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This is an easy two minute, two ingredient bourbon slush recipe that serves a crowd! This apple cider cocktail creates the perfect taste of fall!
Fall weekends can only mean one thing: it’s time for a seasonal cocktail! I have a fun one to share with you today – an incredibly simple Apple Cider Bourbon Slush!
Originally shared October 27, 2017 and updated with fresh content August 27, 2021.
Well, it’s not quite fall yet, but it certainly will be here soon. And regardless of that intense heat, our apple orchards are bringing the sweet flavor, and it’s time to start thinking about switching up your weekend cocktails for something fresh and fun.
Everyone loves a classic summertime drink, but I also love creating fall and winter cocktails! The flavor profiles are often so fragrant and unique. If you’re searching for fabulous autumn cocktails, you’ve got to try my mulled wine and homemade apple cider recipe!
This apple cider bourbon slush is perfect for a cozy night in – the consistency and flavor is so good, it requires just two ingredients, two minutes of your time, and very little patience/preparation.
Bonus? If you live somewhere that stays warm in the fall, this is the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors in a chilled, refreshing format!
Table of Contents
Apple Cider + Bourbon
Over the past couple of years, I have acquired a taste for bourbon, starting with this Cinnamon Apple Old Fashioned. It provides much-needed warmth this time of year and is a tasty addition to cocktails.
A friend of mine and I were talking about an upcoming bonfire and decided that apple cider bourbon and S’mores would be needed to combat the predicted 35-40 degree evening.
I love Warm Bourbon Apple Cider but wondered how it would be as a slush. My mom didn’t drink often, but when she did, it was almost always in slush form, so I decided to give it a shot…
I love apple everything in the fall. In fact, I’ve written Your Complete Guide to the Best Apple Recipes that you’re going to love! It’s perfect to Pin and save for later!
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Slushies
- It’s so quick and easy!
- It serves a crowd – as written, this recipe makes 8 cocktails but it’s so easy to make more!
- It’s a true taste of fall in fun cocktail form.
- This fall cocktail is especially perfect for those who live in warmer climates but want to enjoy fall flavor.
- a Bourbon slush is the perfect way to experiment with a new-to-you liquor.
Think you don’t like Bourbon? Think again! This liquor will warm you through and through.
Apple Cider Slush Ingredients
- Apple Cider – Homemade Apple Cider (it’s easier than you think) or store bought. It’s so important to support your local makers right now, so seek out a local apple farm for their cider!
- Bourbon – Your favorite! Maker’s Mark is always a tried and true classic, but it’s also a great time to experiment and try something new.
Variations
- Alternatively you can use whiskey, scotch rum, brandy or cognac.
- Make with pear cider instead of apple cider!
How to Make an Apple Cider Slush
- Combine – Combine cider and bourbon.
- Freeze – Freeze in an airtight container until slushy or solid. I like using this acrylic pitcher with a lid!
- Stir – Allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir.
- Garnish – Add a cinnamon stick and fresh apple slice to serve! If you want to get fancy, you can even top this drink with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for more of a dessert style fall cocktail.
For a sweet way to take this apple cider slush cocktail up a few notches, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top. Apples and cinnamon are the ultimate fall flavor combination!
Recipe Tips
- Leave room in your container. Cider can expand while freezing.
- This recipe is so easy to make for a crowd – perfect for fall parties. In fact, you can change the servings just by clicking the 1x 2x 3x option in the recipe card to help you calculate!
- Did you know there are better quality cinnamon sticks and some cinnamon sticks are meant just for decorating? Be sure to order the right cinnamon sticks for your garnish!
Bourbon suggestions: try Buffalo Trace bourbon for its caramel notes, but any mid range bourbon will work well! We love Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, Four Roses and Basil Hayden’s for a few more to try.
How to Store
- Room Temperature – This apple cider slush will only stay frozen as long as the temperature allows! Keep in mind they will get slushier and slushier as time goes on.
- Refrigerator – This cocktail makes excellent leftovers because the flavors meld together so well. Serve it chilled over ice after it’s melted down!
- Freeze – Store frozen in an airtight container up to three months.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
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More Fall Cocktail Inspiration
Fall Cocktails
Bourbon Smash Cocktail
Easy Spiked Apple Cider with Bourbon
Cinnamon Toast Cocktail
Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
Apple Cider Slush
Easy 2 minute, 2 ingredient apple cider slush recipe with bourbon that serves a crowd! It's a taste of fall, in slushie form!
Yield
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon apple cider
- 3 cups bourbon
Instructions
- In a plastic pitcher or freezer safe container, combine cider and bourbon.
- Freeze overnight.
- Remove from freezer and allow to set 3 minutes. Stir thoroughly incorporating contents that have settled to the bottom.
- Serve or refreeze until ready to serve.
Tips
Variations
- Alternatively you can use whiskey, scotch rum, brandy or cognac.
- Make with pear cider instead of apple cider!
Recipe Tips
- Leave room in your container. Cider can expand while freezing.
- This recipe is so easy to make for a crowd. In fact, you can change the servings just by clicking the 1x 2x 3x option in the recipe card to help you calculate!
How to Store
Freeze – Store frozen in an airtight container up to three months.Nutrition Information
Calories: 317kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 27g (9%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 1g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1g (5%), Sodium: 10mg, Potassium: 239mg (7%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 23g (26%), Vitamin C: 2mg (2%), Calcium: 19mg (2%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Rachel says
Hi! What’s an alternative instead of using alcohol in this recipe?
Julie Blanner says
Omit or use a little non-alcoholic vanilla extract. Enjoy!
Michelle says
Oh my gosh, this looks so perfect! Especially where I am in the South where it’s still hot but you need those fall vibes! Trying this over the weekend for sure!
Julie Blanner says
Cheers!
Sophia says
I never thought of making this as a slush, but I’m so glad you did because these are amazing!
Danielle says
Sweet twist that makes this drink easy to sip. I have used this idea with a “apple cider moonshine” I make. Works very well.
Julie says
Oh yum!
Linda Rossi says
I have never had bourbon but this looks delicious. I am going to give this a try on Halloween night following a bowl of spicy chili. Good way to celebrate a spooky night. Thanks for sharing!
Julie says
Cheers! We’ll be having chili as well! Seems like the thing to do on a chilly Halloween! Enjoy!