Best Fall Whiskey Cocktail for Thanksgiving
Best Fall Whiskey Cocktail for Thanksgiving
The leaves are turning, there's a chill in the air, and it's officially whiskey season! It's the perfect time of year to cozy up with a fall whiskey cocktail that's bursting with seasonal flavor. While this isn’t a classic cocktail, it’s one that I love as a non-whiskey drinker!
This apple cinnamon whiskey smash is a new favorite fall cocktail that's easy to make and perfect for sipping on a crisp autumn evening. It's a delicious twist on a classic cocktail, combining the warmth of bourbon whiskey (or your favorite bourbon) with the sweet and tart flavors of apple cider and a hint of cinnamon.
Whether you're enjoying it during your Thanksgiving dinner or simply relaxing by the fire, this perfect cozy cocktail is sure to become your go-to fall drink this year.
I've partnered with Torani using Sugar-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup to make the most delicious whiskey fall cocktail. If we're being honest, I usually am the lead in the kitchen while Matt tackles the cocktails. However, when Torani shared their holiday plans with me for #AToraniThanksgiving, I couldn't say no. I've been a longtime user of their syrups for my morning coffee and knew dabbling in cocktails would be fun. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After finding inspiration from Hunger Thirst Play, I modified the recipe and decided to make the garnish a bit cuter! Who doesn't love a mint leaf and a timely cinnamon stick?
Creating this recipe was a breeze. Plus, you can purchase the Torani Flavor of the Month Syrups online at torani.com for 10% off every month.
Torani Sugar-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup was the perfect simple syrup for this recipe. Most importantly, it mixed well with the Weller whiskey I used.
Fall Whiskey Cocktail Ingredients
APPLE CINNAMON WHISKEY SMASH fall cocktail
2 parts bourbon whiskey (or rye whiskey for a spicier kick)
1 part Torani Sugar Free Brown Sugar Syrup
1 part apple cider
splash lemon juice
3 slices of apple
6 mint leaves
Using a muddler or your cocktail shaker, muddle 3 apple slices and 3 mint leaves. Add ice cubes and remuddle.
Add whiskey, Torani Sugar Free Brown Sugar Syrup, 1 part apple cider and a splash of lemon juice to the shaker. Fill the shaker 3/4 of the way with ice.
Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Strain into a high ball glass with crushed ice.
Garnish with a fresh apple slice, a mint leaf, and a cinnamon stick for a taste of fall.
Fall Cocktail Garnishes & Glassware
I garnished the drink with one apple slice in the center of the glass and tucked the mint leaf behind it. I used a traditional rocks glass to lay the cinnamon stick diagonal, but this drink would also look great in a vintage cocktail glass.
I'm not typically a whiskey drinker, but the crisp air and colorful leaves of the fall season put me in the mood for something different. This apple cinnamon whiskey smash turned out to be particularly delicious—it really is the perfect fall whiskey cocktail!
Food Pairings with Whiskey Cocktails
This apple cider whiskey smash is the perfect accompaniment to Thanksgiving dinner or any fall gathering. It also pairs well with pumpkin pie and other fall desserts.
More Fall Whiskey Cocktails Ideas
While this apple cinnamon whiskey smash is a fantastic way to enjoy fall whiskey cocktails, there's a whole world of autumnal flavors waiting to be discovered. If you're looking to expand your cocktail menus this holiday season, here are a few ideas to take your fall drinks to the next level:
Spice Things Up: For a classic with a kick, try an Old Fashioned cocktail with a dash of orange bitters and a cinnamon stick. Use bourbon whiskey and a large ice cube for a truly authentic experience.
Embrace the Cranberry: Swap the apple cider for cranberry juice and add a squeeze of orange for a festive twist on a Whiskey Sour.
Go for the Gold: A Mint Julep might be a summer staple, but muddling in some fresh cranberries or a touch of pumpkin puree can give it a fall flair.
Warm Up with a Classic: When the weather turns truly chilly, a Hot Toddy is the better way to go. Combine Irish whiskey with hot water, lemon, honey, and a cinnamon stick for a soothing and comforting drink.
Explore New Cocktails: For something completely different, try a Manhattan with sweet vermouth and a cherry, or experiment with ginger ale, ginger beer, or even a splash of apple brandy in your favorite cocktail.
No matter your preference, there's a fall whiskey cocktail out there for everyone.
I especially love that the Torani Sugar-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup can be used in so many other recipes. I can already see myself adding it to my coffee, a latte, or even a fall dessert. Have you used Torani syrups in any of your recent creations? I'd love to hear about it!
All photos are by Belen Aquino Photography.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 parts whiskey
- 1 part Torani Sugar Free Brown Sugar Syrup
- 1 part apple cider
- splash lemon juice
- 3 slices of apple
- 6 mint leaves
Instructions
- Using a muddler or your shaker, muddle 3 apple slices and 3 mint leaves. Add ice cubes and remuddle.
- Add whiskey, Torani Sugar Free Brown Sugar Syrup, 1 part apple cider and a splash of lemon juice to the shaker. Fill the shaker 3/4 of the way with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Strain into a high ball glass with crushed ice.
- Garnish with one apple slice in the center of the glass and tuck the mint leaf behind it. Lay the cinnamon stick diagonal across the glass.
