🥃 Raisin Bourbon Cider: A Warm & Cozy Fall Cocktail That Tastes Like Thanksgiving in a Glass

By Jason Griffith

When the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crisp, comforting chill, my cocktail preferences shift dramatically. Gone are the bright, tropical drinks of summer, replaced by something deep, warm, and richly spiced. And nothing—I mean nothing—captures the essence of the season quite like this Raisin Bourbon Cider.

This drink is an absolute fall masterpiece. It’s where the crisp, familiar tang of apple cider meets the smooth, smoky heat of bourbon, all elevated by a homemade raisin simple syrup that delivers notes of sweet, caramelized fruit and brown sugar. It genuinely tastes like a slice of Thanksgiving pie melted into a glass.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless fall cocktails, but this one stands out for a few reasons:

• It’s Uniquely Flavorful: The raisin simple syrup is the secret weapon here. It transforms a standard apple-bourbon pairing into something complex, adding a depth that hints at molasses, vanilla, and dried fruit. It’s unexpected and utterly delicious.
• Simple to Batch: While this recipe is written for a single serving, the syrup can be made ahead of time and stored. When entertaining, you can easily scale the ingredients to fill a pitcher for a crowd. No fuss, just fantastic fall flavor.
• Perfect for Any Fall Occasion: Whether you’re gathered around a bonfire, enjoying a quiet Sunday evening, or hosting a holiday dinner, this cocktail fits the bill. It’s sophisticated enough for guests but comforting enough for a lazy afternoon. It pairs particularly well with hearty, slow-cooked meals like my recipe for Easy Turkey Wings.

Raisin Bourbon Cider Recipe

This recipe is split into two parts: making the indispensable raisin simple syrup, and mixing the cocktail.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
For the Raisin Simple Syrup
Raisins	1/2 cup	Any type works, but dark raisins give the richest flavor.
Brown Sugar (packed)	1/2 cup	Adds depth and a molasses note.
Water	1/2 cup
For the Cocktail
Bourbon (e.g., Wild Turkey 101)	2 oz	Choose a bourbon you enjoy sipping—the flavor really shines through.
Apple Cider	3 oz	Use high-quality, unfiltered cider for the best taste.
Raisin Simple Syrup	1 oz	Made from the recipe above.
Garnish	Cinnamon stick, soaked raisins	Optional, but adds a professional touch and warm aroma.

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Swaps and Notes

• Bourbon: If you don’t have bourbon, rye whiskey or even a dark rum will offer a similar warm spice profile.
• Apple Cider: Apple juice is too sweet and thin. Stick to apple cider for the best texture and tartness.
• Raisin Syrup Spice: For an even deeper flavor, add a small piece of star anise or a cinnamon stick to the syrup while it simmers. Remove it before storing.
• Make it Cold/Hot: This recipe is excellent served over ice, but it can also be served warm. Simply heat the apple cider, bourbon, and syrup in a saucepan until hot (do not boil!) and serve in a mug.

🌟 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced Raisin Bourbon Cider.

Step 1: Make the Raisin Simple Syrup

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of water.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Steep: Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely (about 30–45 minutes). The longer it cools, the more the raisin flavor will infuse.
4. Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined strainer into an airtight container. Press the raisins lightly to extract any remaining liquid. Discard the strained raisins (or save them for garnish!).
5. Store: The syrup is ready to use and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Step 2: Assemble the Cocktail

1. Prepare the Glass: Fill a lowball glass or a small tumbler with ice cubes.
2. Measure and Pour: Add 2 oz of your chosen bourbon, 3 oz of apple cider, and 1 oz of the raisin simple syrup to the glass.
3. Stir: Stir the ingredients gently with a bar spoon (or any long spoon) until well-chilled and combined. You want the drink to be mixed, not watered down.
4. Garnish: Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and a few of the reserved, soaked raisins.
5. Enjoy: Sip slow and let those cozy fall vibes kick in!

Tips for Success

• Quality Bourbon: Since this cocktail only has three main liquid ingredients, the quality of the bourbon really shines. A higher-proof bourbon like Wild Turkey 101 (as suggested) stands up beautifully to the sweetness of the cider and syrup.
• Chilling is Key: Always use plenty of ice in your glass and ensure the cider is chilled. This prevents the drink from becoming watery too quickly.
• Taste the Syrup: Before mixing the drink, taste the raisin syrup. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out slightly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cider cocktail is ideal for transitioning from a heavy meal to dessert, or as a welcoming drink for guests.

Pairing Suggestion	Why it Works	Internal Link
Savory Comfort Food	The warmth of the bourbon cuts through the richness of classic Southern dishes.	Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
Sweet, Nutty Desserts	The raisin and brown sugar notes complement pecan and pumpkin flavors perfectly.	Pecan Pie Bars
No-Bake Fall Sweets	A refreshing contrast to creamy, chilled desserts.	Pumpkin Delight Dessert
Dessert Cocktails	Serve alongside a lighter, sweeter drink for variety.	The Slippery Drank

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Estimated)

• Calories: 220–250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25–30g
• Sugar: 20–25g (primarily from cider and syrup)
• Alcohol: Approx. 14g

Note: This is an estimate based on average ingredient values and does not account for specific brands or ingredient variations.

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Raisin Simple Syrup: Store the strained syrup in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Mixed Cocktail: This drink should be enjoyed immediately. Do not mix and store the cocktail, as the ice will melt and dilute the flavor.
• Batching: If you are preparing a large batch for a party, mix the bourbon, cider, and syrup together in a pitcher without ice. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, pour over fresh ice in individual glasses.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cozy, warming flavors of this Raisin Bourbon Cider, you might also enjoy these other recipes from my collection:

• A Savory Starter: These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
• A Decadent Dessert: These Pecan Pie Bars are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
• Another Fall Favorite: This Pumpkin Delight Dessert is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat
• A Bowl of Comfort: This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort

Final Thoughts

The Raisin Bourbon Cider is more than just a drink; it’s a sensory experience that perfectly encapsulates the best of the fall season. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you want to curl up under a blanket and listen to the rain. The effort of making the raisin syrup is minimal, but the reward is immense. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought of the raisin syrup twist! What’s your favorite bourbon to use?