Easy Homemade Warm Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
A cozy, spiced warm apple cider bourbon cocktail that comes together in under 15 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, and whole spices, this drink is perfect for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (grade A dark amber recommended)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods (optional but recommended)
- 1 strip orange peel (about 3 inches long, removed with a vegetable peeler, avoid white pith)
- 6 ounces bourbon (mid-range, such as Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve)
- Optional garnish: cinnamon sticks, star anise, thin apple slices, or fresh orange wheel
Instructions
- Combine the cider and spices. In a medium saucepan, add 4 cups apple cider, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 2 star anise pods, and the strip of orange peel. Do not add the bourbon yet. Stir together with a wooden spoon.
- Heat gently, don’t boil. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil). Once bubbles appear, reduce heat to low. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Let it steep. Allow the cider to simmer on low heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The cider will darken slightly.
- Remove from heat and strain. Turn off the heat. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof measuring cup or directly over mugs. Carefully pour the spiced cider through the strainer to catch the spices and orange peel. Discard solids. You should have about 3 ½ to 3 ¾ cups of spiced cider.
- Add the bourbon. Stir in 6 ounces of bourbon (about ¾ cup). Taste and adjust if needed. For a stronger cocktail, add another ounce; for milder, use 4 to 5 ounces.
- Serve immediately. Ladle or pour the warm cocktail into mugs. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick, star anise pod, thin apple slice, or orange wheel. Serve right away while hot.
Notes
Don’t rush the steep—10 to 12 minutes is essential for flavor. Keep heat low and slow to avoid bitterness. Add bourbon off the heat to preserve alcohol. For a non-alcoholic version, skip bourbon and add extra cider plus vanilla extract and a dash of apple cider vinegar. This recipe scales well for parties; keep cider warm in a slow cooker and let guests add their own bourbon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 8 ounce
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: warm apple cider bourbon cocktail, spiced apple cider cocktail, bourbon cocktail, fall cocktail, winter cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, warm cocktail