Bourbon Whiskey and Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

^{This post has been sponsored by Chicken Cock Whiskey. The following message is intended for those 21+. All opinions expressed are my own. Please enjoy responsibly.}

When it comes to spirits, whiskey is a universe unto itself, and today we’re taking a look at one of the most renowned classics within that universe – Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Chicken Cock had earned its stripes as an American classic long before Prohibition and then became a staple spirit of speakeasies from coast to coast.

If you’re curious as to ‘why’ and ‘how’ Chicken Cock earned itself such an enduring reputation, read on. Today we’ll be sampling their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, offering you a cocktail recipe that plays to the whiskey’s strengths, and then discussing what to look for in quality whiskey overall.

So, without further introduction, let’s get sipping.

Aromatics and Tasting – The Review

Off the top of the glass, the whiskey introduces itself with caramel and hints of smooth vanilla, draped over notes of oak and what I’ll describe as either crusty bread or perhaps pie crust. The whiskey’s oak barrels are pleasantly evident throughout the bouquet. On second whiff, there are hints of cracked leather or perhaps antique wood, perforated by earthy spices deeper into the glass. Very pleasant, and very traditional.

On the palate, baking spices are at the forefront with caramel notes and green apple, with robust oak flavor, or perhaps toasted oak, and the pie crust from the bouquet, creating a pleasant contrast of sweetness and heat. This ends with a copious amount of spice, with the finish navigating through notes of caramel and sweet vanilla, creating a medium-long end. A thoughtfully crafted sip, pleasant from start to finish.

Main Ingredients Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

This twist on a classic cocktail uses only a handful of simple ingredients to create something seasonal and special. You won’t even need a cocktail shaker for this one, it’s that simple, I promise.

Here’s everything you’ll need for this autumn cocktail.

• 3 ounces Apple Cider
  • Tip: I recommend using fresh, unfiltered apple cider, as this will bring not only the best flavor but also the best texture.
  • Substitution: If apple cider is unavailable, use unsweetened apple juice, but add a splash of lemon for a tangy kick, along with perhaps a splash of sweet vermouth with perhaps a dash of maple syrup or simple syrup. And yes, you can of course add the splash of sweet vermouth even if using apple cider.
• 1 ounce Chicken Cock Whiskey
  • Note: A Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey really is the way to go with this cocktail. Chicken Cock’s unwavering commitment to tradition and quality makes it the ideal whiskey for this recipe. What’s more, the whiskey’s unique flavor and aromatic profiles pair deliciously with the apple and cinnamon.
  • Tip: Adjust the amount of whiskey based on your preferred strength, adding more for a bolder cocktail or less for a lighter one.
  • Substitution: Feel free to substitute in any smooth bourbon.
• 2 ounces Ginger Seltzer or Club Soda
  • Tip: Ginger seltzer adds a hint of spice that complements the apple cider, while club soda keeps it crisp and refreshing.
  • Substitution: Ginger ale or ginger beer can be used for a sweeter, more pronounced ginger flavor, but reduce the raw sugar if using this.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • Note: Nothing says autumn like ground cinnamon and apple cider, giving the cocktail its seasonal warmth and flavor.
  • Substitution: If you’re feeling fancy, homemade pumpkin pie spice or a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg both work well.
• 3 tablespoons Raw Sugar
  • Tip: For added flare on the presentation. I find that raw sugar crystals add a nice rustic look and a bit of extra texture to the sip.
  • Substitution: Brown sugar or coconut sugar will both work.
• ½ teaspoon Edible Glitter (Optional)
  • Note: Purely decorative, but helps to give the cocktail a fun and playful look, especially for autumn gatherings.
  • Substitution: If you’re feeling especially fancy, edible gold will help heighten the cocktail an extra notch or two.
• Apple Roses, for Garnish
  • Note: Apple roses add an elegant touch, transforming the cocktail into a showstopper.
  • Tip: For best results, use a firm, crisp apple variety such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
  • Substitution: If apple roses aren’t feasible, thin apple slices, fan-folded, also make an attractive garnish.
• Ice
  • Tip: Use large ice cubes to keep the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.
  • Note: For an extra special touch, use ice molds to make large, spherical ice cubes or freeze apple cider into cubes to avoid dilution and preserve the cocktail’s full flavor.

Instructions for Apple Roses:

1. Slice one apple thinly and soak in a bowl of ice water with lemon juice for about 5 minutes.
2. Arrange apple slices on a parchment-lined baking tray, overlapping slightly if needed.
3. Tip: You can use a convection oven, microwave, or air fryer.
4. Heat apple slices for about 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) if using a convection oven or air fryer, until soft enough to roll.
5. Once softened, roll slices gently to form roses, securing each with a toothpick. Set aside for garnish.

Cocktail Assembly Tips:

1. In a small dish, combine cinnamon and raw sugar.
2. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. A simple rocks glass will do.
3. Fill the glass with ice (clear ice for the best presentation), then add the apple cider, whiskey, ginger seltzer (or club soda), and edible glitter if using.
4. Garnish with the apple roses and a sprinkle of the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, and yes feel free to add a maraschino cherry if so inclined. If your feeling fancy, you can of course flame an orange peel, and add that to the side of glass for added flavor and zesty citrus.

What Makes a ‘Good’ Whiskey?

To start, let’s consider a different spirit: vodka. Ask any spirit aficionado about the defining qualities of a “good” vodka, and the answer is often the same—“odorless, flavorless, colorless.” There’s a caveat here: premium vodkas may reflect subtle qualities from their origins, but true quality in vodka often lies in what’s absent. Simple enough.

With whiskey, however, there’s far more room to explore. While American whiskey, particularly smooth bourbon from the United States, is known for bold flavors and even notes of brown sugar, Scotch whiskey or Japanese whiskey offers an entirely different experience. Each whiskey-producing region has crafted a classic drink that captures its distinct flavor profile and style. What might make a good whiskey from one area isn’t necessarily what appeals to fans of whiskeys from other regions.

Moreover, whiskey lovers are known for their enthusiasm and attention to finer details. As Mario Petkovski of Whiskey Reviewer notes, “The taste is important, but it all comes down to personal preference.” For many, “good stuff” isn’t just about flavor; the best whiskey is about a connection with the distillery, the character of the whiskey, and the experience it brings. Mario explains that the best whiskeys provide a sensory impact—a velvety texture and complexity of flavors that immerse the drinker.

Meanwhile, Marta Burgues from Drinks and Co advises that a good whiskey shouldn’t smell “excessively” of alcohol or let alcohol overpower on the palate. And with this I agree, especially in regards to how this balance is essential in a smooth bourbon that is as good in modern recipes as it is in a traditional old fashioned. When choosing a whiskey, consider that higher quality often means paying a bit more, as Marta suggests, “Better to drink a little and very good, rather than a lot and cheap.”

In short order, for those looking to add whiskey to their collection or experiment with Bourbon cocktails, remember that a little extra investment can make all the difference. Finding a smooth bourbon with a velvety texture and bold flavors is definitely worth the search. When in doubt, remember that it’s better to enjoy a glass of the good stuff than a bucket of something that barely deserves the label “whiskey.”

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And that’s our review of Chicken Cock’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. If you enjoyed this post or tried the cocktail, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you!

Cheers!

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