Apple whiskey is a tasty spirit that pairs well with a variety of mixers. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to common questions about apple whiskey. Then we’ll dive into more details about popular apple whiskey cocktails.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about mixing drinks with apple whiskey:
- Apple juice or cider – The apple flavor pairs perfectly with apple whiskey.
- Ginger ale or beer – The spice notes work nicely with the whiskey.
- Sour mix – Balances out the sweetness.
- Cranberry juice – Adds a tart kick.
- Club soda – Dilutes the whiskey in a refreshing way.
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg – Compliment the apple flavor.
Apple Whiskey Cocktails
Now let’s explore some classic and creative cocktails that mix well with apple whiskey:
Apple Pie Shot
This fun shot is like drinking liquid apple pie! It combines apple whiskey with apple cider and cinnamon whiskey for a sweet and spicy kick. The ingredients are simple:
- 1 part apple whiskey
- 1 part apple cider
- 1 part cinnamon whiskey
To make it, fill a shaker with ice then pour in the liquors. Shake briskly and then strain into a shot glass. Top with a dash of ground cinnamon for garnish.
Apple Whiskey Smash
The mint and apple flavors pair perfectly in this refreshing whiskey smash. Here’s how to mix it up:
- 2 parts apple whiskey
- 1 part lemon juice
- 1 part simple syrup
- 5-6 mint leaves
- Ginger ale or club soda to top
Muddle the mint in a shaker, then add the whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice into a highball glass. Top with ginger ale or club soda.
Spiced Apple Toddy
Warm up on chilly nights with this comforting spiced apple toddy. You’ll need:
- 2 parts apple whiskey
- 4 parts apple cider
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh lemon juice
- Dash of ground cinnamon
Heat up the cider and honey in a saucepan until dissolved. Pour into a mug and stir in the whiskey and a squeeze of lemon. Top with a dash of cinnamon.
Apple Whiskey Cranberry Smash
This festive smash cocktail combines apple whiskey with cranberries and rosemary. Mix together:
- 2 parts apple whiskey
- 1 part cranberry juice
- 1/2 part lemon juice
- 1/2 part simple syrup
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Muddle the rosemary in a shaker, then add the other ingredients and shake sharply with ice. Double strain into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
Autumn Apple Sangria
This cider sangria is perfect for fall. Simply combine in a pitcher:
- 2 parts apple whiskey
- 4 parts apple cider
- 1 part orange juice
- 1/4 part honey syrup
- Sliced apples and oranges
- Cinnamon sticks
- Fresh cranberries (optional)
Stir together all ingredients except fruit slices and let chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours so flavors combine. When ready to serve, add apple and orange slices. Garnish glasses with cinnamon sticks and cranberries if desired.
Maple Apple Old Fashioned
The maple and apple flavors meld wonderfully in this autumnal twist on an Old Fashioned cocktail. You’ll need:
- 2 parts apple whiskey
- 1/2 part real maple syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 strip orange peel
Add the maple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass with ice. Stir gently, then add the apple whiskey and stir again to mix. Twist the orange peel over the top to express oils before dropping into the glass.
Fizzy Apple Sparkler
This simple sparkling cocktail lets the apple whiskey flavor shine. Just combine over ice:
- 2 parts apple whiskey
- 4-5 parts ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
Garnish with a slice of apple or cinnamon stick if desired.
Caramel Apple Mule
The Moscow Mule gets an autumn twist thanks to apple whiskey and salted caramel. Mix together:
- 2 parts apple whiskey
- 1 part ginger beer
- 1/2 part salted caramel syrup
- Squeeze of lime juice
Pour into a copper mug filled with ice. Garnish with an apple fan or caramel drizzle.
What Mixes Best with Apple Whiskey?
Now that we’ve covered some popular apple whiskey cocktails, let’s summarize what tend to be the best mixers for apple whiskey:
Mixer | Why It Works Well |
---|---|
Apple juice/cider | Enhances the apple flavor |
Ginger ale/beer | Adds spiciness |
Cranberry juice | Provides a tartness |
Sour mix | Balances sweetness |
Maple syrup | Compliments the apple |
Cinnamon | Accents the apple spice |
In general, apple whiskey pairs well with ingredients that either enhance the apple flavor or provide an interesting counterpoint like tart, spice, or herb notes. Sweeteners like maple, honey or caramel also work nicely. Sour mix or citrus help balance the sweetness. Apple whiskey is versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your mixers!
Conclusion
Apple whiskey is a fun spirit to mix with in cocktails. Its sweet apple flavor pairs deliciously with apple juice, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon and fall flavors like cranberry and rosemary. Balance the sweetness with tart citrus or sour mix. Apple whiskey also works nicely with a variety of carbonated mixers from ginger ale to hard cider. So next time you have a bottle of apple whiskey, try whipping up an Apple Pie Shot, Fizzy Apple Sparkler or Spiced Apple Toddy. Just remember the rule – when in doubt, add more apple! With the right mixers, apple whiskey makes for tasty, crowd-pleasing cocktails.