Apple Cider Cocktail

from wellplated.com

This easy cocktail made with apple cider and ginger beer can be mixed with bourbon, whiskey, or vodka.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon (recommended: Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Four Roses) — Vodka or Rum can also be substituted 
• 2 ounces apple cider
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• 3 ounces ginger beer
• Optional: 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
• Garnishes: Cinnamon stick, apple slice, and sprig of thyme

Directions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon, cider, lemon juice, and orange liqueur (if using).
3. Add the ginger beer.
4. Gently swirl the drink with a spoon one time to mix.
5. Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick, and sprig of thyme.
6. Serve & enjoy!

Tips:

• Make a pitcher of approximately 5 servings using these amounts:
  • Stir together 10 ounces bourbon, 10 ounces apple cider, 2 1/2 ounces lemon juice, and 2 1/2 ounces orange liqueur (if using). Cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours or until ready to serve. To make the drinks, fill glasses with ice. Divide the mixture from the pitcher between them. Top with ginger beer and garnish as desired.
• How to store if there is any leftovers:
  • This drink is best the day it is made; if you anticipate extra, add the ginger beer to the individual servings only, then refrigerate the bourbon/cider/orange liqueur base in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Top with fresh ginger beer just before serving.