Copycat “Forbidden Fruit” Apple Maple Bourbon cocktail

I’m not going to bore you with more tales of how much I love fall – that fact about me will not have escaped you! And it will also not surprise you to hear that I love a good drink – I shared my favorite cocktail bars in Copenhagen (here) and even bought a vintage bar cart so I can make all the cocktails at home (here). So in this post, I’m combining my love for both and proudly present to you the perfect fall drink: the Apple Maple Bourbon Cocktail!

As I’ve already share with you, we recently visited one of my favorite restaurants in Copenhagen, Oliver and the Black Circus (post here), where I had an amazing pre-dinner cocktail called “Forbidden Fruit”, made with Bourbon, apple, and maple syrup. First, I applauded myself for making such a great choice. But I also immediately decided to re-create this beautiful drink and post the recipe on the blog!

This cocktail is super easy to make and only uses four ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home: Bourbon whiskey (I used Maker’s Mark, but just choose your personal favorite), apple juice (or apple cider, if you prefer), maple syrup, and lemon juice for a fresh kick. If you find yourself in Denmark, try to get your hands on some fresh “æblemost” made from the apples of the season.

In terms of “equipment”, you’ll simply need a cocktail shaker and some ice cubes, as well as a chilled martini glass to serve.

Apple Maple Bourbon Cocktail

(makes 1 cocktail)

40ml Bourbon whiskey

30ml lemon juice

2 tbsp maple syrup

100ml apple juice or apple cider

ice cubes

apple slices, for garnish

Put a couple of ice cubes in a cocktail shaker as well as in a martini glass. To the shaker, add the four ingredients and shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. Remove ice cubes from the glass, then pour the drink, using a strainer. If you’re using sparkling apple cider instead of juice, don’t add the cider to the shaker, but instead shake all other ingredients, strain, and then top off with the cider. Garnish with slices of red apple or a lemon twist.

This cocktail strikes the balance between sweet and sour – its rich, golden color and the taste of sweet, ripe apples and warm maple are just the perfect embodiment of fall. This would also be a lovely Thanksgiving cocktail, if you’re so inclined!

What do you think – doesn’t this sound delicious? And what are your favorite fall drinks? Share in the comments below!