Big Batch Bourbon Apple Cider Smash

Crafted with simple ingredients, this big batch of Bourbon Apple Cider Smash is the drink to beat for the fall season! Smooth bourbon, fresh apple cider, and bright lemon juice meld together to create a classic cocktail full of fall flavors. Whip up a big batch as your signature Thanksgiving cocktail and everyone will fall in love!

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Apple Cider Smash

I may live in Southern California, but I love fall just as much as the next person! Since I can’t celebrate with leaf-peeping and chunky sweaters, I celebrate with flavor. I’ve been munching on my pumpkin chocolate chip loaf bread, but I needed something to wash it down. 

This Bourbon Apple Cider Smash is a delightfully autumnal cocktail and after one sip I knew I had to make this big batch version so I can serve it at Thanksgiving. It’s made with warm flavors, cozy vibes, and it’s so easy to throw together! The simple ingredients do all the work so all you need to do is stir and serve. 

This big batch version is the ultimate fall party cocktail that’ll warm everyone up from the inside! 

Looking for more big batch cocktails to serve at your next party? Try our supersized versions of spiked pumpkin punch, espresso martinis, hugo spritz’, and pomegranate margaritas. 

Ingredients

Only five ingredients mix together to make this iconic cocktail. When you have good, fresh, and high-quality ingredients, you don’t need much else! 

• Bourbon
• Apple cider – choose a good quality one
• Fresh lemon juice
• Maple syrup
• Optional – ginger beer for toppping

If you want to garnish your cocktail, I’d recommend slices of apple and orange peels, as well as star anise and cinnamon sticks for that fall flair. Take a look at the recipe card below to get the measurements right for this big batch smash!

How to Make a Big Batch of Bourbon Apple Cider

Step 1: Mix Bourbon 

Fill a pitcher halfway with ice and add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until combined.

Step 2: Garnish

Garnish with thin slices of apple, orange peels, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. 

Optional: Top the pitcher with 1-2 bottles of ginger beer and gently stir it into the drink. 

FAQs

If I don’t like bourbon, what else can I use in my apple cider smash? 

If you don’t like bourbon, you probably don’t like scotch or other types of whiskey which are the natural next choice, so I would recommend rum. Make sure you get a good quality rum so it complements the natural apple cider flavors well. 

What kind of apple cider should I use? 

The best kind you can find! I don’t want to call out a specific brand because different ciders are available regionally, you can just look for the best option available to you. Of course, you can always get crafty and make your own cider which is as fresh as it gets!

How do I make my own apple cider? 

Making apple cider is like mixing together a potion; you kind of make it based on vibes. 

• Start with apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and whatever other flavors you’d like to infuse into your cider. 
• Put it all in a large pot and cover it with water, then allow it to simmer for a while until the apples become soft. 
• Take the top off your pot and mash the contents with a potato masher and then let it simmer longer. 
• Finally, strain your liquid into a clean container and sweeten it with maple syrup to your heart’s content! 

More Apple Cider Cocktails To Try

• Apple Cider Sangria
• Spice Apple Cider Margarita
• Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail
• Apple Cider Whiskey Rose

If you make this Big Batch Bourbon Apple Cider Smash, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!