Description
Warm up with this cozy Maple Bourbon Apple Cider, a spiced and sweetened drink perfect for chilly days. Infused with citrus, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, this comforting beverage blends the natural sweetness of maple syrup with a splash of bourbon for an inviting adult twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- 6 oz bourbon (about 1 oz per serving)
Garnish
- Extra cinnamon sticks
- Extra star anise
Instructions
- Heat the cider. In a saucepan, pour the apple cider and place over medium-high heat. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer.
- Steep the spices. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider steep gently for about 30 minutes so it can absorb the flavors of the fruits and spices.
- Sweeten and strain. After steeping, stir in the maple syrup to taste. Then remove and discard the citrus slices and whole spices from the cider.
- Serve with bourbon. Pour about 1 oz of bourbon into each mug, then top with the hot spiced apple cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the maple syrup for sweetness based on your preference.
- Use freshly sliced oranges and lemons for the brightest citrus flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add extra maple syrup or a splash of sparkling water.
- This cider can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Be careful not to boil the cider vigorously, as it can dull the spices’ flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
