Description
Warm Maple Apple Bourbon Cocktail is a cozy and inviting drink perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Combining sweet apple cider, rich maple syrup, aromatic spices, and tender apple slices, this warm cocktail balances sweetness and warmth with a touch of bourbon. It’s topped with creamy whipped cream and garnished with a cinnamon stick for a comforting and elegant presentation. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this cocktail offers delightful fall and winter flavors, with customizable options for non-alcoholic or spiced variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized pot, combine the apple cider, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and water. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your cocktail.
- Heat Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat. Stir gently as the mixture warms to a gentle simmer, avoiding boiling. Continue heating for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prep Apple Slices: While the cider warms, toss the thinly sliced apple with lemon juice in a bowl. Let the slices sit for about 5 minutes to prevent browning and add a bright, tangy flavor.
- Add Apples to Pot: Carefully add the lemon-coated apple slices to the simmering cider mixture. Heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to slightly soften the apples without turning them mushy.
- Remove from Heat: After the apples are warmed, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for about a minute before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the warm cocktail into heatproof mugs, making sure to include some apple slices in each serving for added texture and visual appeal.
- Garnish: Top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream for richness. Finish by placing a cinnamon stick in each mug for aroma and a rustic touch. Optionally, sprinkle extra cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for optimal flavor; it tastes richer than pre-packaged varieties.
- Choose pure maple syrup instead of imitation for depth and sweetness.
- Lightly toast spices in a dry pan before adding to enhance their aroma and complexity.
- A pinch of sea salt can brighten and balance the sweetness in the cocktail.
- Serve warm, avoiding temperatures that are too hot to maintain inviting flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in a sealed glass or BPA-free container in the refrigerator and consume within three days.
- Reheat gently on low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Glass jars with tight lids are best for storage; avoid metal containers to prevent flavor alteration.
- Garnishes like whipped cream and cinnamon sticks add an elegant presentation and extra spice.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon; the base remains cozy and flavorful for all ages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Warm cocktail, Maple bourbon cocktail, Apple cider drink, Fall drinks, Cozy drinks, Spiced cocktail, Bourbon drinks, Holiday cocktail
