Bourbon Spiked Apple Cider
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
229 kcal
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Course
Drinks
Bourbon Spiked Apple Cider
Description
This recipe starts with apple cider simmered with whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and sliced fresh ginger to infuse the flavors. Fresh orange juice is added along with a squeezed orange half to preserve citrus oils, which combine with the spices for a warm fragrant base. After straining out spices and citrus solids, the cider is blended with bourbon and adjustable maple syrup, allowing the drinker to balance sweetness as desired.
The result is a spiced cider with warmth from the bourbon, tang from the apple and orange, subtle heat from ginger, and depth from cloves and star anise. The drink can be served hot to warm during cooler months or chilled over ice for a refreshing cocktail. Garnishes such as sugared rims, orange or apple slices, and cinnamon sticks enhance presentation and impart extra flavors and aromas with each sip.
Pouring the infused spiced cider mix through a mesh sieve ensures a smooth, spice-free drink. Storing and serving the cocktail warm in a slow cooker helps maintain temperature for larger groups. Mixing maple syrup last provides control over sweetness depending on the tartness of the apple cider used.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 6 clove whole
- 1 star anise whole
- ½ inch ginger cut into slices, piece, fresh
- 2 orange small
- 1 cup bourbon 8 ounces
- 0 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup see notes
- brown sugar orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, for garnishing
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and ginger over medium heat. Wash the oranges well, then slice in half and squeeze the juice into the saucepan. Drop in one of the squeezed orange halves, and discard the other three.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and pour through a mesh sieve to filter out the spices and orange half.
- Combine the apple cider mixture with the bourbon and maple syrup. Serve hot, or chill to serve over ice.
Notes
- Adjust maple syrup amount to taste, depending on your cider’s natural sweetness.
- Any mid-priced bourbon works well; no need for premium brands.
- Keep warm for gatherings in a slow cooker set to low.
- For a decorative rim, rub an orange slice around the glass and dip into brown sugar before filling.
- Use orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks as garnishes when serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 229kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 15mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 47g | 94% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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