Description
Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider is a warm, comforting fall drink perfect for holiday gatherings. This flavorful beverage combines apple cider infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg, enhanced with the zest of fresh orange slices and a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. Serve it warm and garnish with apple slices or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Spiced Apple Cider Base
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup bourbon (or more to taste)
- Apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and orange slices. This sets the base for the infused cider.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse deeply into the cider for robust flavor.
- Strain and sweeten: Remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the mixture to remove the whole spices and orange slices, creating a smooth spiced cider. Stir in the maple syrup if you desire added sweetness.
- Add bourbon: Pour in 1/2 cup of bourbon or adjust to taste. Stir well to incorporate the bourbon completely into the spiced cider.
- Serve warm: Ladle the spiced bourbon apple cider into mugs. Garnish each serving with a fresh apple slice or cinnamon stick for an inviting presentation. Serve immediately warm.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon.
- This recipe can also be prepared in a slow cooker on low for 2 to 3 hours for easy entertaining.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or a splash of orange juice according to your preference.
