Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

The advent of fall brings with it feelings of cozy warmth, and there is no other spirit that seems perfect for the season than bourbon. Combine it with another mainstay of the season, apple cider, and you have a perfect apple bourbon cocktail to help survive the frigid temperatures.

This particular bourbon mixed drink combines wonderful, homey flavors of the season. You will combine crisp apples, spicy cinnamon, and star anise, into a concoction perfectly made for sipping in front of the fireplace. Besides making a highly tasty bourbon cocktail, you will also fill your home with the warm, wonderful smell of winter.

This recipe, which makes 2 bourbon cider cocktails, makes a fairly stiff drink, so if you prefer them a little less boozy, you can always leave out an ounce or so of bourbon. The star anise gives the drink a hint of black licorice flavor. It’s not overpowering, however, if you don’t care for the taste of black licorice, you can omit that and still have an amazing bourbon cocktail.

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You can use the apple cider of your choice, but try to take advantage of any locally sourced, fresh apple cider, because it’s just more fun that way, in my opinion! And use the apples of your choice. In this recipe, I used Pink Lady apples, just to balance out the sweetness, but sometimes I also use Gala apples, just because those are my favorite.

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail – Makes 2 cocktails

Ingredients:

10 oz apple cider

4 oz bourbon

1 apple, sliced

2 teaspoon organic raw honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ice cubes

Star anise (optional)

Garnish: cinnamon sticks

Directions:

Add cider, apple slices, honey, star anise and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 5-10 minutes.
Strain the mixture and let it cool.
Place ice cubes in the bottom of the glasses, then add 2 oz bourbon to each glass. Fill with chilled apple cider and garnish with a cinnamon stick.