This easy bourbon apple cider cocktail recipe is the perfect drink for Fall. Served either hot or cold, this boozy apple cider drink is a great cocktail for a crowd.
Combine apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, nutmeg and one of the cinnamon sticks in a medium size pot on the stovetop.
Heat the mixture over medium high heat until it just begins to boil, then lower the heat to medium low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the bourbon and the honey.
Serve the drink warm in a mug garnished with a cinnamon stick or cool the mixture completely and serve in a glass over ice.
Notes
Recipe yields approximately 1 quart of spiked apple cider, or four 8-ounce servings
Apple Cider- Apple cider has more complex flavor since it's unfiltered. Apple juice is filtered will have a sweeter flavor. Either can be used.
Bourbon - Bourbon whiskey pairs perfectly with apple cider. It's a bit sweeter than regular whiskey. You don't need to use an expensive bourbon, but your favorite kind will work.
Non-Alcoholic - Omit the bourbon and replace with extra apple cider.
For a Crowd - Double or triple the recipe and serve in a slow cooker to keep it warm. For a cold version of this drink, serve it out of a large beverage pitcher.
Slow Cooker - To cook the drink in a slow cooker, combine the cider, juices and spices in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir in the honey and the bourbon and set to the warm setting for serving.
Make Ahead - Mix the cider, juices and spices can be mixed up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Follow the instructions for heating and adding the remaining ingredients as directed. For the cold version, make and cool the cocktail and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance.