Harvest Apple (Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail)

by Carolyn Pascual on Oct 23, 2024 (updated Sep 23, 2025)

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This apple cider whiskey cocktail made with spiced cider, whiskey, homemade brown sugar syrup and a touch of oat milk is like apple pie in a glass!

If you love apple cocktails, you’ll also want to try my Caramel Apple Mimosa and Apple-rol Spritz

a hand reaching for the Harvest Apple (Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail) with a caramel rim, ghost apple garnish on a table with mini ghost candles and a white pumpkin.

This apple pie inspired cocktail turned out so yummy! Whiskey, cider, and brown sugar work so perfectly together making a cocktail that’s cozy and so sippable. I used cider without added sugar. If you use a sweetened cider, you may want to adjust the brown sugar syrup so it’s not overly sweet. This cocktail is perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving or any fall festivities!

Recipe Ingredients

Whiskey: Opt for your favorite high quality bourbon or whiskey. I like Bulleit Bourbon.
Spiced Apple Cider: Regular cider with a dash of pumpkin pie spice will also work.
Oat Milk: You can use almond or coconut here.
Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed for the freshest flavor.
Brown Sugar Syrup: Recipe below!
Caramel sauce: For rim.
Apple ghost: For garnish.
Pumpkin pie spice: For topping.

The Harvest Apple (Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail) with a caramel rim, ghost apple garnish on a table with mini ghost candles and a white pumpkin.

Tools & Equipment

Check out my favorite glasses here!

How to Make This Recipe

For the Brown Sugar Syrup

Combine 1 part brown sugar with 1 part boiling water and stir until dissolved. Cool before using. I stored it in the fridge in these cute syrup bottles.

For the Cocktail

Step 1: Rim the glass – Add caramel to a shallow dish. Submerge a coupe glass in the caramel to coat the rim.

Step 2: Add whiskey, spiced cider, oat milk, lemon juice, brown sugar syrup and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake until chilled. Strain cocktail into the prepared cocktail glass.

Step 3: Garnish with apple ghost. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

For the Apple Ghost

Cut a thin slice from a large apple. Use a paring knife to carefully cut out a ghost shape. Use a straw to cut out eyes and mouth.

Watch How to Make It

@thesocialsipper
Did someone order apple pie in a glass 🍎 🥧 ?! Whiskey, cider, and brown sugar perfectly combine to create The Harvest Apple Cocktail – a delectable fall night cap. #halloweencocktails #fallcocktails #falldrinks #fallrecipes #cocktailrecipes
♬ original sound – The Social Sipper

Tips for Making a Harvest Apple

Since the sweetness and spice of cider varies, taste before straining and adjust if necessary.
Make it a mocktail: Eliminate the whiskey and add 1 more ounce of cider. Optionally replace with chilled tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Whiskey Is Best with Apple Cider?

I recommend a bourbon whiskey for its warm notes that are perfect for an apple cider whiskey cocktail. Feel free to experiment with rye or Irish whiskey as well.

Other Fall Whiskey Cocktails to Try

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