that we’ve determined the flavors pair well together and what types of ciders to use, how should you actually mix Maker’s Mark and apple cider? Here are some serving suggestions:
Basic Mixing Ratios
A simple 1:1 ratio of bourbon to cider is a good starting point:
– 1 part Maker’s Mark
– 1 part apple cider
Adjust the ratios depending on your tastes. Add more cider for a sweeter, more apple forward drink or more bourbon if you prefer spirit-driven cocktails.
Serving Glass
Serve Maker’s Mark and apple cider cocktails in a rocks or lowball glass with ice cubes. This allows the drink to stay chilled while enjoying.
Garnishes
Optional garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or orange peels can accent the flavors. Stir them into the drink or use as a colorful garnish on the glass rim.
Other Mixers
For additional flavor complexity, try adding a splash of mixers like ginger beer, lemon-lime soda, or ginger ale to the Maker’s Mark and cider. Adjust sweetener like simple syrup if needed.
Maker’s Mark and Apple Cider Cocktail Recipes
Some popular cocktail recipes combining Maker’s Mark bourbon and apple cider include:
Maple Bourbon Apple Cider
| 1.5 oz | Maker’s Mark bourbon |
| 4 oz | apple cider |
| 1 oz | maple syrup |
| 1 | cinnamon stick |
| 1 | orange wedge |
Add all ingredients except orange wedge to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange.
Maker’s Mark Spiced Cider
| 2 oz | Maker’s Mark bourbon |
| 5 oz | spiced apple cider |
| 1 tsp | maple syrup, optional |
| 1 | cinnamon stick |
Combine ingredients in a mug and garnish with cinnamon stick. For an iced version, shake with ice and strain into a glass over fresh ice.
Maker’s Mark Apple Cider Sangria
| 2 oz | Maker’s Mark bourbon |
| 3 oz | apple cider |
| 1 oz | apple brandy |
| 1 | orange wedge |
| 2 | whole cloves |
| 1 | cinnamon stick |
| 1 tsp | maple syrup, optional |
Muddle orange wedge, cloves, and cinnamon stick in the bottom of a glass. Fill glass with ice, add remaining ingredients and stir gently.
Does Maker’s Mark go well with apple cider?
In conclusion, Maker’s Mark bourbon and apple cider complement each other very nicely when mixed in cocktails. The sweet vanilla bourbon pairs well with apple cider’s fruitiness. Using a dry or spiced cider can provide balance and complexity. Mix Maker’s Mark and cider in a 1:1 ratio, add fall garnishes, and enjoy this flavor combination during autumn. Sipping a Maker’s Mark apple cider cocktail evokes cozy feelings of the season. While not every bourbon pairs flawlessly with cider, Maker’s Mark is smooth enough to blend its flavors seamlessly. So don’t hesitate to give this classic flavor pairing a try for yourself!