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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks

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A warm, gently sweet spiked apple cider with cinnamon and bourbon, perfect for cozy fall and winter evenings. This easy, one-pot recipe fills your home with the aroma of the season and is customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (8 cups) apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 1 to 1½ cups bourbon or whiskey (e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark), to taste
  • 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 to 3 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)
  • 3 to 4 thin slices fresh ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the cider and spices: Pour the apple cider into a large pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise (if using), fresh ginger slices, and orange slices (studded with a few cloves if desired). Stir well.
  2. Heat gently: Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a rolling boil). This takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Simmer and steep: Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste at 15 minutes; if stronger spice flavor is desired, simmer another 5 minutes.
  4. Add sweetener (if using): Taste the cider. If needed, stir in maple syrup or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired sweetness is reached (typically 2 tablespoons).
  5. Add bourbon: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the bourbon, starting with 1 cup and adjusting to taste (add up to ¼ cup more for a stronger kick, or use ¾ cup for milder). Do not boil after adding alcohol.
  6. Strain or serve: For a clear drink, pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs. Alternatively, fish out large pieces with a slotted spoon for a rustic presentation.
  7. Serve warm: Ladle into mugs. Garnish each with a fresh cinnamon stick and an orange slice if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not boil the cider after adding bourbon to avoid cooking off the alcohol. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon. The recipe doubles or triples easily; for parties, keep warm in a slow cooker on the ‘keep warm’ setting. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat gently without boiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, mulled cider, bourbon cider, fall drink, winter cocktail, cinnamon, cozy drink

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-with-cinnamon-sticks/