Cozy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail: Easy 5-Minute Recipe
A warm, comforting bourbon apple cider cocktail with cinnamon that comes together in just 5 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings, this simple drink balances bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon for a hug in a mug.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (240 ml) apple cider
- 2 ounces (60 ml) bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 strip orange peel (optional)
- 1 star anise (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cinnamon stick (and star anise if using) to the cider and let it infuse for at least 2 minutes.
- Pour the bourbon into a mug.
- Pour the hot apple cider over the bourbon and stir gently with the cinnamon stick.
- Add optional garnishes: twist the orange peel over the mug to release oils, then drop it in; stir in honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Serve immediately, using the cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
Notes
Don’t boil the cider; gentle heat preserves the apple flavor. Let the cinnamon infuse for at least 2-3 minutes for deeper flavor. Warm your mug with hot water before serving to keep the drink hot longer. For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. The cider mixture (without bourbon) can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 24
Keywords: bourbon apple cider cocktail, warm cocktail, fall cocktail, winter cocktail, easy cocktail, 5-minute cocktail, cinnamon, cozy drink