If pumpkin spice isn't your fancy, we think you should give apples a chance this fall. Our seasonal cocktail is one part sassy, one part boozy, and all parts delicious. The best thing about this recipe: you can make this recipe warm or chilled! Serve it up for guests in a punch bowl or enjoy it warm on a cool, fall night. Either way, our Riesling Grape Nectar helps to keep the sugar low and the flavor bold.

BLEND USED: All-Sass California Grape Nectar

Tasting Attributes: The citrusy finish of this blend of grape nectar perfectly compliment the apple spice notes of the cocktail

Warm drinks are our go-to for holiday decorating, cookie baking, present wrapping, and just chilling by the fire. There's never a bad time to enjoy a warm apple cider drink, boozey or not, and we think our wine grape sugar alternative can take this drink from ordinary to extraordinary. 

And why cider not apple juice? We had to find out from the experts themselves and find out why we needed apple cider in our mug and not apple juice to make this recipe truly superb. Think of apple cider as the raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized big brother (or sister) of apple juice, which is exactly our style. Add a little Riesling Grape Nectar, some fresh lemon, and a little dark spirit and you have the most warming blend of flavors with virtually no effort.

And one may think apple cider is delicious on its own, which we agree. But once you try a little of our All-Sass blend in your mug, you will see how harmonious these flavors are together. As in most cocktails, our sugar alternative creates balance and cuts the potency of the spirit by adding just the right amount of sweetness. And our grape sugars not only add subtle sweetness to your cocktail, but enhance the aromatics and complexity of the drink as well. We love how the Riesling blend of Grape Nectar adds a little bit of floral “sass” and enhances the spicy character of the bourbon. 

If you're not a fan of bourbon, don't despair! Spiced rum or brandy are fantastic substitutes, as is any dark spirit. We think the little ones would love a warm drink also - just substitute more cider for the spirit and you have the perfect mocktail for all ages. And the best part - you are keeping all your sugars natural and plant-based and at very low levels as well!

One of our fall favorites in a mug. Or get extra sassy and serve the chilled option for your holiday guests straight out of a punch bowl. Pairs perfectly with our Sweet Potato Casserole recipe too. Any way you go about it, our Sassy Bourbon Cider to ensure you will #DrinkBetter this season!

SASSY BOURBON CIDER RECIPE

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz rye whiskey
• 0.5 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 0.75 oz All-Sass Grape Nectar
• 5 oz apple cider or apple kombucha
• cinnamon stick (optional)

Preparation

COLD:

1. To a mixing with ice, add whiskey, lemon, Grape Nectar, and kombucha. Stir thoroughly to combine. Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
2. Garnish with a lemon and/or apple wheel and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

WARM:

1. Heat cider in a small pan on the stovetop until warm.
2. To a large mug, add whiskey, lemon, Grape Nectar, and cider. Stir thoroughly to combine.
3. Garnish with a lemon and/or apple wheel and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Get your Grape Nectar now!