Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe
Introduction
Warm up with a cozy glass of Maple Bourbon Apple Cider, a perfect blend of sweet maple, spicy cinnamon, and rich bourbon. This comforting drink is ideal for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 L apple cider
- 2 orange slices
- 2 lemon slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8-10 whole cloves
- 3 whole star anise
- 4 tbsp maple syrup (or as needed)
- Bourbon (about 1 oz per serving)
- Extra cinnamon sticks and star anise (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, pour the apple cider and place it over medium-high heat. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Step 2: Bring the cider up to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it steep gently for about 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Step 3: After steeping, stir in maple syrup to taste. Remove the citrus slices and spices from the cider.
- Step 4: To serve, pour about 1 oz of bourbon into a mug and top with the hot spiced cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor and aroma.
- Adjust maple syrup sweetness to your preference or substitute with honey or brown sugar.
- Omit bourbon for a delicious non-alcoholic version, perfect for all ages.
- Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for an extra bright note.
Storage
Store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove without boiling to preserve the flavors. Add bourbon just before serving for the best taste.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this cider in advance?
Yes, you can make the spiced cider base a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving and add bourbon fresh each time.
What can I use if I don’t have star anise?
If star anise is unavailable, substitute with a small piece of licorice root or an extra cinnamon stick to maintain similar warm spice notes.
PrintMaple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe
A warm, cozy drink perfect for chilly days, this Maple Bourbon Apple Cider blends the natural sweetness of apple cider with warming spices, a hint of citrus, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon for an inviting adult beverage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Apple Cider Base
- 2 L apple cider
- 2 orange slices
- 2 lemon slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8–10 whole cloves
- 3 whole star anise
Sweetener
- 4 tbsp maple syrup (or as needed)
Alcohol and Garnish
- Bourbon (about 1 oz per serving)
- Extra cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- Extra star anise (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the cider and spices: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, pour in the apple cider. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat.
- Steep the flavors: Allow the cider to steep gently on low heat for about 30 minutes. This lets the cider absorb the rich flavors of the citrus and spices. Once steeped, stir in the maple syrup to your preferred sweetness and remove all the citrus slices and spice solids from the cider.
- Serve with bourbon and garnish: Pour about 1 ounce of bourbon into a mug and top it with the hot apple cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a piece of star anise if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spiced beverage.
Notes
- Adjust the maple syrup quantity to taste depending on the sweetness of your cider and personal preference.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon; the spiced cider is delicious on its own.
- Use fresh spices for the best aromatic flavor.
- Warm the mugs before serving to help keep the drink hot longer.
- This drink pairs well with autumn and winter gatherings.
Keywords: maple bourbon apple cider, spiced cider, warm cocktail, autumn drink, winter beverage, bourbon cider, festive drinks
