Description
A warm, festive, and simple cocktail made with unfiltered apple cider, bourbon, and a cinnamon-sugar rim. It takes only five minutes to prepare and offers a cozy autumn flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (475ml) unfiltered apple cider
- 2 oz (60ml) bourbon whiskey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for drink)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rim)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rim)
- 1 lemon or lime wedge (for wetting rim)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Pinch of nutmeg or allspice (optional, for rim)
- Apple slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the rim in a small bowl. If using turbinado sugar, crush crystals slightly.
- Run the lemon wedge around the outer rim of a mug or heat-safe glass to wet it.
- Invert the glass and dip the wet rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rotating to coat evenly. Tap off excess.
- Pour the apple cider into a microwave-safe mug or small saucepan.
- Heat the cider until steaming hot but not boiling (approx. 90 seconds in microwave or 5 minutes on stove over medium-low).
- Pour the bourbon into the hot cider and stir gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust with maple syrup or extra spices if desired.
- Garnish with an apple slice and a dusting of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use unfiltered, cloudy apple cider for the best flavor and texture. Do not boil the cider as it can make the drink taste metallic or bitter. Fresh cinnamon provides better aroma than old spices. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: bourbon apple cider, cinnamon rim cocktail, warm fall drinks, holiday cocktails, easy bourbon recipes, winter drinks, spiked hot cider