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Cozy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail for Two: Easy Fall Recipe

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This warm, spiced bourbon apple cider cocktail for two is the perfect drink to slow down and enjoy the season. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a cozy hug in a mug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered, cloudy preferred)
  • 4 ounces bourbon (mid-shelf, like Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, adjust to taste)
  • 2 orange slices (fresh, 1/4-inch thick)
  • 2 whole cloves (studded into orange slices)
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)

Instructions

  1. Prep the oranges: Slice one orange into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Cut two slices for the drinks. Stud each orange slice with one whole clove, pushing it gently into the peel.
  2. Combine the base: In a small saucepan, pour in the 2 cups of apple cider. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise pods, and the clove-studded orange slices. Do not add the bourbon yet.
  3. Heat gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm the cider to a gentle simmer (tiny bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil) for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the sweetener: Once the cider is warm and fragrant, stir in the maple syrup until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
  5. Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the burner and let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly.
  6. Add the bourbon: Pour in the 4 ounces of bourbon and stir gently to combine. Do not boil after adding bourbon.
  7. Strain (optional): If desired, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into two heatproof mugs to remove whole spices.
  8. Garnish and serve: Top each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick, a fresh orange slice, and a light dusting of ground nutmeg. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t boil the cider to avoid bitterness. Add bourbon off the heat to preserve its flavor. For deeper flavor, toast spices in the dry saucepan for 30 seconds before adding cider. The cider base (without bourbon) can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon apple cider cocktail, fall cocktail, warm cocktail, spiced cider, easy cocktail recipe, cocktail for two

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/cozy-bourbon-apple-cider-cocktail-for-two-easy-fall-recipe/