Cozy Spiked Apple Cider: Easy Bourbon Drink
A warm, comforting drink made with fresh apple cider, bourbon, and cinnamon sticks. This quick recipe captures the essence of fall with a smooth, spiced flavor profile perfect for rainy evenings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh-pressed apple cider
- 1.5 to 2 ounces bourbon
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 strip orange peel
- 1 star anise pod (optional)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a small to medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until warm. Do not boil; let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
- Add cinnamon sticks and optional spices (star anise) to the warm cider. Stir gently and let steep for 2-3 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat source completely.
- Stir in the bourbon and optional maple syrup until well combined.
- Prepare serving mugs by adding orange peel to the bottom or rubbing it around the rim for aroma.
- Pour the hot cider into the mugs. Strain if loose spices were used, or leave cinnamon sticks in for garnish.
- Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
Do not boil the alcohol, as high heat evaporates the best notes of the bourbon. Use fresh-pressed cider for the best flavor. If using bottled cider, check for preservatives that may taste metallic when heated. Warm mugs with hot water before serving to keep the drink hot longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: spiked apple cider, bourbon drink, fall cocktail, warm apple cider, cinnamon bourbon, winter drink, cozy recipes, easy cocktails