Here’s a simple, elegant take on autumn: a cocktail that combines apple cider, champagne (or another sparkling wine), and rye, brightened with a squeeze of lemon. Best part — it comes together in about two minutes.
Why we love this recipe
I first created this drink for our fifteenth wedding anniversary. At the time I wrote about how that year felt like a mix of growing up and settling in — and I wanted a cocktail that reflected that balance. This recipe delivers just that.
This rye cocktail:
- Is simple yet refined
- Evokes the crispness of fall
- Offers the warmth of rye without overpowering the other flavors
I wanted cider, and I always want sparkling wine. That feeling still holds true. So here’s The Fifteen — a toast to us, and to you.
P.S. This cocktail leans toward a fuller fall flavor. If you prefer something lighter, try a cider Moscow Mule instead.
What you’ll need
These are the ingredients that make the drink work.
- Rye whiskey brings a dry, slightly spicy, almost savory character that balances the cider’s sweetness.
- Sparkling wine — choose a dry bottle you enjoy. Prosecco, Cava, or a dry brut work well; the goal is a lively, dry finish to lift the drink.
- Apple cider — unfiltered local cider adds gentle sweetness and complexity. Use the good stuff you’d drink on its own.
- Fresh lemon juice — a generous squeeze brightens and balances the cocktail.
How to make it
Making this cocktail is quick and straightforward. The video in the original post shows the steps, but here are the essentials.
- Choose a champagne flute or coupe and pour in the rye.
- Add the apple cider.
- Top the glass with sparkling wine.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, then serve immediately.
Expert tips and FAQs
Rye whiskey in the U.S. is made from a mash of at least 51% rye. It tends to be slightly spicy, dry, and a bit savory compared with other whiskeys, which gives cocktails an edgier profile.
Any dry sparkling wine you enjoy will work. A dry brut, a good Prosecco, or a Cava are all excellent choices — pick what you like to drink on its own.
Yes. For a pitcher version: stir 3/4 cup rye, 1 1/4 cups apple cider, the juice of one lemon, and 1/2 cup water. Just before serving, add one bottle of sparkling wine. This yields about six drinks.
More great rye cocktails
If you like this drink, try these classic rye-based cocktails for variety:
- Corduroy
- Perfect Manhattan
- Boulevardier
The Fifteen: An Apple Cider, Champagne, and Rye Cocktail
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Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce rye whiskey
- 1 ½ ounces unfiltered apple cider
- 3-4 ounces champagne or other sparkling wine
- Big squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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Pour the rye and apple cider into a champagne glass.
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Top with sparkling wine, add a big squeeze of lemon juice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is flexible — adjust proportions to taste and use the rye and sparkling wine you prefer. Different bottles will change the nuance, but the structure stays the same.
- Any dry sparkling wine works: a dry brut, Prosecco, or Cava will all lift the drink nicely.
- To scale for a party using a full bottle of sparkling wine: stir 3/4 cup rye, 1 1/4 cups apple cider, the juice of one lemon, and 1/2 cup water in a pitcher. Just before serving, pour in one bottle of sparkling wine. Makes about six drinks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.