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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail with Cinnamon

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A warm, comforting cocktail made with fresh apple cider, bourbon, and cinnamon, perfect for cozy nights in. This simple recipe delivers a balanced, soul-soothing drink that’s not too sweet and not too boozy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon or whiskey
  • 1 medium orange (juice and peel)
  • 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 star anise (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange. Using a vegetable peeler, remove 2-3 wide strips of peel, avoiding the white pith. Cut the orange in half and juice it (about 2 tablespoons).
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, orange juice, orange peels, 2 cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Place over medium heat.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the spices.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the bourbon. Taste and add maple syrup or brown sugar if desired.
  5. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large glass measuring cup or directly over mugs. Pour the hot cider through the strainer to remove the orange peels, cloves, and cinnamon sticks (reserve one cinnamon stick for garnish).
  6. Divide the spiked cider between two mugs. Garnish each with a fresh cinnamon stick and a star anise pod if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Don’t let the cider boil vigorously or you’ll cook off some alcohol and muddle the flavors. A gentle simmer is key. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon and add a splash of vanilla extract and extra maple syrup. You can also make a large batch in a slow cooker on warm setting, adding bourbon just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, hot cocktail, bourbon, cinnamon, fall drink, cozy, warm cocktail

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-cocktail-with-cinnamon/