The Grave Digger Cocktail: A Dark And Stormy Delight

The Grave Digger Cocktail: For those with a dark and stormy personality

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Introduction: Digging Up a Classic With a Spooky Twist

Some cocktails whisper elegance; others shout party. The Grave Digger Cocktail somehow does both. Built with bourbon, apple cider, and ginger beer, it’s dark, moody, and just a little eerie — making it perfect for Halloween parties, autumn evenings, or themed gatherings where you want a drink that looks as good as it tastes.

Think of it as a cross between a bourbon highball and a cider mule, with enough fizz to keep things lively and enough depth to feel warming.

What Is the Grave Digger Cocktail?

At its heart, the Grave Digger is a three-ingredient build:

Bourbon for warmth and richness.
Apple cider for tart, seasonal sweetness.
Ginger beer for spice and fizz.

The result? A drink that feels like falling leaves, carved pumpkins, and crackling fires all in one glass.

It’s a Halloween favourite thanks to its name, but the flavour profile is flexible enough to enjoy any time during apple season.

Grave Digger Cocktail Recipe (AU Measures)

Glassware: Rocks glass, lowball, or mason jar for a rustic touch
Ice: Cubes

Ingredients:

50 ml bourbon
100 ml apple cider (fresh or spiced)
150 ml ginger beer
Ice cubes
Apple slices for garnish

Method:

Fill glass with ice.
Add bourbon and apple cider.
Top with ginger beer, stir gently.
Garnish with apple slices — dust with cinnamon for extra flair.

That’s it. Simple, fast, and easy to scale up for parties.

RSA Notes: Standard Drinks in Australia

It’s fun to go “six feet under” with flavour, but we keep it above board with RSA. Here’s how the Grave Digger measures up:

50 ml bourbon @ 40% ABV ≈ 1.6 standard drinks
Apple cider & ginger beer (non-alcoholic) = 0 standard drinks

Total: ~1.6 standard drinks per serve

RSA-friendly tips:

For lighter serves, reduce bourbon to 30 ml (~1 standard drink).
If using hard cider instead of non-alcoholic apple cider, adjust calculations (most ciders are 4–5% ABV and will add ~1 standard drink per 330 ml).
Always measure with a jigger for accuracy.

(Reference: Australian Standard Drinks Guide)

Ingredient Breakdown

Bourbon

Brings body and warmth. Choose a bourbon you enjoy neat; richer, oakier expressions will add depth, while lighter styles keep the drink fresh.

Apple Cider

Fresh apple cider makes this cocktail sing. Spiced cider adds cinnamon and clove notes for Halloween vibes. Avoid apple juice — it’s too sweet and lacks depth.

Ginger Beer

The backbone of fizz and spice. Go for a ginger-forward brand like Bundaberg (local Aussie classic) or Fever-Tree.

Perfecting Your Grave Digger

Ice matters: Use big cubes for slow dilution, or crushed ice for a “party punch” look.
Glassware counts: Rocks glass for sophistication; mason jar for a rustic autumn feel.
Balance to taste: Too sweet? Add a squeeze of fresh lemon. Too fiery? Use a milder ginger beer.

Garnishing Ideas

Classic apple slices (dust with cinnamon for aroma).
Cinnamon stick — doubles as a stirrer and adds warm spice.
Spooky apple cut-outs — bats, skulls, or tombstones using cookie cutters.
Herbal touch — sprigs of thyme or rosemary (they look like eerie branches).
Halloween fun — gummy worms crawling out of the glass for a cheeky party garnish.

Variations on the Grave Digger

Haunted Grave Digger – Add a splash of dark rum for depth and mystery.
Spiced Grave Digger – Use spiced bourbon or add pumpkin spice syrup.
Cider Mule – Swap bourbon for vodka and serve in a copper mug.
Smoky Grave Digger – Replace bourbon with mezcal for earthy, smoky notes.

Food Pairings

Pairing is half the fun, especially at Halloween parties:

Caramel apples – double down on the apple theme.
Roasted pumpkin seeds – savoury crunch with cider’s sweetness.
Cinnamon sugar donuts – echo the warm spice in the drink.
Cheese platter – sharp cheddar or Gouda work beautifully with bourbon.

FAQs

Q: Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Mix bourbon and cider in a jug, refrigerate, and top with ginger beer just before serving.

Q: Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Swap bourbon for zero-proof whiskey alternatives — you’ll keep the autumn vibe.

Q: How strong is it?
One standard serve is about 1.6 standard drinks (AU). Adjust the bourbon pour to suit your event.

Conclusion: Raise the Spirits Responsibly

The Grave Digger Cocktail blends bourbon, cider, and ginger beer into a drink that’s as fun to serve as it is to sip. It’s spooky enough for Halloween but cosy enough for autumn nights by the fire.

With simple ingredients, customisable garnishes, and RSA-friendly portions, it’s a cocktail you can serve confidently at home or behind the bar.

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you