Description
A cozy, five-ingredient cocktail that combines warm spiced apple cider with bourbon for a sophisticated autumn drink that takes less than 20 minutes to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960ml) 100% Apple Cider (fresh pressed preferred)
- 1 cup (240ml) Bourbon
- 3–4 large Cinnamon Sticks
- 6–8 Whole Cloves
- 1 large Orange (for peel and juice)
- Ice (large cubes)
- Optional: Star Anise, Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks and whole cloves (and star anise if using). Stir gently to submerge spices.
- Place saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil. Once bubbling gently, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Strain the spiced cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or large measuring cup, discarding the solids.
- Combine the spiced cider and bourbon in a pitcher using a 4:1 ratio (4 parts cider to 1 part bourbon). Stir well.
- Fill glasses with ice. Pour the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twisted orange peel and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it can make the flavor flat. Use whole spices for better infusion and presentation. The spiced cider base can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: fall cocktail, apple cider bourbon, old fashioned, autumn drinks, easy cocktails, seasonal drinks, bourbon recipe