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Cozy Bourbon Apple Cider: The Best Easy Fall Cocktail

cozy bourbon apple cider cocktail - featured image
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A warm, smoky, and sweet bourbon apple cider cocktail with cinnamon that comes together in under 5 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights, this forgiving recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers comfort in a mug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon per serving (e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 4 oz (120 ml) apple cider per serving (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 cinnamon stick per serving, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) maple syrup per serving (optional)
  • 1 strip orange peel per serving (optional)
  • 1 star anise per serving (optional)
  • Ice (optional, for chilled version)

Instructions

  1. Warm the apple cider: Pour 4 oz (120 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until steaming but not boiling. You should smell the sweet, tart aroma of apples.
  2. Prepare your mug: While the cider heats, place a cinnamon stick and star anise (if using) into your mug. If using orange peel, hold it over the mug, give it a gentle twist to release oils, then drop it in.
  3. Add the bourbon: Measure 2 oz (60 ml) of bourbon and pour it into the mug. If using maple syrup, add it now. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour the hot cider: Carefully pour the warm apple cider into the mug over the bourbon and spices. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish and serve: Add an extra cinnamon stick for visual appeal. Serve immediately while warm. The drink should be a deep amber color with a warm apple, oak, and spice aroma.
  6. Optional iced version: Skip heating. Fill a glass with ice, add bourbon and cider, and stir. The cinnamon stick will infuse more slowly.

Notes

Don’t boil the cider—it concentrates sugar and makes the drink overly sweet. For extra flavor, toast the cinnamon stick over a gas flame for 10-15 seconds before adding. For a party, batch in a slow cooker on warm for up to 2 hours. Use large ice cubes for the iced version to prevent dilution. Different bourbons bring different notes: high-rye adds spice, wheated is smoother.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon apple cider, fall cocktail, warm cocktail, cinnamon, easy cocktail, cozy drink, Thanksgiving drink, bourbon cocktail

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/cozy-bourbon-apple-cider-the-best-easy-fall-cocktail/