Marry This Mulled Cider with Bourbon is a warm and spiced recipe, which is made with fresh apple cider and bourbon. It’s the perfect choice for holiday parties, ready in about an hour and a half.
Jump to RecipeMulled Cider with Bourbon Ingredients
- 1/2 gal. apple cider
- 1 Granny Smith apple, diced
- Peel of 1 orange, torn into pieces
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
How To Make Mulled Cider with Bourbon
- Combine and simmer: Pour the apple cider into a large pot and set it over medium-high heat. Add the diced apple, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Infuse the cider: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the cider simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Add bourbon and serve: Stir in the bourbon and let the cider simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Ladle the hot mulled cider into mugs and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the best cider to use? For the most authentic and robust apple flavor, use a fresh, unfiltered apple cider, often found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store during the fall.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, this is a perfect recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the bourbon and heat on low for 3-4 hours. Stir in the bourbon during the last 30 minutes and keep on the “warm” setting for a party.
- Can I use a different spirit? Absolutely. Spiced rum or an apple brandy would also be delicious substitutes for the bourbon.
- How to get the best orange peel? Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel from the orange in long, wide strips, trying to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
What To Serve With Mulled Cider
This warm and festive cocktail is perfect for any autumn or winter gathering.
- Holiday parties
- Bonfire nights
- Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations
- Served alongside a cheese and charcuterie board
How To Store Mulled Cider
- Refrigerate: Let the cider cool completely. You can either strain out the solids or leave them in. Store the mulled cider in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Mulled Cider with Bourbon Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 0.5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, simply omit the bourbon. The spiced apple cider is delicious on its own as a festive, non-alcoholic beverage for all ages.
Of course. While Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, a sweeter apple like a Honeycrisp or Gala would also be a wonderful addition.
You can adjust the sugar to your taste. If your apple cider is already quite sweet, you may want to start with less sugar and add more at the end if needed.
Try More Recipes:
Mulled Cider with Bourbon Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes1
hour15
minutes210
kcalA warm and comforting alcoholic punch made by simmering apple cider with fresh apple, orange peel, and cinnamon, then spiking it with bourbon.
Ingredients
1/2 gal. apple cider
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
Peel of 1 orange
3 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup bourbon
Directions
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, diced apple, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
- Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Stir in the bourbon and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Ladle into mugs and serve warm.
Notes
- The long, gentle simmer is key to allowing the spices and fruit to fully infuse the cider.
- For a party, this recipe can easily be doubled and kept warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.
- Feel free to add other whole spices like a few star anise or cloves for extra complexity.
- The aroma of this cider simmering on the stove will make your whole house smell festive.
