This little ditty is a rainy day pick me up, a perfect treat as rainy season approaches here in SoCal and a lovely warming winter drink in those snowy regions. Not only is it a spiced hot cider but the bourbon gives you that warm tingle going down. One thing I really miss about the east coast is incredible crunchy, sweet apples. I have a hell of a time finding a decent cider over here so I mulled the pants off of this drink until it was a spicy, sweet, bourbon-y delight. As a bonus, it makes the house smell incredible!!!
What hot drink recipes do you stand by when the cold weather creeps in and the holidays approach?
Hot Mulled Apple Cider with Bourbon
This mulled hot apple cider with bourbon is pretty much autumn in every buttery, bourbon-y sip. Sigh...just enjoy.
Author: Crystal Cartier
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 quart (4 cups) apple cider
- 3 large cinnamon sticks
- ⅓ cup dried oranges OR the peel and slices of 1 orange
- 12 pods of cardamon
- 15 allspice berries
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 cup quality bourbon
- sliced small apples
- tiny pat of butter, 1 per drink (optional)
Instructions
- Simmer cider, cinnamon, orange slices and orange peels, cardamom, allspice, star anise and rosemary in a saucepan.
- Simmer until liquid has reduced by half, 15-20 minutes.
- Add bourbon and stir until warmed. Can be kept over low heat partially covered to keep warm.
- Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of apple. Top with a small pat of butter if desired.
ENJOY!!!
food photographer, food photography, los angeles, crystal cartier
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