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Fig Bourbon Cider Smash. Fresh apple cider, zesty orange, sweet fig preserves, a generous shot of bourbon, and a splash of sparkling water. This cider smash is sweet, citrusy, and warming. The perfect cocktail to cozy up to and welcome the start of autumn.
Hey, hi and happy Saturday! Excited to be stopping in today for a quick cocktail post. I’m slowly getting back into Cocktail Saturday posts, which won’t officially begin until October 6th, but first, I just had to share with you this autumn inspired Fig Bourbon Cider Smash.
The official kick off to Holiday Cocktails will be Saturday, October 6th (mark your calendars!) with our first Spooky Cocktail of the month.
Are you guys ready for a cocktail overload?
October will be all about Halloween cocktails, November will be Thanksgiving focused… And yes, you guessed it, December will be all about Christmas. There’s going to be a lot of cocktails, a lot of fun, and I’m already so excited! If there are any special requests you have, please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear your ideas!
As always with my cocktail Saturday posts, these are meant to be fun, short, and sweet, so jumping right into the details today!
If there was ever a transitional cocktail to say goodbye to summer and embrace fall, it’s this fig bourbon cider smash. It’s incredibly warming and cozy, but uses those late summer and early autumn figs that are beyond delicious.
It’s also incredibly easy to make. Here is how we do it.
In a cocktail shaker, combine fresh apple cider (my favorite cocktail mixer this time of year), orange zest and juice, fig preserves (this stuff is the BEST), and bourbon (don’t go for the cheap stuff, use something good people). Oh, and I also love adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a nice tang. I know it sounds so weird, but a little goes a long way. It’s that special something that makes this bourbon smash better than any other.
Strain the drink into a glass (these and these are my current favorites right now). Then just top off with sparkling water and a fresh fig. Takes maybe five minutes to make, uses ingredients you hopefully have on hand, is classy, pretty, and so refreshing, really delicious, and super cozy.
All my favorites in one drink. Could not love this one more, and I’m excited to mix this up tonight before another hectic day of travel tomorrow.
Hope you all enjoy… have a great Saturday!
PS. don’t forget to leave your drink requests in the comments below. I LOVE hearing your ideas!
If you make this fig cider bourbon smash, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Fig Bourbon Cider Smash
Servings: 1
Calories Per Serving: 52 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon orange zest + 2 tablespoons juice
- 1 tablespoon fig preserves
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, but delicious)
- sparkling water, for topping
- fresh figs, for serving
Instructions
- 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, orange zest, orange juice, fig preserves, bourbon, and balsamic vinegar, if using. Shake to combine.2. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off with sparkling water and garnish with a fresh fig. DRINK!
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Hi! Would it work to make it in “bulk” for a party?
Hey Amy! Yes that should work just fine 🙂 xT
DRINK REQUEST! My “go-to” cocktail is vodka with pineapple juice and just a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice (GOOD juices like Knudsen or Lakewood)….. I need a Fall update! It feels a little too summery on a chilly night. I need your creativity!
Sounds yummy!! Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
We are so excited to try this cocktail! We are going to try make a nonalcoholic version as well… do you have any recommendation on what to substitute in for the bourbon? Or general modifications to make it nonalcoholic?
Thank you, Tieghan!
Hi Madison,
I would just use additional sparkling water in place of the bourbon:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
This was delicious! Both the alcoholic and non alcoholic versions were a huge hit! Cocktail lovers and those who prefer wine or beer both raved about the drink.
Thank you, Tieghan!
Hey Madison,
Amazing!! I appreciate you making this dish and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was a winner! xT
I’m thinking of this for Thanksgiving, any modifications you would suggest for a make-ahead preparation? Thanks! ?
Hi Jenna! I haven’t made these ahead so I’m not sure how they would taste, so sorry about that! xxTieghan
Fabulous!!
Neighbor made it for me at our first fire pit party of the year.
My husband wonders why a dry shake instead of with ice?
Hey Mary,
Happy Monday!! I truly appreciate you trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad it was enjoyed! You could add ice if you like:) xx
I’m just trying this today and really like it! A very nice Fall cocktail. And you’re right – the balsamic vinegar adds another layer of flavor and is quite a nice addition. Thanks!
Hey! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Happy Halloween 🙂 xTieghan
Really nice balance to this drink, my compliments! It also makes a great seasonal beverage to make for yourself or to offer to guests prior to dinner. As it gets cooler…I might need to explore some hot options, though!
Hey Cynthia,
Happy Sunday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner. Thanks a lot for giving it a try! xTieghan
I’m late to this party, but I had a quick question before trying this. Did you add ice to your cocktail shaker as well or did you just do a dry shake? Thanks so much! Love your blog!
Hey Addie,
I just did a dry shake! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi. Do you use alcoholic or non-alcoholic cider for your drinks recipes? xx
Hey Maria,
I use non-alcoholic cider. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if I can help in any other way! xTieghan