Quick Cinnamon-Cider Whiskey Boulevardier

In the blink of an eye, my summer full of lounging by the pool with a watermelon-basil margarita has morphed into pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple picking! The golden light of autumn is slowly fading to the dark nights of November and December, but don’t fret! With the change in seasons, comes some of my favorite flavors! Wonderful drinks that complement an evening by the fireplace with a good book, and a cat in my lap; it’s a pleasure I look forward to all year! With that in mind, I’ve created a drink that is the perfect accompaniment: Introducing my newest fall cocktail favorite, “The Fireside”, a Quick Cinnamon Cider Whiskey Boulevardier!

What is a Boulevardier?

In cocktail lingo, a Boulevardier is pretty much a Negroni, but with whiskey replacing gin. That’s it. It’s one of the classic stirred whiskey cocktails, in the same family as an Old Fashioned. Just pour all of the ingredients into a shaker, add a bit of ice, and stir. With a gorgeous homemade cinnamon simple syrup, a bit of apple cider, and twist of orange, I’ve elevated the traditional flavors of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, into one of the best cider & whiskey cocktails for the season! This Fall rye whiskey cocktail is the perfect fireside companion.

What Ingredients do I Need to Shake up this Apple Cinnamon Cocktail?

If you are a fan of mulled apple cider, you’ll love this drink!

• Apple Cider
• Rye Whiskey
• Campari
• Sweet Vermouth
• Cinnamon Simple Syrup
• Orange
• Orange Zest

Can I use any Rye Whiskey in this Recipe?

Yessss, but also….no. Rye whiskey has a very distinct flavor and scent, and although there are plenty of beautiful rye whiskeys on the market, I’ve found two that really stand above the rest for this particular drink. I don’t often specifically share brands of spirits to use in my cocktails (and this is NOT sponsored), but these two bottles are some of my favorites, and work fantastically in this cocktail. The warming flavors of cinnamon and apple call for an assertive, balanced, rye whiskey. I love Whistlepig 10-year Rye Whiskey, or High West Double Rye Whiskey. Combining a splash of fresh orange, Campari, and the kick of this whiskey, makes this a true fireside sipper!

What is Sweet Vermouth?

You’ve probably noticed that there are quite a few different liquors in this cocktail! In addition to the rye whiskey and classic Campari, we have a dash of sweet vermouth. This is a staple of some classic cocktails, like Martinis, or the Manhattan, but Sweet Vermouth is an Italian fortified wine that has a rich fruit and spice notes. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon & apple in this drink recipe, and adds a lot of depth. Don’t be fooled by the simple ingredients, this Thanksgiving apple cider and cinnamon cocktail is complex and addictive! It’s also a great way to use Campari, one of my favorite orange-spice flavored liquors, in a Fall cocktail!

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The Fireside Apple Cider & Cinnamon Whiskey Boulevardier Recipe

1.5 ounces Rye Whiskey (I prefer Whistlepig 10 Rye Whiskey or High West Whiskey Double Rye)

0.5 ounce Campari

0.5 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1 ounce Apple Cider

0.5 ounces cinnamon simple syrup*

Squeeze of fresh orange

Twist of orange

Ice

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Pour all of the liquids + squeeze of orange, into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.

Add a handful of ice. Stir gently with a cocktail spoon.

Strain over ice into your favorite Old fashioned or Rocks glass.

Expel some orange zest over the glass to release the oils.

Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

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