Whiskey Cider Julep

Written by
Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world.
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Colleen Graham
Updated 11/10/20
Whiskey Cider Julep Cocktail
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
  • Total: 3 mins
  • Prep: 3 mins
  • Cook: 0 mins
  • Serving: 1 serving
  • Yield: 1 cocktail

Irish whiskey and hard apple cider combine with mint for an interesting autumn cocktail. It's a fun drink that's like a mint julep adapted for the fall season. The intriguing taste is a little different than the average Irish whiskey cocktail, too.

Hard cider is an excellent pairing for the smooth taste of Irish whiskey. When mint and lime are added to that mix, they bring in a lighter touch and make the drink a little more refreshing.

Ingredients

  • 2 wedges lime
  • 4 to 6 leaves mint
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
  • 3 ounces hard apple cider
  • Garnish: lime wedge
  • Garnish: mint sprig

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for a Whiskey Cider Julep Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint, lime wedges, and simple syrup.

    Muddling a Whiskey Cider Julep Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  3. Fill the shaker with ice, add the whiskey, and shake well.

    Mixing a Whiskey Cider Julep Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  4. Fine-strain through a mesh strainer into a tall glass filled with cracked ice.

    Fine Straining a Whiskey Cider Julep Cocktail
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  5. Garnish with a lime wedge and sprig of mint. Serve and enjoy.

    Whiskey Cider Julep Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Recipe Variations

  • Rather than hard cider, you can pour a nonalcoholic apple cider. The drink will taste the same, but it will be a little lighter on the alcohol.
  • If you don't have simple syrup on hand, use a pinch of sugar instead.
  • Mint is a bit of an odd flavor pairing for apple. Try this same recipe with other herbs like basil, lavender, rosemary, or tarragon instead.

How Strong Is a Whiskey Cider Julep?

The whiskey cider julep is a perfectly casual cocktail that's about as strong as a glass of wine. Its average alcohol content should be in the 12 percent ABV (24 proof) range.