Sweater Weather Sipper Cocktail

Jump to Recipe

I’m totally obsessed with my Sweater Weather Sipper these days! It’s become my go-to fall cocktail when friends come over and they always ask for the recipe.

There’s something about that perfect blend of bourbon and apple cider that just feels like autumn in a glass.

I experiment with different bourbons and even add a tiny pinch of nutmeg sometimes.

Want to know my secret for getting that perfect balance of sweet and spicy?

Tips To Make The Sweater Weather Sipper at home At Home

Making this seasonal cocktail at home is all about balancing cozy flavors with the right technique.

• Quality spirits matter: Using a good bourbon or whiskey as your base creates that warm, rich foundation that makes this sipper special. Skip the bottom shelf stuff for this one.
• Temperature control: Serve this cocktail properly chilled but not ice cold to let those autumn spice notes fully develop and bloom on your palate.
• Fresh ingredients only: Store-bought apple cider is convenient but fresh-pressed cider brings brighter flavor and natural sweetness that elevates the entire drink.
• Spice infusion timing: Allow at least 24 hours for any homemade spiced syrups to properly infuse before making your cocktail. Rushing this step results in weak flavor.
• Garnish with purpose: A cinnamon stick isn’t just for looks – it continues to infuse subtle spice notes as you sip and enhances the aromatic experience.
• Glassware selection: Serve in a rocks glass or short tumbler to concentrate the aromas and maintain the proper drinking temperature.

Food Pairing Ideas

When sipping on this cozy fall cocktail, the right bites can transform your experience from lovely to legendary. These pairings highlight the cocktail’s warm spices and seasonal charm while creating a balanced tasting adventure.

• Maple-glazed bacon wrapped dates: These sweet and salty bites mirror the drink’s warm complexity and create a delightful contrast with their chewy texture.
• Rosemary and sea salt marcona almonds: The herbal notes and satisfying crunch make these nuts an addictive companion that won’t overpower your sipping experience.
• Mini apple cheddar tartlets: Flaky pastry filled with sharp cheddar and caramelized apples brings out the fruity undertones in your cocktail while offering a savory counterpoint.
• Spiced pumpkin bread with salted butter: This classic fall treat echoes the cocktail’s seasonal spices and provides a soft textural contrast to each sip.
• Dark chocolate truffles with sea salt: Rich chocolate with a hint of salt cuts through the sweetness of the drink while complementing its deeper flavor notes.
• Ginger snap cookies: The snappy texture and warming spice profile make these cookies a natural pairing that amplifies the cocktail’s comforting character.

Variations To Try

While the Sweater Weather Sipper is delightful as-is, playing with different ingredients can create exciting new flavor profiles that maintain the cozy autumn essence.

• Smoky Mountain: Replace bourbon with a peaty scotch for a campfire-like quality that adds depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Orchard Harvest: Add 1/2 ounce of apple brandy and a thin slice of fresh apple as garnish to bring forward crisp fruit notes that complement the cinnamon and maple.
• Spiced Maple: Infuse the maple syrup with cardamom pods, star anise and cloves for 24 hours before using in the cocktail for an enhanced aromatic experience.
• Zero-Proof Comfort: Substitute bourbon with alcohol-free whiskey alternative and add a splash of vanilla extract to maintain richness without the spirits.
• Nutty Warmth: Incorporate 1/4 ounce of walnut or hazelnut liqueur to introduce a toasty dimension that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and citrus elements.

Fall Cocktail Instructions

As the leaves start to turn and there’s a chill in the air, nothing says fall vibes like our Sweater Weather Sipper! This cozy cocktail blends warm spices with smooth bourbon and a hint of apple for a drink that’s basically a hug in a glass.

The cinnamon rim gives it that extra autumn magic while the maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to make you want to curl up by a fire and take another sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes cinnamon bitters
• Ground cinnamon for rimming
• Ice cubes
• Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix a small amount of cinnamon and sugar on a small plate, then run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass and dip in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, lemon juice and cinnamon bitters.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
4. Fill your rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes.
5. Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick for that perfect Instagram-worthy fall cocktail moment.

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 7 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 185
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g

Sweater Weather Sipper

Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 mins Total Time: 5 mins Rating: ★★★★★

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 oz apple cider
• 0.5 oz maple syrup
• 0.25 oz lemon juice
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish
• Apple slice, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the apple cider until warm but not boiling.
2. In a mug or heat-resistant glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.
3. Pour in the warmed apple cider and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
5. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition:

Per Serving: 220 calories; 0g fat; 24g carbohydrates; 0g protein; 15% ABV

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and preparation methods.